Keeping Your Kitchen Clean and Odor-free
Nobody wants a kitchen that is dirty and smells. However, keeping odors and messes out of this room is challenging. It doesn’t have to be. The following tips will go a long way to keeping your kitchen clean and odor-free.
Clean the Grease Trap
If there is a grease trap in the kitchen, it must be cleaned regularly to prevent odors. Homeowners typically have in-kitchen passive interceptors when they have this device installed in the home. Commercial establishments, on the other hand, might have an in-ground grease trap. Regardless of which type is installed, regular cleanings are essential. Establish a schedule with a company that specializes in pumping the grease trap to ensure this is one task that never gets overlooked.
Scrub the Sink Every Day
Bacteria love to gather in kitchen sinks. In fact, the sink is often home to more bacteria than the trash can. Use hot, soapy water and clean the interior of the sink and the faucet.
If the sink is in need of deep cleaning, use a diluted bleach mix. This task should be done once each week to sanitize the kitchen. Simply add a tablespoon of bleach to four cups of water and begin cleaning.
Use Natural Cleaners
Many cleaning products today don’t actually remove odors in the kitchen. They simply cover these odors with a fragrance. Turn to natural cleaners to ensure the kitchen is not only clean but also smells fresh.
Many manufacturers today offer natural cleaners, but they can also be made at home using common household ingredients. Add a few essential oils if a light scent is desired. However, take care when combining products. Bleach and ammonia, when combined, let off fumes that can be deadly.
Compost Indoors
Rotting food in the garbage is a key source of kitchen odors. Eliminate these odors by composting food indoors. Not only does this keep smells in the kitchen down, but the compost helps produce healthy soil. An indoor compost bin doesn’t cost much money and makes it easy to begin composting today.
Choose one that will trap odors and ensure the bin has the microbes needed to carry out the composting process. Place edible scraps in the bin, close it, and allow these microbes to do the rest.
Clean Spills Promptly
Always clean spills immediately, so they don’t leave a sticky mess or stain the surface where they were spilled. Keep something handy at all times, so it is never an issue. Clean up the majority of the mess with a paper towel. Follow up by dipping the cloth in hot soapy water to remove any residue.
Doing this immediately ensures the spill won’t harden or become sticky. If it does, ants, flies, and more might decide to take up residence in the kitchen. This can lead to health issues, spoiled food, and more.
Clean the Garbage Disposal
The garbage disposal is also known to hold odors. Removing these odors isn’t difficult if you have ice cubes in the home. While the garbage disposal is not running, put a tablespoon of baking soda in it along with six ice cubes. Next, pour a tablespoon of bleach into the disposal and drop in three thin slices of lemon. Add another six ice cubes and start the disposal.
Do not run water into the disposal while cleaning it. Allow these items to do the work of removing any debris and odors. Once the disposal is no longer grinding, turn the faucet on and allow the water to run for at least 30 seconds.
Begin using these tips in the kitchen today. Doing so will help keep odors at bay. Your family will appreciate this and you will enjoy spending time in the kitchen once again.