Quick Guide to Thoroughly Sanitize Your Kitchen Within an Hour's Span
Visualize your kitchen at its peak: shining, well-organized, and ready for action. It might seem too perfect, but swiftly sprucing up this space is actually achievable. With a game plan and some insider tips, you can conquer dirt, grime, and mess in less time than one Netflix episode (or the Martha documentary on Netflix).
Whether you're welcoming unexpected visitors or juggling a manic routine, your kitchen can still sparkle like a gem. Here's how to rapidly give your kitchen a thorough, quick clean within an hour or thereabout.
- Anthony “Sully” Sullivan”, a spokesperson for OxiClean and TV personality
- Gina McRae, a manager for Molly Maid of Nashville, TN
What You'll Need:
- Universal cleaner
- Disinfectant cleaner
- Stainless steel cleaner
- Food-safe cleaner
- Long-handled duster
- Cleaning rags or sponges
- Grout brush
- Vacuum
- Mop and bucket
- Towels
- OxiClean (optional, for stubborn stains)
- Comet or similar aggressive cleaner (optional, for stubborn stains)
Step One: Free the Sink and Counters
Begin with an empty sink. Make sure there aren't any dirty dishes lurking so you can readily access the sink during the rest of the cleaning process. Clear the counters of rubbish and clutter to create more space and prepare for a thorough cleaning.
Step Two: Dominate the Fridge
First, toss out anything that's past its expiration date, including old leftovers. This might take a while, so be efficient. "Clean before grocery shopping when the fridge is at its emptiest," Gina McRae of Molly Maids suggests.
OxiClean spokesperson Anthony “Sully” Sullivan advises against using all-purpose sprays inside the fridge; instead, wipe down surfaces with a damp cloth or a food-safe cleaner.
Step Three: Declutter the Pantry and Tidy Up the Microwave
Quickly go through for expired items and reorganize the shelves. Simplify - this isn't the time for a complete overhaul.
While sorting through the pantry, microwave a mug of water for 3 to 5 minutes and allow the steam to soften up any splatters. Afterward, carefully take out the mug of hot water from the microwave and use a damp sponge for 15 seconds to wipe away any visible mess.
Step Four: Dust and Wipe Down Surfaces
Begin by cleaning upper surfaces, such as cabinet doors, fans, and vent hoods, then work your way down. McRae recommends using a long-handled duster on a pole to clean fans, light bulbs, and visible cobwebs. Allow dust and crumbs to settle onto the floor - you'll vacuum and mop later.
Step Five: Tackle Appliances
Spray and wipe down the fronts of the fridge, stovetop, and oven with a disinfectant or stainless steel cleaner. Offer the interior of your oven a quick wipe-down - but save the thorough scrubbing for another day. (You only have an hour, after all!) “I would also opt out of the freezer as it might need extra care and attention due to frost and ice buildup,” says Sullivan.
Step Six: Clean the Counters and Sink
Spray and wipe countertops with a disinfectant, and scrub the sink (including the drain and faucet base) using a grout brush. McRae suggests using an all-purpose cleaner and storing a light abrasive cleaner, such as Comet, nearby for more difficult stains.
Step Seven: Conquer the Floors
According to Sullivan, you should be well on your way to cleaning the floors by the 50-minute mark. Vacuum the floor, and pull out stove drawers to vacuum inside them as well. Spray and mop the floors with a suitable cleaner. Allow 5 minutes for the floors to dry.
Step Eight: Final Touches
Fold cooking towels and neatly place them on the oven handle, countertop edge, or sink edge. Change the trash bag for a fresh one. Place rugs and arrange knick-knacks and small appliances to complete the tidy appearance.
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After following the step-by-step guide, your kitchen will transform into a shining, well-organized space, much like the vision of Martha Stewart's Kitchen Cleaning Tips. Utilizing these insider tips from experts like Anthony “Sully” Sullivan and Gina McRae, you can efficiently tackle dirt and grime in less time than a Netflix episode.
By implementing effective cleaning strategies such as decluttering the pantry and tackling appliances, you'll enhance the overall appearance of your kitchen, making it sparkle like the gem it truly is.
