Custom kitchens have everything you could possibly wish for — except that self-cleaning feature! But once you get a new kitchen, you’ll want to keep it looking brand new for as long as possible.
Routine cleaning and care is key to maintaining the luster and shine of your all wood cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, and ceramic or hardwood floors. And since it’s officially springtime, you know what that means — Spring Cleaning starts now. Don’t stress, though! We’re sharing our favorite Spring Cleaning tips to keep your new kitchen sparkling all season long.
1. Don’t just spot clean cabinets — let them shine!
If you’re like most homeowners, you may have a tendency to spot clean your kitchen cupboards. Drip there? Drop there? Wipe it up. Less often do we wipe them down from top to bottom like they deserve. It’s good to get in the habit of really cleaning your cabinets every once in awhile, so that you can remove any buildup and preserve the finish.
Cleaning your cabinets is actually a fairly easy process with the right product. Murphy’s Oil Soap is a safe, effective cleaner for all wood cabinetry. This classic cleaner not only rids your kitchen cupboards of food residue, but also leaves a really pretty shine that keeps them looking brand new.
2. Disinfect knobs and pulls.
It’s important to wipe down the knobs and pulls on your kitchen cabinets, as they can be a top spot for germs and bacteria. You will find a few great products on the shelves that can help you deep clean your hardware without scratching the surface. Bon Ami Powder Cleanser and Bar Keepers Friend Cleanser and Polish are both popular and easy to use options. If you want a quick DIY solution, you can whip up your own cleanser using dish soap or even vinegar.
Using soap, you just need a drop in a bowl of warm water. Use your hand to mix the soap and water. Then dip your cloth into the soapy water, wring out any excess, and use your cloth to wipe down knobs and pulls. Alternatively, you can mix one-part vinegar with one-part water. If you are having difficulty using a cloth, a toothbrush works great, and is easier to maneuver around nooks and crannies. Once you’re finished, dry your hardware thoroughly with a clean cloth.
3. Use lemons to freshen up and clean.
Lemons are a natural, fragrant way to clean up the kitchen. Two of our favorite uses are in the microwave and the food disposal.
To clean your microwave, you may already be familiar with the steam trick. This just means heating up a cup of water for a few minutes, and letting the steam help loosen any grime off the inside of your microwave. This works even better by squeezing a lemon into the water first, and then dropping it in your microwave-safe cup or container. Put the lemon water into the microwave, heat for three minutes, let sit an additional three minutes, then remove the cup and use a cloth to wipe down the interior of your microwave. Your microwave will be looking good and smelling fresh!
Another way lemons do wonders is by slicing up a few and putting them down your disposal. You can also pour some vinegar down there, which will help clean out your pipes while also ridding the drain of odors.
4. Speaking of vinegar, it’s also great for cleaning out your coffee maker.
Running your coffee maker with vinegar and water is a great way to keep it clean. There are only so many pieces you can clean by hand or run through the dishwasher. Making a “pot of vinegar” will clean the rest.
5. Use baking soda as a natural cleaner for appliances and sinks.
To keep your large appliances looking good, use baking soda to shine them up. Whether it’s a dull or dirty looking sink or an oven with burnt-on food, a paste of baking soda and water can do wonders.
Baking soda is also a brilliant odor neutralizer. Keep some in your refrigerator, on the bottom of your trashcan, or anywhere else it tends to smell less than pleasant.
Welcome to Willow Lane Cabinetry — the #1 place to buy affordable, semi-custom cabinets online! Let us help you create the kitchen of your dreams with our 100% free kitchen design tool. We offer all wood, semi-custom kitchen cabinets, fully assembled and delivered for free, with standard features like soft closing doors and drawers, and 6-way adjustable steel hinges. Plus all the accessories you need to complete your new kitchen. We give you more and save you money! Visit our website to see our beautiful products today!