5 Things I Always Clean “Wrong” in
Welcome to our kitchen-cleaning confessions! We all have our unique ways of maintaining cleanliness in the heart of our homes. While some cleaning practices are universal, there are a few things I do “wrong” in the kitchen that I refuse to change. In this article, we’ll dive into five of these unconventional cleaning methods, and we’ll also touch upon house cleaning techniques that go beyond the kitchen. So, put on your cleaning gloves, grab your favorite kitchen cleaner, and let’s explore these intriguing cleaning techniques together!
1. Cutting Boards: Embrace the Stains
When it comes to cutting boards, perfectionists might cringe at the sight of stubborn stains left behind from chopping vegetables or carving juicy steaks. However, I believe that these stains are a testament to a well-loved and utilized cutting board. Instead of tirelessly scrubbing away the memories, embrace the stains as a sign of a kitchen well-used. As long as the cutting board is properly sanitized after each use, those stains become badges of honor.
2. Cast Iron Skillets: Avoid Soap
Cast iron skillets are culinary workhorses that have been passed down through generations. To maintain their seasoning and non-stick properties, many people avoid using soap while cleaning them. Instead, we opt for a simple yet effective technique – scrubbing the skillet with coarse salt and a gentle brush. This method removes any residue without stripping away the valuable seasoning. So, resist the temptation to lather up your cast iron skillet with soap and let it retain its natural flavors.
3. Coffee Makers: Embrace the Vinegar
Coffee makers can accumulate mineral deposits and stubborn coffee stains over time, affecting the taste of your morning brew. While many suggest using specialized coffee machine cleaners, I prefer a natural and cost-effective solution – white vinegar. Regularly running a vinegar-water solution through the coffee maker helps descale the internal components and remove any buildup. Embrace the power of vinegar to keep your coffee maker in tip-top shape, ensuring a flavorful cup of joe every morning.
4. Oven Racks: No More Overnight Soaking
Cleaning oven racks is often considered a daunting task that involves soaking them overnight in soapy water. However, let’s break free from this time-consuming tradition. Instead, remove the racks from the oven and sprinkle them generously with baking soda. Then, spritz them with vinegar, and let the bubbling reaction work its magic. After a few minutes, scrub away the grime with a brush or sponge, rinse, and enjoy clean oven racks without the hassle of overnight soaking.
5. Stainless Steel Appliances: Olive Oil to the Rescue
Stainless steel appliances can be a magnet for fingerprints, smudges, and water stains, which can be frustrating to clean. Instead of using specialized stainless steel cleaners, we turn to a household staple – olive oil. Apply a small amount of olive oil to a microfiber cloth and gently rub it onto the surface of your appliances. This not only removes fingerprints but also leaves a protective layer that repels future smudges. Embrace the power of olive oil to keep your stainless steel appliances gleaming.
Conclusion
Cleaning the kitchen is a never-ending chore, but it doesn’t mean we have to follow conventional cleaning methods for every task. By embracing stains on cutting boards, avoiding soap on cast iron skillets, using vinegar for coffee makers, skipping overnight soaking for oven racks, and relying on olive oil for stainless steel appliances, we can clean our kitchens in unique and effective ways. These unconventional techniques add character to our cooking spaces and make the cleaning process a little more enjoyable.