*kitchen image via Studio McGee
Cleaning the kitchen is a daily chore, often multiple times a day. Everyone is in a hurry so we just stick to the basic areas that everyone can see, right? We don't usually take the time to really clean the things that are not visible. Out of sight, out of mind. Here are five things that we just don't think about cleaning on a regular basis, but probably should.
1. Trash Can - The trash bag goes in. Fill it up. Take out trash. Repeat. Unfortunately the trash bag doesn't do all the work. Things splatter, drip & spill all the time. Gross. Take time time to wipe down the trash can, inside and out, using a disinfectant spray. Do this today, like right now!
2. Utensil Trays - How the heck to all those crumbs get in there if we're only putting away clean utensils? This is one of life's great mysteries. While your dishwasher is running (this way there are less utensils to empty out) remove remaining utensils. Shake out the crumbs and wash with warm soapy water. Is your kitchen feeling cleaner already? Good!
3. Small kitchen appliances - We're talking toasters, stand mixers, food processors ect. These are mighty little machines that are often used a couple of times a week. We're probably great at cleaning all the little pieces that we used but what about the outside of the appliance? Wipe down with a homemade cleaner made of vinegar, lemon and warm water. It will disinfect and is safe around food.
4. Ice Trays & Buckets - This one is pretty gross if you think about it. How many times do you reach your {dirty} hand into the ice bin to fill up a glass? Uh yeah. Switch the ice maker to off and empty out remaining ice, or wait until you use it up. Take out the bin and wash with warm soapy water. Dry and replace. Don't forget to turn the ice maker back on. For ice trays, you can hand wash or pop them in the top rack of the dishwasher.
5. Reusable Grocery Bags - This is not something I really thought about until recently. I had some blueberries that were accidentally smashed at the bottom of the bag. I wiped out the mess but then thought to myself, how many times have these bags been in and out of the car and shopping carts? Filled with dirty produce and touched by dirty hands? Germ fest!! I immediately gathered them all up and tossed them in the washer. Hang to dry when done. Don't forget to put them back in the car for the next trip.
