Spring is the perfect season to bid farewell to winter blues and welcome the emerging days of sunshine. Here are some often forgotten kitchen areas that deserve a pre-summer polish and shine.
I look at Spring cleaning from my pup’s point of view, sniffing out the errant cheerio under the corner of the buffet cabinet. From here, I can also see a piece of glass lurking under the refrigerator after New Year’s toasts were carried out with too much enthusiasm.
A ground-level view reveals the kickboards in need of some love. I once spilled salsa and thought I had cleaned it up well, but the next morning those spattered spots were glaring at me. Use a damp microfiber cloth with soapy water. For stubborn spots, make a paste with baking soda and water and wipe clean with a damp cloth.
In cleaning, always choose the mildest method first to avoid damaging surfaces. No need to choose harsh chemicals, scrub sponges, or brushes when simple soap and water will do. A good practice is to test a treatment on an inconspicuous area first to see if it’s safe to proceed.
Other low-to-the-ground spots are walls and baseboards behind trash cans and pet feeding areas. My kids are grown, and no longer playing hoop with their leftovers, but the wall behind my trash can is still vulnerable to buildup. Dampen a soft microfiber cloth with soap and water and treat the area with small circular movements. Follow up with a dry cloth to absorb the moisture.
Cleaning the inside of a refrigerator is important, but dust, dirt, and pet hair get stuck on the back and underneath too, which can reduce the life of an appliance. Pull out the refrigerator and use the vacuum’s soft bristle brush to remove stuck-on debris from the coils. Vacuum and mop underneath. Before sliding it back into its nook, check the water line for any pinches or signs of moisture. It’s a common cause of water damage, and this is the perfect opportunity to look for a potential problem before it occurs.
Lastly, look up. You’re likely to spot more than paint on the ceiling and wonder how it got there. Were the kids testing how long a spaghetti noodle would stick? Did someone attempt to make a shake in the Vitamix without the lid? How it happens is a mystery, but how to clean it isn’t. For flat ceilings, wet a microfiber mop pad with soapy water and wring out well. Apply to the spot pushing and pulling the mop toward you and away from you over the stain until it lifts. Follow up with a clean damp mop pad to remove any remaining residue. If you don’t have a mop handy, tie a damp microfiber or clean cloth around a broom.
Incorporate these tips into your spring-cleaning routine for a fresh summer ready kitchen.