Hello! I’m Alex and I work for Emily’s Maids of Dallas. Today we’re so excited to collaborate with Long Island Maids for this article with cleaning tips for you to enjoy!
Today, we’re going to talk about kitchen utensils. We all know how important it is to clean and sanitize every surface in our household, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, this can be a challenging, time-consuming task if you don’t do it the right way. Some of them have nooks and crannies that are hard to reach, or they might absorb food residues that need a lot of energy to remove.
And unless you hire a cleaning service in Dallas or Long Island, you’re on your own so better grab your tools and supplies after reading this guide!
Grab your tools and supplies and get ready to do some washing. Source: Nathan Dumlao / Unsplash
The Importance of Cleaning and Sanitizing Your Kitchen Utensils
Before we start, let’s talk about what happens if you don’t clean and sanitize your kitchen utensils correctly. Research has shown that there are dozens of different types of bacteria around residential and commercial kitchens and that it takes a physical toll on people.
Another study conducted by the University of Georgia showed that produce that knives were able to transfer bacteria from contaminated produce to a clean one. And besides your usual kitchen utensils, other items such as your kitchen sponge can be contaminated with hundreds of bacteria which will remain on clean dishes and pots.
Even if they are free of bacteria, if you don’t remove every single piece of food or grease from your utensils, it can attract unwelcomed guests and we don’t want them anywhere near our kitchen or pantry.
Now that you know how important it is to clean and sanitize your kitchen utensils, let’s go through each category and see the best options for you.
Start By Grabbing Your Cleaning Supplies
For cleaning all your dishes, pots, and utensils, you’re going to need hot water, preferably that comes straight from the tap. This way, you will be able to wash everything as you go. Preferably, your sink should be able to be filled with hot water, so you can let some items soak for a while.
The second must-have is good dish soap. There are hundreds of options on the market so make an informed decision based on what’s important to you. Maybe you’re allergic to a strong scent, so you would choose a lightly scented or unscented option. Or, if you’re teaching your kids how to help you in the kitchen, get a kids-friendly product.
If the eco-friendly movement is important for you or your household, then do some research on environmentally conscious companies and look for their green, concentrated products for the kitchen. The same goes for your dishwasher soap if you do own a dishwasher.
Last but not least, you’re going to need one or two different sponges that are appropriate for the utensil you’re cleaning. Same as your soap, you have dozens of options to choose from, including plant-based sponges called loofahs. You also have silicone sponges which are soft and flexible.
You can use a brush instead of a sponge, which will protect your hands from soap and direct scrubbing.
Make sure to grab all your supplies before starting. Source: Monfocus / Pixabay
How to Clean Your Dishes
We all know that a mountain of dirty dishes at the end of the day is everyone’s worst nightmare. But don’t worry, just like everything else, it’s about working smarter and not harder.
Your first step would be to physically remove big chunks of leftover food. This will prevent issues with your sink drain and your dishwasher if you’re using one.
Once this step is completed, you can move on to the second step. Now, what you want to do is close the drain from your kitchen sink and start filling your sink with hot water with about 2 drops or 1 tbsp of concentrated dish soap. This will create slightly soapy hot water which will act on its own and soften up any grime or grease that is present in your dishes.
This reduces the time and energy you will spend on scrubbing, and lessen the chance of scratching your dishes by scrubbing too hard. Let them soak in water for around 15 to 30 minutes depending on how dirty they are.
Now, it’s time for scrubbing. Fill your sink’s second bowl (or an additional dishpan) halfway with hot water, and start scrubbing each item softly using a non-scratch scrubby. Start with the lightest soiled items and wash one at a time.
In order, you should start with glasses, cups, and flatware; next, we have dishes; and then pots, pans, and other cookware.
Cleaning your Stainless Steel Pots
As we mentioned above, you should leave your pots and pans at the end of your cleaning. They usually gather a lot of grime and food scraps, especially if you overcooked or burned the food by accident.
The steps for cleaning your steel pans and pots are quite simple. Just scrub them with a nonabrasive sponge and use hot, soapy water. If you have food bits at the bottom, use soapy water until you cover the residues, bring to a boil, and then scrape that off using a spatula or wooden spoon. Wooden utensils are a better option because they are thicker and therefore won’t cause scratching.
If the food is burnt or if it's greasy and you think that it needs a deeper cleaning, you can follow the same steps as above but add one cup of vinegar instead of soapy water, and then 2 tablespoons of baking soda once you remove it from heat.
Then, scrap as we mentioned above using a wooden spoon. Remember to rinse with plenty of water and let dry! Your pans will look nice and clean afterward.
Remember to let dry after cleaning. Source: Hannah Smith / Unsplash
Washing your Cast-Iron Pans
Cast-iron skillets and pans are gorgeous and can last for decades, as long as you take good care of them. They can be a bit tricky because they are not washed with water and soap, like pretty much every other dish. That’s because humidity affects iron which is very sensitive to rust.
Instead, what you want to do is season your cast-iron pan or skillet. This means forming a thick layer of oil that bonds to the iron surface until it becomes a form of plastic that protects the metal. You should do this both for new skillets and pans, and also occasionally to maintain them.
The process of seasoning is quite easy. Just rub vegetable oil all over your clean cast-iron pan and buff well until it doesn’t look greasy. Put your pan in the oven upside down for 30 minutes and 450 °F. It might get a little smoky so make sure you have an open window nearby. Repeat 3 more times (remember it will be very hot when you take it out of the oven) and you will be good to go.
For regular cleaning, you can use kosher salt. Just sprinkle some salt on your pan and rub with a non-scratch scrubby. Rinse and dry immediately. You can use soap occasionally to clean your cast iron pan, just make sure you dry it immediately and then put it in the stove or oven for 5 minutes to make sure it is completely dry.
How to Clean Wooden Utensils
We talked about wooden utensils before and why they are better for scraping dirty pots than steel utensils. However, they do require a different approach. First, you can’t wash them in the dishwasher. Wood has natural oils in it which keep them looking “healthy”. If they go through a big change of humidity, they might break or splint.
If you live in humid areas, such as Dallas, you might notice the same thing happening to wooden and leather surfaces.
Because you can’t wash them in the dishwasher, the best route is to hand wash them with soapy water and then air dry. Make sure you do this as soon as you finish using them. If they split or look dry, you can moisturize them using mineral oil or linseed oil.
Wooden spoons shouldn’t be put in the dishwasher. Source: Tiko Giorgadze / Unsplash
Drying your Dishes and Utensils
It is really important to dry properly your dishes, pots and pans, and other utensils. If you have a double sink but little counter space, you can get yourself a drying rack to place on top of your second sink basin and dry all your items. Don’t worry about the size, just make sure they’re expandable so they are able to fit your sink perfectly.
It’s best to let your items air dry instead of drying with a cloth. If you use one, it will carry bacteria and move it around all your items. Preferably, your items should be near a window to allow airflow. If you use hot water when washing them, they will dry faster too.
Cleaning Your Kitchen Utensils By Hand vs Using the Dishwasher
This is a great question and it depends on how many dishes you have that need to be cleaned. Most modern dishwashers save water and time (besides energy, of course) when compared to washing by hand. This is true as long as you’re running a full dishwasher load.
However, if you do wash by hand, remember to follow our tips such as soaking your items first in hot water to save water at the end.
As you know, knives should be washed by hand if you don’t want to harm your dishwasher. And don’t forget about wooden utensils and cutting boards as well which are meant to be hand-washed only. Of course, delicate and sentimental items should not be washed in the dishwasher either.
Modern dishwashers are much more efficient than hand washing. Source: Nathan Dumlao / Unsplash
Conclusion
Cleaning your dishes doesn’t have to be an extenuating, endless task. With these tips, you will finish in no time, and save energy and water. Remember to read the manufacturer's instructions for each item for washing tips, especially if you’re using your dishwasher.
Thanks again to Long Island Maids for this collaboration. We’re so happy to help readers with our cleaning expertise, and remember: if you are in the Dallas or Long Island area, you can always hire a professional cleaning service.
Once again, I’m Alex from Emily’s Maids and hopefully, we’ll be back soon with more cleaning tips for Long Island Maids!
Maintaining a clean home is essential for a healthy and comfortable living environment, but it can be a challenging task to keep up with. Hiring professional house cleaning services can be a great way to ensure that your home stays clean, but it's also important to know how to maintain it on your own. Here are five tips for keeping your home clean and organized, even when you're not relying on house cleaning services.
Set a daily cleaning schedule: One of the best ways to keep your home clean is to establish a daily cleaning schedule. This can include tasks such as making your bed, doing the dishes, and wiping down surfaces. By setting a daily schedule, you can ensure that small cleaning tasks are done regularly, rather than letting them pile up. This will help you keep your home in tip-top shape and reduce the need for heavy cleaning when you're too busy or house cleaning services are not available.
Declutter regularly: Clutter can make a home feel dirty and disorganized, even if it is actually clean. To avoid this, it is important to declutter regularly. This can include going through your closet and getting rid of clothes you no longer wear, or going through your kitchen and getting rid of old appliances or dishes you no longer use. A cluttered home can also make it harder for professional house cleaning services to do their job efficiently, so decluttering regularly can help them to clean your home more effectively.
Invest in good cleaning products: Having the right cleaning products can make a big difference in how easy it is to keep your home clean. Look for products that are specifically designed for the surfaces and materials in your home, and don’t be afraid to spend a little extra for high-quality products. This will help you to clean your home more effectively and reduce the need for frequent cleaning services.
Use microfiber cloths and mop: Microfiber cloths and mops are great for cleaning because they can pick up more dirt and dust than traditional cleaning products. They are also reusable, which means you won't have to keep buying new cleaning products, and can save money in the long run. Plus, microfiber cloths and mops are a great eco-friendly alternative to traditional cleaning products.
Take preventative measures: One of the most effective ways to maintain a clean home is to take preventative measures. For example, using doormats and shoe racks can help to keep dirt and debris from being tracked into your home. Additionally, using air purifiers and humidifiers can help to keep the air in your home clean and reduce the amount of dust and allergens in the air.
In conclusion, maintaining a clean home is essential for a healthy and comfortable living environment. By following these tips, you can reduce the need for professional house cleaning services and keep your home in tip-top shape. Remember to set a daily cleaning schedule, declutter regularly, invest in good cleaning products, use microfiber cloths and mops, and take preventative measures to ensure that your home stays clean and organized. With a little bit of effort, you can have a clean and comfortable home that you can be proud of.
Everything You Need To Know To Start Spring Cleaning The Right Way
Well, spring is in the air, and with that said, it’s time to break out the old broom, the old mop, the old vacuum, and the old cleaning gloves and get to work! It’s everyone’s favorite time of year. You can finally open up the windows, turn down the heat, and turn up the music to get the whole family involved. Spring cleaning is more than a simple cleaning process – it’s a way of passage. It’s a ritual. And most importantly, it’s a tradition. Each and every year, millions of people around the world see the spring time as a way to freshen up their spaces with the mindset of “out with the old, in with the new!”
However, there are some dos and don’ts that you’ll certainly want to keep in mind this spring cleaning season in order to stay on track, stay efficient, and of course, make the most out of your cleaning experience. Take a look below to learn more!
DO – Make A Schedule
First and foremost, spring cleaners tend to get quite ambitious. After all, we don’t blame you! There’s just something about the warmer weather, the longer days, and the fresh air that makes us want to clean out all of our closets, organize the attic, paint the living room walls, and do a yard cleanup all in the span of 48 hours. And even though your motivated mind might think you can do it, the fact of the matter is that you’re going to have to space things out to be most effective.
Instead of trying to do everything all at once, simply make a schedule. If you’re going to be tackling your spring cleaning list with a partner or a family, delegate tasks and give everyone their own schedules to ensure that you maximize your time.
DON’T – Avoid Impulse Junking
If you fell in love with Marie Kondo and started asking yourself, “does this item spark joy?” only to find yourself saying “ehhh…” to most items and then immediately throwing them out, you wouldn’t be alone. However, we would like to encourage you to avoid impulse junking. Spring cleaning season might feel like the best time to go through your closet, your wardrobe, or your basement storage area to find anything and everything that can be thrown away.
It’s just something about spring cleaning that brings out the trash monster in all of us. Do your best to refrain from doing so. Keep the old photo albums, save the old baby clothes, keep your high school yearbook – all you have to do is get things organized. Spring cleaning doesn’t mean impulse junking – it means tidying things up, organizing them, and storing them in a way that prevents clutter.
DO – Embrace A Good Deep Cleaning
We can’t simply ignore the fact that the world is still in the midst of the worst global pandemic in more than 100 years. With that in mind, this spring cleaning season would be a good time to do a deep cleaning all around your home. This means disinfecting all of your most frequently touched surfaces. It means sanitizing your bathroom from top to bottom, cleaning your kitchen and hitting every nook and cranny, and scrubbing those floors as hard as you possibly can.
This past year has been rough on all of us, and it’s likely been quite rough on your home as well! Think about it – you likely spent much more time at home this year than ever before, so take the time this spring cleaning season to really revitalize your home and bring it back to a healthy state.
DON’T – Don’t Try To Get Another Year Out of Your Air Filters
Regardless if you have a window AC unit, a wall-mounted unit, or a comprehensive HVAC system complete with vents in every room, skipping out on new air filters during spring cleaning season is a big mistake. The fact of the matter is that your furnace filters and HVAC filters are critically important components to your home heating and cooling systems. Over time, they build up with dust, toxins, allergens, and so much more.
When you replace them, you give them the chance to operate at peak performance. You’re taking the time to clean your home from top to bottom, so why not ensure that the air you’re breathing is clean and fresh too?
DO – Ask For Help If You Need It
Last, but certainly not least, it’s okay to ask for help with your spring cleaning list. After all, sometimes our list might be a bit bigger than we first imagined – and that’s precisely where friends and family come into play. See if your in-laws would be able to come over and help with the yard cleanup. Maybe your retired uncle can come over and give you a hand moving around some big boxes in the basement.
When you need help, don’t be afraid to ask for it. After all, we’re all in this together – but don’t worry, we’ll get through it.
And with that, you now have your list of spring cleaning dos and don’ts. So, what are you waiting for? Grab that broom, mop, and vacuum and let’s get started. Don’t forget to share your dos and don’ts in the comments down below. We’d love to hear all about your spring cleaning strategy.
If you need additional help with your spring cleaning, Long Island Maids offers a cleaning service for everyone
Keywords: Spring, Spring Cleaning, Spring Cleaning Dos & Don’ts, Home, Cleaning.
