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!
Cleaning an oven can be a daunting task, but with the right tools and techniques, it can be done easily and effectively. The first step is to empty the oven of any racks or baking sheets. Next, you will need to decide on the cleaning method to use. There are several options available, including using oven cleaner, baking soda and vinegar, or a natural cleaner.
Use a store-bought oven cleaner.
For oven cleaner, follow the instructions on the label and be sure to wear gloves to protect your hands. Apply the cleaner to the interior of the oven and let it sit for the recommended amount of time before wiping it clean with a damp cloth.
Use a baking soda/vinegar solution.
For a baking soda and vinegar solution, mix a paste of baking soda and water and apply it to the interior of the oven. Let it sit for a few hours before wiping it clean with a damp cloth. Then, mix equal parts water and vinegar in a spray bottle and spray the solution on the interior of the oven. Wipe it clean with a damp cloth.
Use a DIY oven cleaner.
For a natural cleaner, mix equal parts water and lemon juice in a spray bottle and apply it to the interior of the oven. Let it sit for a few hours before wiping it clean with a damp cloth.
After cleaning, be sure to wipe down the door gasket and the exterior of the oven with a damp cloth. Finally, replace the racks and baking sheets and your oven will be sparkling clean. Remember to also regularly clean the oven’s filter if it has one.
Cleaning an oven may take some time, but it’s worth it to keep your oven running efficiently and to prevent any potential fire hazards. With the right cleaning method and tools, you’ll be able to tackle this task with ease. It’s also a good idea to make oven cleaning a regular part of your cleaning routine, rather than waiting until the oven is extremely dirty. This will make the task less daunting and will keep your oven in top working condition.
Use the self-cleaning function.
In addition, it’s important to note that self-cleaning ovens have a self-clean cycle, this is a high-heat cleaning method that burns off food residue and dirt. However, this cycle uses a lot of energy and can be harsh on the oven, It is recommended to use it only when the oven is extremely dirty and not to use it frequently.
In summary, cleaning an oven doesn’t have to be a daunting task, with the right tools and techniques, you can easily keep your oven clean and running efficiently. Regular cleaning will make the task less daunting and help you maintain your oven’s condition. Whether you use oven cleaner, baking soda and vinegar, or a natural cleaner, with a bit of elbow grease and patience, you’ll have your oven looking like new in no time.
Cleaning your refrigerator is an important task to keep your food fresh and your kitchen hygienic. Here are some tips on how to clean your refrigerator effectively:
Step 1: Empty the Refrigerator
Before you begin cleaning, empty the refrigerator of all food and items. This will make it easier to clean and will also allow you to throw away any expired or spoiled food.
Step 2: Clean the Shelves and Drawers
Remove the shelves and drawers from the refrigerator and wash them in warm, soapy water. Rinse them thoroughly and dry them with a clean towel. If the shelves and drawers are particularly dirty, you can also use a solution of 1 tablespoon of baking soda to 1 quart of warm water to clean them.
Step 3: Clean the Interior
Wipe down the interior of the refrigerator with a solution of 1 tablespoon of baking soda to 1 quart of warm water. This will help to remove any dirt and grime, as well as any lingering odors. Be sure to wipe down all surfaces, including the door seals, gaskets, and corners.
Step 4: Clean the Exterior
Wipe down the exterior of the refrigerator with a solution of 1 tablespoon of baking soda to 1 quart of warm water. This will help to remove any dirt and grime, as well as any lingering odors. Be sure to wipe down all surfaces, including the door seals, gaskets, and corners.
Step 5: Restock the Refrigerator
Once you’ve finished cleaning, restock the refrigerator with your food and items. Be sure to organize the food in a way that makes it easy to find and use.
Step 6: Maintenance
To keep your refrigerator clean, try to make it a habit to clean it on a regular basis, such as once a month. This will help to prevent buildup of dirt, grime and odors. Also, make sure to regularly check the expiration dates of the food, and discard any expired or spoiled food to keep your refrigerator clean and hygienic.
Cleaning your refrigerator may seem like a daunting task, but by following these steps and making it a regular habit, you can easily keep your refrigerator clean and hygienic. This will not only help to keep your food fresh, but it will also make your kitchen a more pleasant place to cook and eat. Don’t want to clean your own fridge? You can always hire a house cleaning company and have it added as an add on!
Additional Tips:
Before cleaning, make sure to unplug the refrigerator to avoid any electrical hazards.
Use a soft cloth or sponge when cleaning to avoid scratching the surface of the refrigerator.
Use a mild detergent or dish soap to clean the interior and exterior of the refrigerator.
For tough stains or spills, use a mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar to wipe down the affected area.
Clean the condenser coils located at the back or bottom of the refrigerator with a brush or vacuum cleaner to improve the
efficiency of your refrigerator.
Clean the gasket (rubber seal) around the door to ensure a tight seal and prevent energy loss.
To remove any lingering odors, place an open box of baking soda in the refrigerator or use a natural odor absorber like activated charcoal or coffee grounds.
Keep the refrigerator organized by using bins, trays, and shelving to make it easy to find and use the food.
When cleaning the interior and exterior of the refrigerator, pay special attention to areas where spills or stains are likely to occur, such as door seals, gaskets, and corners, as well as the door handles, knobs, and exterior surface, as these are the areas that often accumulate the most dirt and grime.
If your refrigerator has a water dispenser or ice maker, be sure to clean them as well. Use a solution of 1 tablespoon of baking soda to 1 quart of warm water to clean the dispenser and the inside of the ice maker, and then rinse thoroughly with clean water.
Regular cleaning of the refrigerator can also help you identify any potential problems, such as leaks, broken or worn parts, or malfunctioning temperature control, which can be addressed before they cause serious damage or costly repairs.
Keep your refrigerator at the right temperature: The recommended temperature for refrigerators is between 37 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit and 0 degrees Fahrenheit for the freezer. This will help to keep your food fresh and safe, while also preventing mold, bacteria, and other harmful microorganisms from growing.
Finally, it’s always a good idea to read the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and maintenance of your refrigerator, as different models and brands may have specific requirements or recommendations.
With these tips, you can effectively and efficiently clean your refrigerator, ensuring that your food stays fresh and your kitchen stays hygienic. Regular cleaning also helps prolong the life of your refrigerator, saving you money and hassle in the long run.