Cleaning the kitchen can be a long, and sometimes exhausting task. With all the different products you need for all the different parts and appliances, it can get expensive too. There are many parts of a kitchen, and so there is a lot to keep track of.

To help, we have compiled a list of five cleaning hacks that could save you time and money. Plus some helpful tips on overlooked parts of your kitchen.

Steam clean your microwave

The microwave is one of the most commonly used appliances in any kitchen, thanks to its efficiency and speed. After a long day, it's easiest to put a ready meal in the microwave rather than go through all the effort of cooking- we’ve all been there. Unfortunately, this kind of usage can leave the microwave emitting some unpleasant smells.

Steam cleaning your microwave is a quick and easy way to eliminate odours and other dirt. You simply heat a water bowl with vinegar and lemon slices for five minutes, and then let it steam the appliance for another five minutes. This process can be repeated for more stubborn stains. 

Clean as you go 

Letting the dishes pile up can lead to unnecessary stress and procrastination. One way of keeping your kitchen looking clean and fresh is to clean whilst you cook. Maybe while you have things in the oven, or if you’re waiting for something to boil. Take those pauses and use them to your advantage. 

Your countertops, stovetops and other used surfaces also should be wiped down on the daily. Make use of your spare time whilst cooking or completing other tasks around the kitchen to have a wipe down. You’ll be more motivated if you’re already there. 

Kettle Cleaning with White Vinegar

The kettle is one of those appliances that are sometimes forgotten in the cleaning process. But forgetting to clean it can lead you to drinking unclean water, which may lead to other health issues. Using white vinegar to clean your kettle is a quick and easy way to remove limescale buildup, and keep the quality of your kettle better for longer. 

Simply fill your kettle about three-quarters of the way with equal parts water and white vinegar and then let it boil. You can also use other items around your kitchen, such as lemon or baking soda. Let the boiled water sit for twenty minutes, then rinse it out by boiling water twice. Your kettle will be as good as new in no time. 

Getting Rid of Dishwasher Odours 

Those with a dishwasher know all too well that it can sometimes emit some less-than-pleasant odours. This is often due to the buildup of grime and food particles that can get stuck in various dishwasher parts. Furthermore, the use of hard water can worsen this problem. 

An easy solution is to sprinkle baking soda over the dishwasher and run it without any dishes inside. You can do this once a month, along with any other dishwasher cleaning, and it should keep your dishwasher fresh and odourless.

Oven Cleaning With a Lemon

Your oven is likely the part of the kitchen that requires the most cleaning, and it can also be the toughest. We all know the effort of scrubbing away at the oven glass, only to wipe it and see minimal progress. How many of you have tried all sorts of expensive products?

Well, a simple and cheap solution is to use a lemon and baking soda- two things you may already have in your kitchen. Simply cut the lemon in half and sprinkle some baking soda on top, then you can use the lemon as a sponge, and the acidity should scrub a lot of the grime away. You let it sit for five to ten minutes and then wipe the solution off with a sponge and a clean rag. It should leave your oven glass looking as good as new!

Ivelina Paldamova