Canberra’s unique climate presents challenges when it comes to maintaining a clean kitchen. During the cold winters, we tend to keep our homes closed for extended periods, which can trap odors and grease in the kitchen. On the other hand, the hot summers often cause food to spoil faster, attracting pests like ants and cockroaches.
These seasonal changes, combined with the demands of our busy lifestyles, make regular kitchen cleaning an essential task for Canberra households. A clean kitchen prevents hygiene issues and ensures a healthier environment for your family, regardless of the season.
Knowing how to deep clean your kitchen the right way is important to tackle these challenges effectively. Whether you’re preparing your home for guests, maintaining a regular cleaning routine, or getting ready to move out of a rental, a deep clean can restore your kitchen to its best condition. This guide walks you through a simple step-by-step process to make your kitchen sparkle.
Kitchen Cleaning Tips
Step 1: Get Your Cleaning Supplies Ready
Before starting, gather everything you’ll need to avoid unnecessary interruptions. You can pick up these items at places like Bunnings, Woolworths, or Coles in areas like Fyshwick, Belconnen, or Tuggeranong.
What You’ll Need:
- Microfiber cloths
- Scrub brushes and sponges
- Dish soap
- Baking soda and vinegar (natural cleaning heroes!)
- Multipurpose cleaner
- Glass cleaner
- Gloves
- Mop and bucket
- Trash bags
- Vacuum or broom
For those who prefer eco-friendly cleaning, biodegradable products are available at stores like The Green Shed or other sustainable shops in Canberra.
Step 2: Declutter Your Kitchen
A clutter-free space makes cleaning easier.
How to Declutter:
- Clear the counters: Remove everything, including appliances and utensils.
- Empty the cabinets and fridge: Take everything out and check what’s expired or unused.
- Sort and discard: Recycle packaging or dispose of expired food responsibly. Recycling programs in Canberra, like Recyclopaedia ACT, can help you deal with items like jars and old containers.
Step 3: Clean the Fridge and Freezer
The fridge is one of the hardest-working appliances in your kitchen. Keep it clean to prevent odors and food contamination.
Steps to Clean:
- Take everything out: Store perishable items in an Esky or cooler temporarily.
- Wash shelves and drawers: Use warm soapy water or a mix of baking soda and water.
- Wipe the interior: Use a damp cloth with a little vinegar to remove stains and smells.
- Organize food: Group similar items, like condiments or veggies, to make things easy to find.
During winter, you can even leave items outside briefly while defrosting your freezer, taking advantage of Canberra’s cold mornings!
Step 4: Tidy Up Cabinets and Drawers
Cabinets and drawers collect crumbs, dust, and grease over time.
Steps to Follow:
- Vacuum or dust: Use a small handheld vacuum to clean crumbs and dirt.
- Wipe down surfaces: Use an all-purpose cleaner or mix vinegar and water.
- Polish handles and knobs: Canberra’s hard water can leave marks, so wipe these with a damp cloth.
Step 5: Cleaning Appliances
Oven: Use an oven cleaner or a homemade paste of baking soda and water. Leave it overnight, then wipe clean.
Stovetop: Remove and soak grates in warm, soapy water. Scrub the surface with a gentle cleaner.
Microwave: Heat a bowl of water with lemon slices for 3-5 minutes. The steam will loosen stuck-on food, making it easy to wipe away.
Dishwasher: Run an empty cycle with a cup of vinegar to clean the inside and remove odors.
Step 6: Clean Countertops and Backsplash
The surfaces you use every day can easily get dirty or sticky.
Steps:
- Wipe down countertops: Use a cleaner that’s safe for your countertop material.
- Scrub grout on backsplashes: If you have tiles, use baking soda and an old toothbrush to clean the grout lines.
Step 7: Scrub the Sink and Taps
Your sink handles a lot of dirt, so keeping it clean is essential.
Steps:
- Clean the sink: Sprinkle baking soda in the sink and scrub gently.
- Polish the taps: Use vinegar to remove water spots and make the taps shine.
- To unclog the drain, Pour baking soda and vinegar down the drain. Rinse it out with boiling water.
Step 8: Wash Floors, Windows, and Light Fixtures
Floors and windows often get overlooked during regular cleaning, so prioritize them during a deep clean.
How to Clean:
- Floors: Sweep or vacuum first, then mop with a suitable cleaner for your flooring.
- Windows: Use a glass cleaner and wipe thoroughly. Clean windows on cooler, cloudy days to prevent streaks.
- Light fixtures: Wipe these with a damp cloth to remove grease and dust.
Step 9: Organize and Put Everything Back
Once your kitchen is spotless, it’s time to reassemble it in a way that keeps it tidy.
How to Organize:
- Cabinets and drawers: Group similar items together, like pots with lids or baking tools.
- Fridge: Use storage containers to keep things organized.
- Countertops: Keep only essentials like a toaster or coffee maker to reduce clutter.
Conclusion
Maintaining a clean kitchen in Canberra requires more than just the usual cleaning routine. Factors like warm summers that attract pests and the importance of responsible recycling make it essential to go the extra mile. By focusing on daily habits like cleaning up spills promptly to avoid pests and properly recycling household items, you can create a healthier kitchen environment.
Additionally, committing to periodic deep cleans, especially if you host guests or rent out your property, ensures your kitchen remains fresh and inviting year-round. Whether you live in Gungahlin, Tuggeranong, or Woden, paying attention to these key considerations will make your deep cleaning efforts more effective and rewarding.
Start incorporating these practices today, and enjoy a sparkling, organized kitchen that reflects the unique needs of Canberra living!