Kitchen Appliances You’re Prob Not Cleaning 😐 

Keeping the stuff if your kitchen clean is simply a requirement of home ownership. Especially if you fancy yourself a home cook.

Some kitchen utensils and appliances tend to accumulate grime, grease, and bacteria over time. Regular cleaning is key and the good news is there are plenty of non-toxic, natural cleaning solutions that are effective and eco-friendly. 

Cutting Boards Cutting boards, especially wooden ones, harbor bacteria if not cleaned properly, especially after contact with raw meat or poultry.

Hack:

• Lemon and salt scrub: Sprinkle coarse salt over the cutting board, then rub it with half a lemon, squeezing gently as you go.
• Vinegar rinse: After scrubbing, rinse the board with white vinegar, which acts as a natural disinfectant.

Blenders and Food Processors Blender blades and food processor bowls can retain food residue, particularly from smoothies and purees, which can be tough to get to and remove.

Hack:

• Baking soda paste: Create a paste using baking soda and water. Apply it to the blade and bowl, then scrub gently. This will remove stains and food residue. Do it carefully so as to not nick your fingers!
• White vinegar soak: For stubborn buildup, soak the removable parts in a mixture of warm water and white vinegar for 10-15 minutes before scrubbing.

Coffee Makers Your coffee maker or espresso machine becomes a breeding ground for mold and bacteria due to the moisture over time. Regular descaling is necessary to remove mineral buildup.

Hack:

• Vinegar solution: Run a brew cycle using equal parts water and white vinegar. Follow up with two more cycles of just water to rinse away any vinegar taste.
• Baking soda rinse: After cleaning, rinse the water reservoir with a little baking soda dissolved in water for extra freshness.

Microwave With regular use, the inside of your microwave becomes coated with food splatters, which can harden and become difficult to clean over time.

Hack:

• Steam clean with vinegar: Place a bowl of water with a tablespoon of white vinegar inside the microwave. Heat for 5 minutes until the steam loosens the food debris. Wipe down with a damp cloth.
• Baking soda wipe-down: For stubborn stains, sprinkle a damp cloth with baking soda and wipe the interior after steaming.

Dishwasher This is a biggie. And we have an entire blog dedicated to this task. But in a nutshell, dishwashers accumulate food particles, grease, and soap scum, leading to unpleasant odors and less effective cleaning. Not to mention bacteria. #yuck

Hack:

• Vinegar rinse cycle: Pour a cup of white vinegar into a dishwasher-safe bowl and place it on the top rack. Run a hot water cycle to break down grease and grime.
• Baking soda sprinkle: After the vinegar cycle, sprinkle baking soda on the bottom of the dishwasher and run another short hot cycle to freshen and deodorize.

Cast Iron Skillets Cast iron skillets can last a lifetime, but they require special care to maintain their seasoning and prevent rust.

Hack:

• Salt scrub: After cooking and cooling your skillet, sprinkle coarse salt onto the skillet and use a dry paper towel or soft sponge to scrub away food particles. Rinse with warm water (no soap), dry thoroughly, and apply a thin layer of oil to keep it seasoned.
• Baking soda paste: If there’s stubborn food stuck on, create a paste with baking soda and water and use it to scrub the skillet gently.

Oven This is one we tend to avoid until it gets totally out of hand. And over time, that accumulation of burnt food and grease can cause smoke.

Hack:

• Baking soda paste: Mix baking soda with water to create a thick paste and spread it on the inside of the oven. Let it sit for a few hours or overnight, then scrub with a sponge and wipe clean.
• Vinegar spray: After removing the baking soda, spray the inside of the oven with white vinegar. The bubbling reaction helps lift away any remaining grime.

Refrigerator The refrigerator can harbor food spills, old food odors, and bacteria if not cleaned regularly.

Hack:

• Vinegar and water solution: Wipe down the shelves and drawers with a solution of equal parts water and white vinegar. This will disinfect surfaces and neutralize odors.
• Baking soda deodorizer: Keep an open box of baking soda in the fridge to absorb odors naturally.

Stainless Steel Appliances Stainless steel appliances look sleek, but they can easily show smudges, fingerprints, and water stains.

Hack:

• Olive oil polish: After cleaning with a damp microfiber cloth, buff your stainless steel appliances with a small amount of olive oil. This will remove smudges and give it a nice shine.
• Vinegar spray: For a deeper clean, spray white vinegar onto the surface and wipe with a clean cloth to remove streaks.

Toasters and Toaster Ovens Crumbs and grease from frequent use can accumulate in toasters and toaster ovens, leading to unpleasant odors and even fire hazards.

Hack:

• Shake it out: First, unplug the appliance and shake it out over the sink or trash to remove loose crumbs.
• Baking soda and vinegar paste: For any stuck-on grease or stains, mix baking soda and vinegar to form a paste and scrub with an old toothbrush or sponge. Rinse with a damp cloth afterward.