These 4 expert-approved kitchen cleaning tips will have your space sparkling faster than you can say “spring refresh”. 

Declutter your kitchen space 

While the kitchen is the heart of the home (and the origin of the most delicious meals), it’s also the place where you accumulate cooking tools, appliances and serveware, all of which fill cabinets and kitchen countertops alike. Before you start with your kitchen spring clean, declutter first. “Trying to clean around clutter is like mopping with muddy shoes on – it just doesn’t work,” says professional organiser Katrina Teeple.  “A quick edit of each space before deep cleaning makes everything faster and more effective.” 

Raid the refrigerator 

It’s important to clean your refrigerator once a week and spot that forgotten packet of spinach (once again), but we often forget older condiments and other expired food items if we don’t clean it thoroughly from time to time. “Remove everything, check expiration dates, and wipe everything down, including the shelves and drawers, using an all-purpose cleaner. You can add some baking soda if there are any stains. Rinse well and then neatly replace each item you removed,” says Melissa Maker, host of the CleanMySpace YouTube channel. 

Also read: How to properly spring clean your fridge and freezer

Steam your microwave 

Although we use it so frequently, the microwave is often overlooked for a good cleaning session. Do you want a no-fuss way to clean your favourite appliance?  “Microwave a mug filled with plain water for two minutes, then wipe away loosened food from the interior with a damp paper towel,” says Mary Gagliardi, in-house scientist for Clorox.  

Descale your kettle 

Ah the kettle, our lovely tea-making companion that we use about 432 times a day. But the more you use it, the more limescale build-up there is. Did you know that you should descale your kettle once a month? Don’t fret – there’s a natural and super easy way to do it. “The natural way to descale your kettle is by using a solution of lemon or vinegar mixed with water,” explains Smeg’s home economist, Clare Edwards. “Boil this mixture in your kettle and leave it to stand for a while to break down and remove limescale, every four weeks. Opting for a kettle with a removable limescale filter in its spout also makes for simple cleaning.” 

Photography: Pexels

Also read: How to spring clean your pantry

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Another day, another TikTok hack! These four hacks for cleaning appliances will make your kitchen sparkle without the hassle – and no fancy supplies needed! 

1. Add foil to dishwasher for shiny cutlery 

Want to make your cutlery shine again? Simply drop a balled-up sheet of aluminium foil into the cutlery basket of your dishwasher and run a full cycle like you normally would. Your knives, forks and spoons will come out noticeably shinier – and all because of a chemical reaction with the foil. 

Watch the explanation in the video below: 

@distilledscience #answer to @theshinyfirefly who’s tried it? #science #edutok #dishwasherhack@Carolina Mccauley – Home Hacks ♬ The Magic School Bus Theme – Stuart Petty

2. Coffee machine 

Deep-cleaning a coffee machine is a daunting task at best. This quick and easy TikTok tip for cleaning your coffee machine is the hack coffee lovers never knew they needed. Fill the basin of the machine with a one part vinegar and one part water solution, put in a coffee filter and brew just like you would a pot of coffee. Drain the jug, then run the coffee machine twice more with clean water. And voilà! Your machine is ready to serve you a fresh (and clean) cup of joe again. 

@eldredgecleaning #eldredgecleaning #asmr #oddlysatisfying #satisfying #coffee #cleaning #cleantok #cleaningtiktok #momsoftiktok #parentsoftiktok #fyp #xyzbca ♬ original sound – Eldredge Cleaning

3. Steam-clean your microwave 

Gunk build-up in your microwave can happen before you know it. Want a foolproof way to clean your microwave without any fuss? Fill a microwave-safe bowl with water and heat in the microwave for three to five minutes. It will create enough steam to soften the dirt, allowing you to simply wipe clean with a microfibre cloth. If your microwave is particularly grimy, add vinegar and dishwashing liquid to the water and it will quickly loosen the tough dirt.If your microwave is particularly grimy, add vinegar and dishwashing liquid to the water – this will quickly loosen the tough dirt. 

@carolina.mccauley Easy hack to clean your microwave #cleaninghacks #homehackswithcarolina ♬ SUN GOES DOWN – Andreas Roehrig

4. Remove burn marks from the outside of a frying pan  

We’re all guilty of leaving our food on the stove for too long now and then, and our pots and pans have the evidence to prove it. In true TikTok style, there is a brilliant hack to clean the burn marks off your frying pan. The bonus? You’ll use staples you already have in your pantry! Simply flip the pan over, sprinkle the bottom with salt and bicarbonate of soda, then add dishwashing liquid. Cover with paper towels and pour a cup of white vinegar over. Let it sit for a while, then use the soaked paper towels to wipe off the dirt.   

@ramdeep.osahan Easy home trick #foryou #foryoupage #diy #ramdeeposahan ♬ 1, 2, 3, 4 (One, Two, Three, Four) – Fun Elektro Mix – Funbeat

Image: Shutterstock

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Are you ready to declutter your kitchen? Experts say there are 3 common items you should toss – stat! Your kitchen (and your sanity) will thank you! 

Old kitchen sponges 

When was the list time you replaced your kitchen sponges? These handy kitchen cleaners should be replaced (at least) every two weeks, even if you keep it clean. “Effective methods include microwaving a damp sponge, running it through a dishwasher cycle, soaking it in a bleach solution, or using white vinegar,” says Rechelle Balanzat, cleaning expert and founder of  Juliette Technologies. “However, despite regular cleaning, it’s important to replace your sponge every one to two weeks to maintain hygiene,” she adds.  

Worn-out cutting boards 

It’s time to ditch that cutting board you have been using for the past 7 years (looking at you, worn-out, off-white plastic cutting board). “Over time [cutting boards] can develop scratches or grooves and they become difficult to clean. At that point, they would harbour bacteria and mould, which then spread to your food. So, you need to replace them when you see they are not easily cleaned,” says Zahra Mohammad, a food microbiology and safety expert with the University of Houston and the American Society for Microbiology. 

@elnazhamai Clean & Remove Stains From A Cutting Board! #cuttingboard #cleancuttingboard #kitchentip #homehack #cleaninghack #plasticcuttingboard #howtoclean #elnazhamaitip ♬ You And Me – Lyus

User manuals 

We all have that one drawer in the kitchen filled to the brim with user manuals of all the appliances we have ever owned. The next time you buy a new appliance, immediately check if you can find the information online and drop the manual straight into the rubbish bin. “They can all be found online,” says the co-founder of  NEAT Method, Ashley Murphy. “The next time you need help resetting your microwave, pull up the instructions online. In many cases, you’ll even find an easy-to-follow how-to video.” 

Image: Shutterstock

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A well-stocked pantry is the key to quick and easy meal preparation. With the right staples on hand, you can whip up delicious dishes without the need for frequent grocery trips. Here are five essential pantry staples to always keep stocked.  

Canned tomatoes 

Canned tomatoes are incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes, from soups and stews to sauces and casseroles. Whether diced, crushed, or whole, they add a rich, savoury base to many recipes and are a must-have for any pantry. 

Beans and legumes 

Beans and legumes, such as kidney beans, chickpeas, and lentils, are excellent sources of protein and fibre. They can be used in salads, soups, and main dishes. Canned beans are convenient for quick meals, while dried beans are cost-effective and can be cooked in batches for future use. 

Rice and pasta  

These staples are the backbone of many meals and can serve as a base for a variety of dishes. Brown rice, white rice, and various types of pasta are all great options. They have a long shelf life and can be paired with vegetables, meats, or sauces for a satisfying meal.  

Broth and stock 

Keeping vegetable, chicken, or beef broth on hand can elevate your cooking. Broth adds depth of flavour to soups, stews, and sauces. Choose low-sodium varieties to control the salt content in your dishes. 

Spices and seasonings 

A good selection of spices and seasonings can transform any dish. Essential spices like salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, cumin, and oregano should be pantry staples. They allow you to enhance the flavour of your meals and experiment with different cuisines. 

@scheckeats ep. 1 SPICES #spices #seasoning #cooking #college #collegeeats #foodtiktok #collegecooking #collegefood [IB @sophie.alysse @theres.food.at.home ♬ Gravity Falls Intro (Electro) – Blaze Blue

Having these five pantry staples on hand ensures you’re always prepared to create delicious, home-cooked meals with ease. 

Image: Zhann Solomons

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Cooking is a fun and rewarding experience, but it can also be time-consuming and stressful when you’re in a rush. With these 5 clever hacks, you can simplify your kitchen routine and make meal prep more efficient.   

Prep ingredients ahead of time 

Preparing your ingredients in advance is one of the best ways to streamline your cooking. Wash, chop, and store vegetables, fruits, and herbs in airtight containers in the fridge. This not only saves time during cooking but also keeps your kitchen organised and clean. 

Use a garbage bowl

Keep a large bowl or container on the counter to collect all your kitchen scraps and trash while you prep and cook. This eliminates the need to walk back and forth to the trash can, saving time and keeping your workspace tidy. At the end of your cooking session, simply empty the bowl into the trash or compost bin. 

Multitask with your appliances 

Make the most of your kitchen appliances by using them simultaneously. For example, while your oven is baking, use your stovetop to boil pasta or steam vegetables. A slow cooker or pressure cooker can handle one part of your meal while you focus on another. This helps you cook multiple components of your meal at the same time, reducing overall cooking time.  

Sharpen your knives 

A sharp knife makes chopping and slicing faster and safer: it requires less effort and reduces the risk of slipping and cutting yourself. Invest in a good knife sharpener and regularly hone your knives to keep them in top condition.  

Organise your pantry  

An organised pantry makes it easier to find ingredients and keep track of what you have on hand. Use clear containers for grains, pasta, and baking supplies, or label them for easy identification. Arrange items by category and store frequently used ingredients at eye level for quick access. 

Make these steps part of your daily cooking routine for a more efficient and enjoyable cooking experience. Happy cooking! 

Also read: How to spring clean your pantry

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Make kitchen cleaning simpler with these hacks! 

The kitchen can be the one place where cleaning gets trickier. The stains are tougher, the grease can be thicker, and not to mention those unpleasant smells! Well, say “goodbye” to hours of elbow grease with the help of some lemons, household staples, and a few kitchen cleaning hacks we wish we knew sooner.  

Clear up stained Tupperware 

Ever had a plastic container that was never the same after you put leftovers in it? Often, we’re scrubbing away and those red-orange stains simply won’t budge. This hack is so simple, we couldn’t believe we hadn’t thought of it sooner. Simply rub some butter or margarine inside the container, then add a few drops of dish soap, and place a wet paper towel inside the container. Close the lid and shake it around vigorously. You’ll have a brand-new-looking container in no time! 

@jordan_the_stallion8 #stitch with @adikempler #fypシ ♬ original sound – Jordan_The_Stallion8

Save smelly bins with essential oils 

Has your bin started to produce an unpleasant smell that seems to fill up the whole kitchen? A quick solve to avoid having to take out the bin five times a week is simply soaking a cotton ball with lavender, eucalyptus, or peppermint oil. Place this cotton ball into the base of your trash bin (between the bag and the bin itself) and save yourself the stench!  

Clean greasy walls with lemon 

We’ve all been there, cooking up a storm, and then suddenly found our backsplash or wall covered in speckles and splashes. These can be tough to clean if you don’t wipe them away at once, leaving you wiping oily streaks all over the place. A great hack is adding pure lemon juice to a spray bottle and spritzing it on your walls. Leave the lemon juice on to work its magic for a few minutes – the acidity of the lemon is perfect for cutting through the oily spots. Then wipe away the grease with a dry cloth for a grease-free wall! 

Vinegar can descale your kettle 

No need to buy several different products to get rid of that build-up at the bottom of your kettle – all you need is white vinegar! Simply fill your kettle halfway with the vinegar and the rest of the way with cold water, boil and pour it out. Then refill with just water for a second boil to rinse out any remaining vinegar. Your kettle will look shiny once again! 

@carolina.mccauley Easy way to clean a kettle #cleaningtip #cleaninghacks #cleaninghack #homehackswithcarolina ♬ Own Brand Freestyle – FelixThe1st & Dreya Mac

Get rid of grime and smells in the microwave 

It’s time to quit stalling a microwave deep-clean! Simply place the juice of one lemon, some dish soap, vinegar, and water in a bowl, pop it in the microwave for 5 minutes and let the steam loosen up all the grime. Then, wipe it down with a cloth and you’ll have a fresh-smelling and clean microwave in no time.  

@yun_aturkana How to clean a Microwave. Updated video with an audio. #microwavecleaning #cleaninghacks #cleaningmotivation #foryou #fyp #yunaturkana ♬ original sound – Yun Aturkana

Fridge smells can be neutralised with lemon peels  

Don’t throw away those lemon peels! If your fridge has a bit of an unpleasant odour, it can easily be neutralised by cutting up your lemon peels, popping them into an open container, and placing them in the fridge. This natural deodoriser is a way to minimise waste while will keeping those bad smells at bay.  

@diaryofakitchenlover Does your fridge have funny odour that make you sooo angry you wanna throw the whole fridge and burn it down and never want see it again? Try this natural deodorizer and you will fall in love with your fridge and almost want to live inside Did you find this helpful? #fridgedeodorizer #fridgeorganization #fridgetips #kitchentips #nigeriankitchen #nigerianfood ♬ original sound – Diaryofakitchenlover

Photography: Pexels

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