Fall Cleaning In The Kitchen

Fall is officially here! And it’s time for fall cleaning in the kitchen! We know it’s not glamorous, but a good kitchen overhaul is a necessary evil to keep germs and grease build-up under control. It also makes everything smell fresher and look brighter. Apart from regular maintenance, this is the time to wash the curtains, replace the shelf liners, remove and clean the ceiling fixtures and review all the bottles and cans that have taken up residence under the sink. Although, the task seems daunting, once you’ve started to work, it will go quickly.

This is also a great time to give your major appliances some attention:

• Refrigerator – the refrigerator needs a serious cleaning, even if you spot-clean as you go. Take the time to remove all the contents as well as the shelves, racks, bins and trays. Wash everything with an antibacterial cleanser. Don’t forget the door gasket. The door gasket helps to create a good seal that keeps the warm air out and cool air in. Don’t stop with just the interior. Grab your vacuum and clean the condenser coils on the back or bottom of your refrigerator. Pop off the decorative grill below the door. Clean coils will keep your refrigerator running more efficiently and thus saving you money on your energy bills.
• Stove – no one like to clean the stove, but short of buying a new one, it’s inevitable! If you have a self-cleaning model, you can pass on some of the scrubbing. However, if you prefer not to use an oven cleaner, you can place a cup of ammonia in a ceramic bowl and leave overnight. Heating the oven and the ammonia will make it work faster. Be sure to wear gloves and open windows! Don’t forget to pull the stove away from the wall and wipe the sides and floor underneath.
• Dishwasher – Even though it’s purpose is to clean, use some baking soda on a damp sponge and wipe down the interior.

So enjoy the lower temperatures and get down to some fall cleaning in the kitchen!