Diwali is one of the most eagerly awaited occasions of the year, a festival that brings together families and friends. With sweets and food being cooked, it is not surprising to find food materials, oil and grime around the place, something that is acknowledged and tackled only once the festivities are over. Check out the best kitchen cleaning tips for Diwali that make your kitchen shine.
Best Kitchen Cleaning Tips for Diwali
We love Diwali for the celebrations that are in store, brightening up our homes with Diwali décor, diyas and sparklers, and a happy mood all around. This festival is also about food, sweets prepared in the home, rich and elaborate meals for the entire family to indulge in. It goes without saying, that the kitchen is the hub of the house, also undergoes major upheaval during this period. Cleaning of the kitchen, however, must not mar the celebrations that precede it. Cleaning kitchens should happen daily to ensure a reduced workload after the celebrations.
1. Cleaning The Hob
Possibly the one appliance that bears the most brunt during festivities, the hob or stove is where food is cooked, sometimes for hours on end. It’s not surprising that it accumulates dirt and grime, often in layers.
Before cleaning a stainless steel or glass hob and burner, ensure it is switched off and cooled. With a wet cloth or sponge, spraying a bit of cleaning agent, wipe down the entire surface of the hob. Thick marks that refuse to come off can be tackled with a mixture of baking soda and water sprayed on them, and then removed after a couple of minutes. Stove pins help clear the blocked holes of the burners.
2. Cleaning Kitchen Chimney :
The chimney is the other handy kitchen appliance that is stained with food, oil and grime almost on a daily basis. Since it might be difficult to clean it immediately, clean it after a couple of days. Sponge it with a mixture of water and vinegar, or lemon and soda water thoroughly. The inside plates/jali can be removed and scrubbed with warm water and liquid detergent to unclog the holes.
3. Cleaning Kitchen Sink
Everyday cleansing with soap and water may remove the dirt in the sink, but not the germs and bacteria. Sponge the sink with mild detergent and water first. Rinse it thoroughly and then wipe dry with a soft cloth. Since the sink drain is where much of the food remains, sprinkle half a cup of baking soda and a cup of vinegar into it, till a frizz sound is heard. Follow this by pouring some boiling water down the drain. Finally, a mixture of half lemon juice with water will deodorize and sanitize it.
4. Cleaning Kitchen Sink Tap
Sponge faucets and taps with water and dishwashing liquid. For chinks and crevices, use an old toothbrush and rub the baking soda into it. Scratches and marks from the faucets can be removed with baby oil or olive oil, leaving it shiny and scratch-free. Rust stains on taps can be removed with lemon and water.
5. Cleaning Kitchen Countertops
Countertops are also one of the most common dirt magnets in the kitchen. They get dirty with all kinds of stains, whether food, burns or black marks. Since countertops are usually made of granite or marble, the use of strong acids like vinegar and lemon, or bleaching agents such as ammonia, can erode or roughen them, taking away from their shine. Sponging them with a bar of mild dishwashing soap and warm water using a soft cloth is sufficient to clean them.
6. Cleaning Kitchen Cabinets
At least once a week, cabinets must be wiped with a soft cloth and liquid detergent, to ensure that inadvertent stains and grime don’t remain on them. This also helps maintain the look of the kitchen cabinets.
7. Cleaning Kitchen Backsplash
With the backsplash getting spots or stains from food, it is better to clean it whenever possible, with a mild dishwashing liquid or detergent and water for a cleaner look.
8. Cleaning Dirty Ovens
Ovens cannot be cleaned too often. When occasionally done, the cleaning has to be thorough, or else the food prepared in it can get affected. For cleaning of the oven, a paste of baking soda and water must be applied all over the inner surface and left overnight. Clean this up the next day with a cloth, or remove it with vinegar. Other parts of the oven, such as the chimney jail and glass rotating plate must be removed and cleaned/washed with detergent and water.
9. Cleaning The Refrigerator
It might not be easy to clean the fridge’s daily, but at least once a month, this appliance must be sanitized thoroughly. Since food often gets stored in the refrigerator along with fresh vegetables and meats, it is essential to keep regularly checking to remove the unwanted/old/spoiled food and re-stock vegetables if required. Begin cleaning it by emptying the refrigerator. Wash it down with a mild detergent and warm water. For stubborn stains, vinegar and water can be used. Removable parts can be washed separately. Finally, wipe the fridge dry and only then fill it with groceries.
10. Cleaning Kitchen Floors
Floors must be cleaned daily since they absorb much of the kitchen dirt as well as spread it around when people walkabout in the space. Begin by wiping with a broom or vacuum cleaner, in every nook and corner, and even under appliances. Wash or mop the floor after that with detergent and water or vinegar for greasy spots. Allow the floor to dry thoroughly before use.
Have fun this Diwali, but don’t forget to look after your kitchen space too. HomeLane wishes all our friends, customers and well-wishers a Happy Diwali!
