We’re a foodie culture, and our kitchens have the open shelving, profusion of pots and pans, and high-end coffee makers to prove it. Here are a few practical cleaning tips for today’s marvelous, modern kitchens.
That priceless appliance you run once (or twice!) a day isn’t just for dishes. You can quickly clean and disinfect all kinds of kitchen odds and ends by putting them in the next washing cycle:
Who doesn’t love the look of open shelving—not to mention the practicality of all that easy access to dishes and cookware? But this trendy look does have its downside: dust.
Unlike closed cabinetry that keeps dust at bay, open shelving practically invites dust to settle in and get comfortable. Be sure to make a thorough dusting of your open shelving a daily habit—and use a fresh microfiber cloth or disposable duster every time, since you want your dishes to be squeaky clean and free of germs and bacteria.
The best way to remove caked-on, baked-in grease and residue, and even stubborn burn marks, is to use some elbow grease and a powerful cleaning duo: vinegar and baking soda.
Fill your pots with enough water to cover the bottom, then add a cup of vinegar and bring to a boil for a minute or two. Next, take the pots off the heat and sprinkle a couple tablespoons of baking soda. After a few minutes, empty the water, allow the pots to cool enough to be handled safely, and scrub the bottom with the rough side of a sponge. You may need to sprinkle in a bit more baking soda for super-tough grime, but ultimately you’ll end up with gleaming pots worthy of any epicurean kitchen.
Whether it’s an espresso machine requiring pods or a carafe coffeemaker requiring freshly ground beans, the appliance you use to craft your morning cup of java is likely one of your most beloved kitchen appliances. Here’s how to take good care of it (be sure to read manufacturer’s guidelines for specific dos and don’ts regarding your machine):
Voila! Your favorite gathering space is clean, beautiful and ready to get cooking.