As any Italian family will tell you, the kitchen is the heart of your home. We take care of ourselves to keep our hearts strong and healthy, and it’s important to put that same care and detail into your homes.
In this first week of spring, we brush off the dark and grey and welcome the bright and green. While spring cleaning can be a little bit of a cliché, there really is no better time to help prepare for life to come back into the world, and- some spring cleaning tips from the experts can help with it.
Let’s delve into the trickiest spots in our kitchens that need more than a little elbow grease, and learn how to clean your kitchen and keep it clean.
THE BLENDER GASKET
You love smoothies. We love smoothies. We’re all on the same page. The blender has probably taken a beating this winter if, like us, you’ve gone on a smoothie bender. Even if you’ve been cleaning your blender regularly, the gasket (that rubber ring) alone can be a carrier for salmonella, E. Coli, yeast and mold. Run that thing through the dishwasher with some vinegar to keep your smoothie game on point.
THE HOOD FAN
When’s the last time that you peeked under your stove hood and looked at the filter? Spoiler: it’s not going to be pretty. It can lose all effectiveness when grease blocks it up. Our recommendation? Spray some AspenClean Kitchen Spray to cut through grease, sprinkle a little AspenClean Super Scrub Powder (containing Tea Tree and Lavender organic essential oil), and let sit for about five minutes. Finally, use a non-abrasive brush and some hot water to scrub away the mess before reinserting the filter.
THE TOASTER
This little monster doesn’t just go to war with you over bread. It can house some harmful bacteria as well as yeast and mold. If you want to make sure that your breakfast stays hygienic, as well as owning a house that doesn’t burn down, you’ll want to make sure you periodically clean this guy. First and foremost, unplug your machine, remove the racks, soak them in water, use some AspenClean Kitchen Spray and scrub them clean. Shake out the actual toaster and use a damp cleaning toothbrush to clean the inside coils.
UP TOP
Even the most diligent of cleaners can sometimes forget that there are spaces outside of their eyesight. Three of the most commonly missed spots? The top of the microwave, the top of the refrigerator, and the top of the cabinets. Take a damp cloth and give it a good wipe to remove all the built-up dust.
THE KNIFE BLOCK
Through all your slicing and dicing you may not think about the perfectly dark, moist environment for yeast and mold, which you place your beautifully clean knives into when you’ve finished with them. First and foremost, you’re going to want to shake out any crumbs that are hanging in there. Then mix some baking soda, lemon juice and distilled vinegar on a euro scrubby, and dig into the holes to disinfect the wood. Do not submerge in water. Please.
THE GARBAGE CAN
The irony shouldn’t be lost on you. Take these bad boys outside, rinse them out, and use a long-handled brush to scrub the inside with a mix of distilled vinegar, and warm water.
If you haven’t figured out your first step for spring cleaning, follow these steps above to get started on the right track. Or just hire us to clean your home. Whatever puts a spring in your step.
