We're all short on time and big on things to do, why not try to figure out a quick way to get these four jobs done in a hurry? Today I'm sharing my method for deep cleaning kitchen appliances in a hurry and there's a freebie printable checklist to go with it!
Ready?
1. Make sure you have an hour to dedicate to this job - it's frustrating to be mid-project and have to stop.
2. GATHER a couple cleaning supplies - vinegar, scrub brush or old toothbrush, all-purpose, non-toxic cleaner, dish soap, microfiber cloth, and cleaning rags or paper towels.
3. FILL your sink with hot, soapy water.
4. OVEN - If you have a self-cleaning oven, you can run that option, but because it's a smelly job it is best done after a quick clean up of food on the interior and with the windows open. If you don't have this option or don't want to stink up the house, heavily spray a non-toxic degreaser or all-purpose cleaner in the interior of the oven and shut the door, letting the cleaner work on the grease and such.
5. MICROWAVE - take out the glass plate in your microwave and put it in your sink. Spray the interior of your microwave with non-toxic, all-purpose cleaner OR put a bowl of water and lemon/lemon juice in the microwave and run it until the water boils (3-5 minutes). Let the cleaner or steam do its job.
6. DISHWASHER - do this after you have run the dishwasher and its 'clean' and empty. Remove the racks, spray the edges with cleaner and wipe clean. Check the trap at the bottom for any food or blockages. Put a cup or two of white vinegar in the bottom of the dishwasher and run a normal wash cycle.
7. REFRIGERATOR - throw away anything old or expired, take the rest of the contents out of the 'fridge and take out all removable drawers and shelves. Put the drawers and shelves in the soapy sink and let them soak. Spray down the inside of the refrigerator with non-toxic cleaner (because food is coming in contact with this) and wipe clean.
wash drawers, bins, shelves in warm, soapy water - dry completely
8. FINISH UP - go back and rinse and dry the microwave tray and the refrigerator drawers and shelves. Wipe the interior of your oven after the self-cleaning cycle has completed OR if you used an all-purpose cleaner, you can use a non-toxic scrubbing cleaner or baking soda to clean and polish.
9. SPRAY and WIPE the fronts of your appliances - I like to use microfiber window/glass cloths on my stainless steel appliances for a streak-free shine.
That's it! In an hour of active time (if you run the self-clean option on your oven and run your dishwasher, it will take a little longer, but that's time that you aren't doing any cleaning), your appliances will be spring cleaned and organized!
Print out this checklist to follow and check off as you go - it'll keep you on track and motivated!
Want to start a cleaning routine? Check out my Cleaning Kit for a rotating cleaning schedule and daily tasks that take the 'work' out of cleaning.
My refrigerator shelves and drawers are really big and they don't fit in my sink that well, so I found cleaning them in the bathtub works really well. There is plenty of room and the water does not get all over the counters in the kitchen.
ReplyDeleteI just recently purchased my first home (I close on the 30th.) and I'm so excited to be starting out with a clean slate and the ability to implement your cleaning routine!
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