Spring Cleanup

More Info Here...

Spring Cleaning the Kitchen

Your calendar finally reads Springtime! It's time to think about tackling that annual Spring Cleaning. With these helpful tips and cleaning checklist, you shouldn't have a problem making your kitchen sparkle for those sunny days ahead.

Deep Cleaning Appliances

Considering the money invested in them, appliances deserve a thorough scrubbing on a regular basis. In addition to giving you the satisfaction of knowing they’re clean inside and out, your good work can optimize their performance and extend their lives and create a healthier environment for you and your family.

Coffee Maker

	Pour a full pot of the vinegar and water mixture in your water reservoir and turn the coffee maker on (filter stays out).
	Once the mixture has run completely through, turn the drip coffee maker off and let it cool for 15 to 20 minutes.
	Pour the vinegar and water mixture down the drain. If you are cleaning a coffee maker that hasn't been cleaned regularly, repeat this step again with a fresh vinegar and water mixture.
	Rinse the pot out thoroughly with warm, plain water. Then, fill the water reservoir again with clean water and turn the coffee maker on to start the rinsing process.
	To make sure all of the vinegar and water solution is completely gone repeat the rinsing process one more time after letting the pot cool for 15 to 20 minutes.

Stovetop/Hood

	Instead of using dishwater liquid for cleaning the surface of the stove, consider using a damp micro-fiber cloth instead. It has thousands of scrubbing fingers that remove the dirt, and it doesn't smear the cooking surface.
	For tougher burnt-on problems, spray the area with water and apply some baking soda to form a paste. Wipe clean. Remember: Baking soda is a mild abrasive that won't scratch the surface of your stove.
	If your stove surface is in really bad shape, you can use non-gel toothpaste on a soft cloth to clean the problem areas. The abrasive action will remove the stain, and the toothpaste won't scratch the surface.

Cleaning the Stove Hood

	Pour the 1/2-cup of white vinegar and tablespoon of borax into the bucket of warm water.
	Dip the soft cloth into the solution and ring it out.
	Wash the surface of the stove hood well and make sure to get any sticky spots that may have formed. Be sure to clean on the inside of the hood
	If you come across a sticky spot that won't come up, dip a damp sponge into a little dry borax and work it into the spot and wipe with the damp cloth. Once the surface is clean, wipe with a dry, clean cloth.

Microwave

	Half fill a microwavable container with water, and add a chunk of lemon (at least 1/4 of a small lemon).
	Microwave on high until the water is boiling (around 2-3 minutes).
	Leave the microwave closed for at least 5 minutes, then wipe over with a damp cloth. Any dried-on foods should come off easily, and your microwave will smell great!

Dishwasher

	Fill the detergent cup with two ounces of ascorbic acid.
	Run the empty machine on rinse for a few minutes, let it stand a few minutes more, and let the rinse cycle complete.
	Use heated (not energy saver) drying.
	To remove mineral deposits (caused by hard water) add a cup of vinegar to a load.

Refrigerator

	Starting from the top and working your way down, wipe with a solution of dishwashing liquid and one gallon of warm water. If the fridge is smelly, use baking soda instead of soap.
	If you see anything that looks as though it has become permanently affixed, place a heated bowl of vinegar in your refrigerator for about five minutes. The steam will loosen up those stuck-on foods and hardened spills.
	Take a clean cloth and rinse everything down with plain water. Dry it with a towel or leave it to air dry.
	Don’t forget to clean the outside of the fridge. Wipe the top and sides down, and while you’re at it, grab the vacuum and get those coils behind the refrigerator, too - pet hair likes to live down there.

Homemade Remedy for Clogged Drains

	Remove all water from the sink.
	Pour one cup of baking soda down the drain.
	Follow that with one cup of table salt
	Pour one half cup of white vinegar down the drain
	Allow the drain to set for ten minutes then flush it with two quarts of boiling water.

Garbage Disposal Cleaning

	To clean grease and leftover food from your disposal and sharpen the blades at the same time, sprinkle liberally with baking soda and pour white vinegar over until it bubbles.
	Let set ten minutes. Rinse with hot water.
	Put two or three ice cubes in the disposal and grind. Rinse again with hot water. Now your disposal is clean and odor free.

Natural All-Purpose Homemade Cleaner

	For an all-purpose non-polluting kitchen cleaning product, add two tablespoons baking soda to one quart of warm water. This mixture should clean almost any surface safely and without any fumes.
	If some areas are more difficult, simply use plain baking soda in place of a scouring powder, it works just as well, does not contain any chemicals, removes any odors and is far more economical. This mixture can also be used when washing the dishes.

Stainless Steel Appliance Cleaning

Stainless steel kitchen appliances look best when they're clean and shiny. To clean tough stains and give them a dazzling shine, try the same detergent you would use when washing the dishes. One formulated to cut grease works especially well. This also works well for general kitchen cleaning. Waterless hand soap also works great as a polish, simply rub on, and polish - no rinsing.