Step-by-Step Cleaning Method
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Initial Tidy-Up
Start with a general tidy-up. Think of this as your kitchen’s warm-up before the main workout. Dispose of any rubbish and return items to their rightful places. Clear any dishes left in or by the sink; no one likes a cluttered workspace!
If you have a dishwasher, now’s the time to empty, refill, and turn it on. And hey, remember to check if your dishes are dishwasher-safe. Not sure? When in doubt, hand wash those precious items.
Looking for more dishwashing tips? Dive into our detailed guide on washing up dishes.
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Dust and Wipe Surfaces
Next up, dust and wipe all accessible surfaces. Always work from top to bottom to avoid dirtying freshly cleaned areas. This means starting with the top of cupboards, cooker hoods, and working down to countertops and appliances.
Don’t forget the door handles! These are high-traffic areas for fingerprints and grime. A kitchen cleaner or a mild solution of washing-up liquid and warm water works wonders here.
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Clean the Hob
Ah, the hob – the centerpiece of any kitchen! Wipe it down using a soft cloth and a suitable non-abrasive cleaner. Electric or induction hobs are pretty straightforward, but if you have a gas hob, you’ll need to remove the metal pan supports and give them a good scrub in the sink.
While you’re at it, give the front of the oven a quick wipe, including knobs and handles. A general kitchen spray or multi-surface cleaner will do the trick here.
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Microwave Maintenance
Microwaves can be sneaky little mess-makers. To clean, place a bowl of water inside and microwave on full power for 3 minutes or until the interior is nicely steamed. Carefully remove the bowl (it’s hot!) and wipe down the inside.
Don’t forget to remove the turntable and wash it along with the bowl. Dry the turntable thoroughly before putting it back in – nobody likes a soggy microwave.
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Sink Scrub
The sink is where the magic happens, but it can also be a hotspot for grime. Use a cloth, kitchen cleaner, and hot water to clean the sink. If limescale has built up around the taps or in the sink, apply some limescale remover according to the product instructions. Wait a few minutes, then rinse away. Voilà – sparkling clean!
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Manage the Waste
Now, before we get to the floors, it’s time to tackle the bins. Remove both rubbish and recycling bins and ensure they’re appropriately labeled and placed in the correct outside bins.
Remember, waste separation rules can vary by location, so if you’re unsure, ask a neighbor or check with your local council. Better safe than sorry!
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Sweep and Vacuum the Floor
With all surfaces gleaming, it’s time to focus on the floor. Sweep or vacuum thoroughly, reaching all corners and under any movable appliances. Use the correct vacuum attachment to avoid scratching or damaging the floor surface.
Need a bit more guidance on vacuuming techniques? We’ve got you covered with our comprehensive vacuuming guide.
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Mop the Floor
Last but not least, it’s time to mop. Fill a bucket with warm water and a bit of floor cleaner, then mop the floor using a left-right, back-to-front motion. Rinse and wring the mop frequently to avoid spreading dirty water around.
Try to use as little water and product as possible to prevent streaks. Pro tip: back out of the room while mopping so you don’t step on the clean, wet floor. And a little figure-eight motion with the mop helps ensure no spot is left untouched.
When you’re finished, dispose of the dirty water down a toilet or shower drain – keeping food prep areas sanitary is always a good idea. For a more detailed mopping guide, check out our step-by-step mopping instructions.
