simple homekeeping part 1: 26 tips & tricks for a clean kitchen

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Appliances, clean dishwasher, clean glass cooktop, Cleanliness, Dishwasher, diy green cleaners, green cleaner, Home, how to clean, keep fridge clean, kitchen cleaning, kitchen cleaning 101, quick kitchen cleaning, remove rust, Sodium bicarbonate, spring cleanng, Vinegar

One of my goals for this year is to simplify our daily and weekly routines, leaving more time for things that matter most. I would rather snuggle than clean, but cleaning must be done, so why not do it smarter? Over the next few days, I’ll be presenting simple solutions and time-saving shortcuts to many routine (and not-so-routine-because-I-hate-doing-them) household tasks. Many of the solutions are green. I’m beginning in the kitchen, since it’s where our family (and probably yours) spends a lot of our days and where I spend most of my time cleaning.

PLEASE NOTE: In many instances, I list the materials used for the job, but refer to the original source for the full instructions. PLEASE use the original source as your how-to guide for each task. I have tried many, but not all of the ideas listed here. Please use wisdom. If you’re concerned about the effect of substance on a particular surface, do your own research and test on an inconspicuous area first.

I’ll be updating this resource as I discover new tips and tricks so if you have one to submit, let me know in the comments.
Happy cleaning!

L A R G E   A P P L I A N C E S

How to clean the inside of the dishwasher | Wipe out the interior with a wet rag. Put a cup of vinegar in the top rack of the dishwasher. Run the dishwasher through one complete cycle. Remove remaining stains by wiping out again, with white vinegar.
FULL INSTRUCTIONS: askannamoseley.com

How to make your own dishwasher pellets | Make your own dishwasher pellets with borax, washing soda, lemon juice, epsom salt in ice-cube trays.
FULL INSTRUCTIONS: budget101.com

How to clean a greasy stove hood vent | clean a greasy stove hood vent by soaking it in boiling water and baking soda.
FULL INSTRUCTIONS: onegoodthingbyjillee.com

How to clean a glass cooktop without scrubbing | remove dried spills from your glass cooktop with baking soda and dish towels soaked with hot water. This one’s my favorite. No scrubbing required!!!
FULL INSTRUCTIONS: behindthestudio.com

How to keep fridge shelves clean | keep fridge shelves clean by covering them with Saran Wrap Press n’ Seal.
FULL INSTRUCTIONS: amandathevirtuouswife.blogspot.com

S M A L L   A P P L I A N C E S

How to clean a drip coffee maker | Clean a drip coffee maker with lemon, ice, and salt or with vinegar.
FULL INSTRUCTIONS: home-ec101.com

How to clean a coffee grinder | to clean the coffee grinder, grind a handful of rice.
FULL INSTRUCTIONS: amumntheoven.blogspot.com

How to clean small stainless appliances | Clean small stainless appliances with cream of tartar. FULL INSTRUCTIONS: areal-lifehousewife.com

How to clean a blender without scrubbing | clean the blender by adding warm soapy water and turning it on.
FULL INSTRUCTIONS: areal-lifehousewife.com

How to clean the microwave | clean the inside of the microwave without scrubbing by heating water and vinegar and allowing the steam to work its magic.
FULL INSTRUCTIONS: craftylittlegnobe.blogspot.com

How to clean and deodorize the garbage disposal | clean the garbage disposal and sharpen blades with lemon vinegar ice cubes.
FULL INSTRUCTIONS: homespothq.com

OR clean and deodorize the garbage disposal with baking soda and lemon juice.
FULL INSTRUCTIONS: funhomethings.com

How to clean a George Foreman Grill without scrubbing | clean your George Foreman grill by placing a damp paper towel inside as soon as you remove the food.
FULL INSTRUCTIONS: cookingclub.com

F I X T U R E S

How to shine a stainless steel sink | shine a stainless steel sink with vinegar, baking soda, boiling water and olive oil.
FULL INSTRUCTIONS: amumntheoven.blogspot.com

How to remove rust on stainless steel | there are a variety of methods for safely removing rust from stainless steel without the use of harsh chemicals. They include baking soda, vinegar, and cream of tartar.
FULL INSTRUCTIONS: diylife.com

How to remove mineral deposits around faucets | remove mineral deposit build-up around the base of faucets by soaking a paper towel in vinegar and applying it to the affected area.
FULL INSTRUCTIONS: joyfulhomemaking.com

C O O K W A R E,   D I S H E S,   E T C…

How to remove baked-on food from cookware| remove baked-on food by filling cookware by soaking a dryer sheet and hot water in it overnight.
FULL INSTRUCTIONS: apartmenttherapy.com

How to polish tarnished cookie sheets | shine up old cookie sheets with baking soda and hydrogen peroxide.
FULL INSTRUCTIONS: onegoodthingbyjillee.com

How to polish a lot of silver at once | polish all your silver at once with table salt and baking soda in a sink lined with aluminum foil. The tarnish transfers to the foil!
FULL INSTRUCTIONS: susanbranch.com

How to clean cutting boards | disinfect and remove stains from cutting boards with kosher salt and a lemon.
FULL INSTRUCTIONS: 5dollardinners.com

How to remove coffee stains from mugs | remove stains from coffee mugs with vinegar.
FULL INSTRUCTIONS: amumntheoven.blogspot.com

How to clean inside vases and jars | remove residue from jars and vases with vinegar and dry rice.
FULL INSTRUCTIONS: amumntheoven.blogspot.com

How to scrub glass bakeware | scrub glass bakeware with aluminum foil.
FULL INSTRUCTIONS: realsimple.com

How to clean a high chair tray | make your own child-safe high chair cleaning spray with vinegar, water, and essential oil.
FULL INSTRUCTIONS: queenmotherblog.com

How to clean sippy cup lids, straws & other small items | corral small items in the top rack of the dishwasher with a lingerie bag.
FULL INSTRUCTIONS: tasteofhome.com

L I N E N S

How to remove grease stains | absorb grease on chair cushions and other fabrics with cornmeal. FULL INSTRUCTIONS: realsimple.com

M I S C E L L A N E O U S

How to sanitize cleaning sponges | disinfect cleaning sponges in the microwave.
FULL INSTRUCTIONS: momsagainstcooties.com

NEXT POST IN THE SIMPLE HOMEKEEPING SERIES:

p.s. Want to get your kids on board with the household cleaning? Here are our free printable chore cards.

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