Mistakes You’Re Making When Cleaning The Kitchen

Greasy cabinets, messy countertops, filthy appliances and a lingering smell are the key signs that your kitchen needs attention-to-detail cleaning. Leaving stains, spills, and food splatters can breed harmful germs and bacteria, such as E-coli, salmonella, listeria monocytogenes and other microbes.

What’s worse? Lethal bacteria lurking on kitchen surfaces can pose serious health concerns, such as food poisoning, diarrhoea, nausea, and other foodborne illnesses. So, it becomes your prime responsibility to regularly clean and disinfect all surfaces using proper tools and products.

However, most people cause more damage than good due to silly cleaning mistakes. These can further spread germs and make your job tougher, especially when performing a thorough end of the lease cleaning Canberra.

So, here is a complete guide to help you identify the common mistakes you are probably making when cleaning the kitchen. It is important to acknowledge and rectify your cleaning blunders and ensure a shiny and hygienic indoor environment.

Let’s Get Started!

1. Using Ammonia-Based Cleaning Agents

Most people in Canberra use store-bought degreasers or stain removers to clean their kitchen surfaces. However, most of these products contain harmful chemicals, such as ammonia, that can pose serious health hazards, such as respiratory disorders, eye irritation, skin allergies, and even trigger asthma.

Plus, using strong solvents on kitchen cabinets, stainless steel appliances, and delicate surfaces can even damage the surface. So, it is good to use eco-friendly cleaning solutions that do not contain harmful chemicals and toxic fumes.

2. Cleaning Natural Stone Countertops with Vinegar

Are you using vinegar, lemon, or other acidic cleaners on natural stone countertops? If yes, you may be causing permanent dullness and damage to the surface. Natural stone, such as marble, quartz, limestone, etc., is prone to harsh chemicals and products. It can react with acidic solvents and leave itchy marks or scratches behind.

Instead of using a natural vinegar solution, try baking soda and mild dishwashing soap for stain or grime removal. Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda on the surface and gently scrub with a sponge. Rinse and dry the surface to prevent moisture buildup.

You can also hire a professional team for the best end of lease cleaning Canberra for the entire rental property. They follow a pre-approved checklist and tried-and-tested methods to treat stains and grime from almost all surfaces.

3. You Don’t Clean Your Cleaning Tools (Sponges, Brushes & Rags)

Wiping down the countertops, dishes and other surfaces with a dirty sponge or rag is a common blunder. This can further spread lethal germs and bacteria from one place to another, making it difficult to attain a hygienic kitchen environment.

If you want to achieve the desired results, regularly clean and sanitise your cleaning tools, such as kitchen sponges, microfiber cloths, brushes, and rags. It is also good to replace sponges and rags frequently and maximise your cleaning effort.

4. You Clean the Floors First

Cleaning the floors first and then wiping the countertops or appliances means you have to mop the floors again to remove food crumbs and other loose debris. This can be time-consuming and annoying. To save time and energy, follow the top-to-bottom cleaning approach.

Always begin from the exhaust fans, kitchen cabinets, counters, appliances, and stovetops and then make your way towards the trash can and floors to prevent spills, dust, and crumbs from falling on already-cleaned surfaces.

Tip: It is good to use a microfiber mop to clean your floors. This is one of the best hacks when you don’t have running water. Dampen the mop, swirl out excess water and target affected areas.

5. You Are Neglecting the Kitchen Sink for Months

Dirty dishes, leftover food and stubborn stains in your kitchen sink can harbour germs and bacteria. Overlooking dirt-laden skin and clogged garbage disposal can ruin the entire look and feel of your kitchen and linger with unpleasant odour.

Make sure you clean the sink using baking soda and warm water once a week. Coat the surface and gently scrub with a brush or sponge. When it comes to garbage disposal, you can pour one cup of white vinegar followed by half a cup of baking soda. Add ice cubes and lemon grinds as well. The vinegar and baking soda duo will create a fizz and break down stuck food particles and grime. In the final step, pour hot water and unclog the drain. You can also disinfect faucets and other contaminated surfaces using the power of rubbing alcohol.

6. Overloading Dishwasher with Dirty Dishes

Overloading a dishwasher can cause permanent damage, and you may pay more for the repairs. If you want to make the most of your dishwashing machine, set a schedule and systematically clean your dirty dishes, pans and pots without exceeding the limit.

Also, do not put sharp objects like a knife or cast iron skillet in the machine. It can also cause functional damage. Instead, do it yourself after preparing your meal and ensure utmost food safety in your premises.

7. You Are Not Deep Cleaning Kitchen Appliances

Do not neglect your much-loved kitchen appliances, including an oven, microwave, fridge, and dishwasher. Clean them inside and out twice every month using all-natural cleaning solutions.

It is good to remove and soak oven racks in hot, soapy water and coat the interiors of your appliance with baking soda. This will help you break down grease and grime.

For a microwave, fridge and dishwasher, use white vinegar, dishwashing liquid soap and warm water solution. Spray and clean every nook and cranny, including knobs, control panels, glass doors, gaskets, etc.

Professionals also clean all appliances and important spots when performing a cheap end of lease cleaning Canberra to help you secure full bond money at the end of a tenancy. So, do proper research, ask questions and book the best experts for your rental property.

Avoid 7 Most Common Kitchen Cleaning Mistakes

Wrapping Up

Maintaining a clean and organised kitchen requires consistent efforts and the right techniques. However, with the help of this guide, you can avoid common cleaning mistakes and achieve shiny, germ-free surfaces like a pro.