DESIGNING A HYGIENIC KITCHEN | An Architect Explains
Most people find cleaning up the kitchen, the hardest part. But if you make a conscious effort to clean up everyday, it will become a habit and will save you time and money, as your kitchen appliances, work surfaces and utensils will be well cared of and therefore, last longer. Moreover, is it easier to cook in a clean kitchen and it is healthier and safer for your family.
Here are some easy tips that can help you keep your kitchen clean and uncluttered. I can assure you that I have used these tips personally and found them to be effective.
TIPS FOR A CLUTTER-FREE KITCHEN
A Place for everything: Have a place for everything. It’s much easier to find and use a utensil or appliance if it has it’s own place. Therefore, keep all the often-used things in easily accessible places.
De-clutter: Identify spots in your kitchen that tend to accumulate clutter. After that, spend a few minutes every day to clear those spots and put back objects in their correct places.
Put away unused appliances: If you observe that you do not use any appliance for more than a week, then it should be cleaned and stored away in hard-to-access spaces like the top or bottom shelf. This will help to save counter space and cleaning time.
Wash dishes before sleeping: Try to have a clean, empty kitchen sink at the end of the day, however tired you may be, because the cockroaches thrive on the left over food on the unwashed dishes.
Clean up spills and food crumbs: as soon as possible to prevent stinks and food from hardening onto your kitchen counter or sink.
Use paper towels instead of sponge: If you use a sponge to soak up water or spills, try not to keep it wet. Squeeze it out dry since a sponge can actually breed and spread germs. It is preferable to use paper towels which can be discarded after cleaning the surface.
Clean grill/microwave after every use: It’s easier to clean a grill or microwave if you do it after each use.
Wash as you cook. Fill one half of the sink with hot soapy water and drop in utensils as you use them. Food won’t dry on the utensils and cleaning will be much easier.
Empty pantry once a week: Once a month, remove all the food from your pantry. Wipe down with a clean damp cloth. Then check for spoilage and expiration dates and finally replace items in their designated places.
Empty your refrigerator once a week and wipe the inside with warm soap water. Check packaged and bottled food for expiry dates and discard all the old stuff.
TIPS FOR CLEANING UP IN THE KITCHEN
Sluggish Drains: To clean sluggish drains, pour 1/2 cup baking soda down the drain. Add 1/2 cup white vinegar and cover the drain. Let this mixture foam for a few minutes, then pour 8 cups of boiling water down the drain. to flush it. However do not use this combination after using any commercial drain cleaner.
Cooktops: For glass cooktops, there are special commercial cleaners that work well. Use them with a hard plastic scraper to remove burned-on food. Clean your glass cooktop as soon as it cools to avoid having to scrub burned food.
Blender/Food Processor: To clean a blender, food processor or mixie, add a few drops of liquid soap into it, fill halfway with warm water, cover and blend. to get a sparkling jar. Rinse and repeat if necessary.
Faucets (Taps): For lime and mineral deposits on your kitchen sink faucet, wrap vinegar-soaked paper towels around faucets for about an hour. This breaks down the mineral scale, and the chrome tap will become clean and shiny after buffing with a dry paper towel.
Fittings: For gleaming and shiny chrome fittings and taps, buff with baking soda powder.
Ovens: If you don’t have a self-cleaning oven, scrape up any large spills, then spray a cleaner inside the oven, close the door and let it sit overnight. It will be easier to clean the next day.
Spilt food in Oven: When food spills over and burns on the oven floor, sprinkle a handful of salt on the mess. The smoke will be reduced and the spill will be easier to clean after the oven cools. Adding some cinnamon to the salt will help to reduce the odour.
Oven Racks: Place oven racks/chimney baffles in a sink with about 1/2 cup liquid dish soap and fill up with several inches of warm water. Let the racks soak for 45 minutes, then rinse and dry.
Burned Food: To quickly clean burned food in a pan, add some liquid dish soap and half-an-inch of water. Bring to a boil, then let the liquid cool in the pan. The burned food will be easy to remove.
Floors: For a shiny grease-free floor, just add some vinegar to your mop water.
Microwave: To clean your microwave oven, mix together 2 Tbsp. of lemon juice or vinegar and 2 cups of water in a large glass microwave safe bowl. Microwave on high for two to three minutes. Carefully remove the bowl and wipe the microwave with paper towels. Repeat if necessary.
MAKE YOUR OWN EASY AND SAFE CLEANING SOLUTIONS RIGHT IN YOUR KITCHEN FOR:
Windows: For your own window washing solution, mix 1/3 cup vinegar and 1/4 cup rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle. Fill up with water.
Taps: Dry baking soda cleans chrome to a shine.
Porcelain: A paste of Cream of tartar and water will clean porcelain.
Coffee Stains: A paste of baking soda and water will clean coffee stains.
Copper: Use a cut half lemon sprinkled with salt to clean copper.
Brass: Rub with tamarind to remove the tarnish and get it shiny again.
Fridge smells: Place an open box of baking soda in the back of the fridge to soak in the smell. Dissolve 1/4 cup baking soda in 1 litre of warm water for a good general cleaner.
For a concise Vastu guide and evaluation of your Kitchen and Kitchen Backyard, please refer to the posts on my blog: House construction in India
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