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Meals and memories are made in the kitchen; let both be clean and happy! A clean, decluttered kitchen is at the core of a good home. Everyday work and routine do come in the way of cleaning it daily, but having a cleaning checklist helps to maintain a clean kitchen. Have a daily cleaning checklist and also a deep cleaning checklist, which can be done once in a while. Also, the longer you delay cleaning, the messier it gets. Regular cleaning ensures it doesn’t get too time-consuming and tiresome.

Here are a few simple hacks to make sure the kitchen smells and looks great at all times. We all agree no one would like to cook in a mess. (After all, cooking itself is a big task!)

Once you start following the kitchen cleaning checklist regularly, it will become a part of your routine. Buying a few basic cleaning and organizing items, such as a surface cleaner, sponges, a quick-dry towel, etc, is a good idea.

Cleaning Checklist for Everyday

1. Clean the dishes: Dirty dishes mean a foul smell, unwanted germs/insects, and an overflowing sink. Washed dishes should be dried well. Using a https://www.copperclothing.com/products/copper-infused-tea-towel
   to wipe down the dishes gives them an extra layer of germ protection. These towels are anti-odour, high-absorbent, and long-lasting, a must-buy for keeping your kitchen clean.
2. Wipe surfaces and sink after cooking: After cooking, always wipe the countertop and stovetop with a disinfectant and surface cleaner and scrub the sink.
3. Sweep the Floor: Vacuum or use a broom to clean the dust and crumbs that might have scattered around.
4. Declutter miscellaneous goods: Think of it as decluttering your mind! Seal all opened packs, close all containers, and return them to the pantry or storage. Sauces and vegetables go back in the fridge.
5. Clean dishwasher: Put a cup of vinegar in the top rack and run a hot empty cycle to deep clean the dishwasher. Vinegar helpsneutralising foul smells and kill bacteria. Leave the door of the dishwasher open overnight for it to air dry.

Cleaning Checklist for Every Week

1. Clean kitchen sink: Once a week, fill your sink with warm water and add a little detergent. Scrub the edges, seams, cracks, taps, faucets, everything. Warm water also helps keep the drainage pipes clear.
2. Clean the appliances’ exteriors: Oil splutters and dust gather on appliances like the blender, oven, etc. Cleaning them regularly with a clean cloth and surface cleaner retains their shine and maintains cleanliness.
3. Spot-clean cabinets: Cabinet doors, handles, and knobs get stained with fingerprints, dust, etc.
4. Sanitize sponges: Sanitising reusable sponges is vital to deep cleaning the kitchen. Once a week, put them in the microwave on high heat to prevent bacteria growth. Discard the disposable sponges and replace the reusable ones regularly.
5. Wash all kitchen towels and cloth: Use hot water and soap to clean the towels.

Checklist for Every Month

1. Take inventory of your pantry: This will help you make a list of things you need to buy for the coming month and also give you an idea of what items are about to expire, which are usable, and what must be discarded. Opened packs should be used up first before they spoil.
2. Clean refrigerator and freezer: Empty your fridge and clean the door, shelves, ice trays, drip pan, etc., with a mild sanitizer. Then, let your fridge air dry for a few minutes. This helps prevent bacteria and fungus from forming.
3. Clean walls, floorboards, and fixtures: A few oil splashes here, a little gravy there. All this is normal, but regular cleaning of the walls, light fixtures, etc., will stop bacteria growth and foul odours.
4. Wash kitchen rugs: We tend to ignore them, but they also get dirty and must be cleaned occasionally. Some kitchen rugs are machine washable, and some are not. Check the label. Fiber rugs can usually be washed in the machine, but cotton or bamboo mats are best hand-washed.

So it’s time to put on some music and get cooking….and cleaning! A few simple hacks and kitchen cleaning checklists ensure a clean & joyful kitchen with only food aromas and no other odours! Regular kitchen cleaning goes a long way; it will not be overwhelming once your cleaning checklist is ready. While at it, do not forget to empty your garbage bins daily and wash the bins every few days! Stir up a storm in the kitchen…..cleaning checklist is ready!