Every mother knows them: crusts of cheese in the oven, which have remained in a state of misfortune, and microwave baths full of biting garlic smell. *That’s life*, and we happily keep cleaning. At least start organized: clear away dirty dishes, put pots and pans away, and gather dirty dishcloths. Don’t overdo it, but tackle the task systematically. Want a light atmosphere? Put on your favorite playlist or sing along with the curtain rod orchestra while drying the dishes! 🎵
Step 1: Hob and stove. Splashes of tomato sauce and burnt-on residues can be tackled with baking soda and vinegar. Make a paste of baking soda and a splash of cleaning vinegar, spread it on the grill plate or around the burners and let it sit for 10 minutes. Then you can scrub it away easily. This green method is gentler on stainless steel and the environment than aggressive scouring cream. Wipe clean with a damp cloth and dry so no stains remain.
Step 2: Extractor hood filter and switches. If possible, remove the filter (we have one that can go in the dishwasher). If not, make a solution of lukewarm water with a splash of dish soap. Let the filters soak for a while and wipe the outside and knobs with a microfiber cloth (a bit of green soap or dish soap for grease!). Dry everything well; grease splatters are very fire hazardous, so here you are the king/queen of thoroughness.
Step 3: Refrigerator. Remove products that are almost expired. Put old milk or cheese in the stink bin for high efficiency. Make your own solution of warm water and baking soda (about 1 tablespoon per liter). Use this to rub over shelves and walls; this mixture is mild but effective for residues and odors. Put a container of baking soda in the fridge to neutralize odors (replace every month). And don’t forget the rubbers: wipe these monthly with vinegar water to prevent mold.
Step 4: Kitchen cabinets and drawers. Make a mixture of The Pink Stuff Multi Purpose Cleaner with water (or buy it premixed) and a few spoons of cleaning vinegar gel. Spray this solution and wipe wooden or laminated cabinet doors. Scrub skirting boards and corners (there lurks a lot of dust!). Handy tip: read the label of wood varnish? Test first on an inconspicuous spot. Avoid aggressive scrubbers on wood – use the soft side of a sponge for that.
Step 5: Floor. This last part feels like a reward – everything is now ready to be tidied up! Sweep coarse dirt with a broom. Then mop with warm water and a mild all-purpose cleaner (e.g. Blue Wonder or sustainable home/living room spray). Optionally add 1 cup of natural vinegar for a streak-free result, especially on tiles. Do not rinse afterwards (the vinegar smell disappears on its own). Let the floor dry, done!
See? With a smart approach the job is done quickly and you get a kitchen that shines. Think of a joke while cleaning (“What did the breadcrumbs say to the dirty pan? *‘I’m stuck to you!’*” – okay, we’ll skip that one...). The success lies in small steps: work systematically and enjoy that end result – your kitchen may shine as brightly as pure white dishes.
Sustainable cleaning tips
- Use recycled (cold) kitchen water for your plants instead of throwing it away (microwave/potato cooking water is nutritious!).
- Mix eco-friendly all-purpose cleaner with water in a spray bottle for daily maintenance, instead of buying many plastic bottles.
- Avoid plastic sponges – choose washable cloths made of cotton or cellulose for flat surfaces.
- Rinse refrigerator shelves with warm water + baking soda instead of bleach – this saves chemicals and plastic products.
- Try sodium percarbonate (oxalate salt) for cleaning the dishwasher and oven; it deodorizes and cleans without detergents.
- Limit waste: make your own (re)use baking soap or Marseille soap from leftovers to tackle grease.
- Filter coffee and tea filters repeatedly with hot water for coarser residues, and put plant-based kitchen waste in the compost heap.
- Always clean kitchen knives by hand; this saves water and prevents wear.
- Plastics: scrape off residues first into the trash, then wash; this saves cleaning product.
- Use a dry microfiber mop for small crumbs on the floor, so you don’t have to make chemical soap for every crumb.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How do I get grease and burnt-on residues out of pans?
Put hot pans or baking trays (after cooling) in the sink full of hot water with a generous scoop of baking soda. This loosens grease without aggressive scrubbing. Then clean with a (reusable) sponge. The Pink Stuff Miracle Paste also works fantastic on stubborn stains.
2. Is cleaning vinegar the only natural option?
Definitely not! Baking soda and baking powder are very strong against grease and stains (and don’t smell), just like citric acid and lemon for lime and light shine. Marseille soap or green soap (a mild dish soap) often works wonders, especially for wooden surfaces.
3. How often should I clean my refrigerator?
Monthly is a good rule of thumb; rinse away spilled juices every week so bacteria don’t get a chance. A summer cleaning (or after a flu) can also prevent unpleasant odors. Use a soda solution for a fresh fridge without chemicals.
4. Can I use the same spray bottle for toilet and kitchen?
Better not! Keep separate bottles for toilet/bathroom and kitchen. This prevents cross-contamination and ensures a spray in the kitchen doesn’t contain bleach and vice versa.
5. Does a steam cleaner help in the kitchen?
Yes, definitely for the kitchen! A steam cleaner is great for ovens, grill plates or gas cooktops where dirt is stubborn. It kills bacteria, leaves no residues and prevents the use of extra cleaning agents.
There you go, ready for a happy, spotless kitchen? With these tips you’re well on your way! 🎉 Who knows, you might want to experiment with new products like The Pink Stuff Multi Purpose Spray – ideal for all hard kitchen surfaces!