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

The post 4 Kitchen Spring cleaning tips you’ll actually use appeared first on MyKitchen.

Start the new year by finding fun and new ways to use staple cooking tools for a kitchen refresh with these must-haves from @home. Plus, MyKitchen magazine readers get an exclusive discount when buying selected editor’s choice products online when using the voucher code in your latest copy of MK. 

1. Sieve with Black Handle
Want lump-free gravy every time? Just strain it through this for a silky smooth sauce.

2. Victorinox Black Veg Peeler
Use your veggie peeler to easily remove those pesky seeds from bell peppers and chillies.

3. Four-sided Square Grater with Storage Container
Whenever you’re baking with butter, grate it up before beating it with your dry ingredients to prevent them from flying everywhere.

4. Baccarat Marble Pestle and Mortar
Make the best guacamole ever by mashing up your ingredients with one of these.

5. Inspire Silicone Muffin Pan
Crack an egg into each hole and fill with spinach and grated cheese. Bake until set for healthy egg muffins.

6. Ciroa Black Whisk
Instead of a wooden spoon or spatula,  use a whisk to scramble your eggs for a fluffier texture.

Shop all products at @home and home.co.za. 

The post It’s time for a kitchen basics refresh with @home appeared first on MyKitchen.