8 Simple Kitchen Cleaning Hacks
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Living with a chronic illness can make everyday tasks more challenging. Cleaning your kitchen is no exception – it’s hard enough to console yourself into tidying up without extra obstacles getting in the way. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Check out these 8 handy kitchen cleaning hacks specifically designed for people living with a chronic illness to help make your cleaning routine much easier and less of a burden. So grab a cup of coffee (or tea!), read through our tips – then let us know which ones worked best for you!
Table of Contents
8 Kitchen Cleaning Hacks for People with a Chronic Illness
Invest in a few helpful tools
There are many different tools that you can purchase to help in keeping a kitchen clean. You can purchase a good steam mop for the floors. Another option is a robotic vacuum. The robotic vacuum depending on the model you purchase can be used on all of your floors, including the carpet.
I recently moved into an efficiency apartment so I do not have much carpet to vacuum. I would love a robotic vacuum but I do not have the space for it.
Invest in small-space saving storage containers
Having small containers keeps everything neat and organized. My kitchen is very small. Most of my cupboards are high up and I have trouble reaching them. I do have a step stool but with my mobility issues, I don’t feel safe always using it. One thing I did do and it helps a lot is to put my spices in a small plastic bin. The bin sits on top of my microwave. When I am cooking I just grab the bin and look for the particular spice I need. I tend to use the same spices for all my recipes so it helps.
Use natural cleaning products
We all know that some cleaning products can be toxic. You can use common household products to clean such as baking soda and vinegar. Lemon juice also is a great all-nature cleaning product, plus it smells great! They are great for people with allergies or sensitivities. I have asthma and when I use anything with strong fumes, I have an asthma attack.
An easy way to use them is with a spray bottle and some warm water. You can easily clean the kitchen sink, and kitchen cabinets that way.
One of my favorite companies that makes a non-toxic, all-natural cleaner is Force of Nature. It is so easy to use and smells great!
Create a regular cleaning schedule
A cleaning schedule does not need to be set in stone. Some schedules are for example laundry on Mondays, floors on Tuesdays, etc. You can create this type of schedule, or you can simply make a list of what needs to be done weekly and do the tasks as you have enough energy to do them.
This also works for deep cleaning of the entire home. I actually have a great printable for deep cleaning the house. It is broken down into a list of daily, weekly, and monthly.
Encourage your family to provide assistance.
We all love to be as independent as we can. This is especially true when we are living with a chronic illness. We only have so many spoons in a day to do everything we need to do. If you have family members that you live with…have them help you with keeping a clean kitchen.
If you happen to live alone, like I do, you can ask for help from family and friends. Do not hesitate to reach out to your loved ones when you need help. They are probably looking for ways to help you and don’t know how.
Rely on shortcuts
There are a variety of shortcuts you can use. An old toothbrush is great for getting into the grout around my stainless steel sink. Instead of using a paper towel to clean up messes, I have a stash of sponges with one side is a scouring pad and a dry cloth. Both help the environment and help to save money. That is a win-win in my book.
A microfiber cloth is great for when doing the dishes as well. I have a dish rack, but I do not have a drain board for it. Instead, I just put one of the soft cloth towels under it to soak up the water. It is important that you use a clean cloth every time you do the dishes if you use this method.
Spend 15 minutes cleaning up any messes/spills.
Using a damp cloth is an easy way to clean up messes quickly. It can also be used on your kitchen appliances and your cabinets. If you wipe up any messes quickly, then you don’t have to worry about any stubborn stains because things won’t sit to make the stains in the first place.
It is ok to take a break after cooking, before cleaning up any spills. I am a very messy cook, (think of the Swedish chef from the muppets). so there are spills all over the super small counter space that I have. I always need to sit and relax for a bit after I cook. I don’t sit too long so that there are tough stains to deal with.
It should only take you about 15 minutes or less to clean up any spills. I also use this time to presoak my dirty dishes so that they are easier to wash when it’s time to do so. I presoak my pots/pans after the food is done as well. No one likes trying to wash baked-on food.
Another one of my favorite kitchen cleaning hacks is about cleaning anything with glass. Did you know you can use an old newspaper to clean glass, such as your windows? The newspaper prevents streaks and no, the ink does not transfer to the window. This can be done to your mirrors as well.
Store your cleaning supplies in one place
Keeping a kitchen clean can be done easier and faster when you have all of your supplies in one place. Having all of your supplies handy saves you time and energy from finding them all. Just remember to keep any cleaning supplies with harsh chemicals out of the reach of children and pets. Even if you use friendly alternatives to commercial cleaning supplies they should be out of reach.
How to clean with a little vinegar
So now we know some kitchen cleaning hacks. I mentioned using natural solutions such as vinegar, but you may not know how to use it. The following are some tips and information on how to use vinegar for cleaning. You can use it for more than just keeping a clean kitchen.
In what ways is vinegar useful for cleaning purposes?
Say goodbye to soap scum and sticky spots with vinegar! Its acetic acid dissolves mineral deposits, disinfects surfaces, and makes them shine. Use it on glass and mirrors to remove fingermarks and tape residue. Plus, vinegar lifts soap scum on bathtubs and eliminates bad odors and mildew-causing bacteria. Try it today for a sparkling, bacteria-free clean!
What type of surface does vinegar remove stains from?
There are two different ways you can clean using vinegar: as a spray and as a dip/soak.
Spray: Perfect for ceramic tiles in bathrooms, kitchen worktops, and sinks. However, avoid contact with skin or clothes and make sure to wear protective gloves.
Dip/Soak: Say goodbye to stubborn stains on your towels and clothes with this powerful solution. Soak your textiles overnight for the best results.
Is vinegar associated with any risks or hazards?
Vinegar may seem harmless, but its pH level of 2-4 makes it rather acidic. Additionally, its mildly corrosive nature means it should be treated with care, just like bleach. Avoid pouring undiluted vinegar directly onto your skin, as it can cause irritation. If you do accidentally come into contact with it, be sure to wash the affected area immediately with soap and plenty of water.
Here are ten ways to use vinegar for cleaning.
1. Cleaning and disinfecting the bathroom
Transform your bathroom into a sparkling haven with a natural solution – vinegar! For the toilet bowl, just mix equal parts water and vinegar in a spray bottle and spritz away, then use old newspaper to scrub and top it off with a paper towel or cloth. Got clogged drains? Pour vinegar down the drain and follow it up with some boiling water. Want to add some punch? Add baking soda first before vinegar! Remember to be cautious and avoid getting scalded.
2. Unstick kitchen drawers.
Say goodbye to sticky kitchen drawers with this easy hack: a quick spritz of vinegar followed by a wipe with a cloth will banish grime and get things sliding smoothly again.
3. Clean your glass
Get crystal-clear windows and mirrors with vinegar! Just spray it on, wait for 15 minutes, and wipe it with newspaper. For an extra shine, mix 2 tablespoons of vinegar with water in a 500mL spray bottle and apply to your windows.
4. Polish your silverware
Make cleaning metal cutlery a breeze with vinegar! Simply soak the cutlery overnight in a bowl of vinegar and it will come out shiny (just remember to give it a good scrub). This method works great for all metal cutlery, even silver ones (although there may be some discoloration).
5. Use it to clean your refrigerator
Say goodbye to fridge odors and hello to freshness on a budget with this cleaning hack! Mix 1 tablespoon of vinegar and baking soda, then wipe down all areas of your fridge, including those pesky stains. Your fridge will be smelling clean and fresh in no time.
6. To prevent the growth of mold, take measures in your bathrooms and cupboards.
Say goodbye to pesky mold! Preventing future growth is easy with a vinegar solution. Simply pour 50mL of white vinegar into a spray bottle, add 500mL of water, and shake well. Spray the mixture through the showerhead or around bathroom cupboard corners to eliminate mold for good.
7. To make hardwood floors shiny, polish them.
Want to give your wood floors a shiny, polished look? Look no further than your pantry! Vinegar can do wonders, and using a 50/50 mix of water and white vinegar is all it takes. Just grab some old rags to wipe down the floor, making sure to get every nook and cranny. Bonus points for using a microfiber mop, but don’t forget to switch out the cleaning pads. Just be sure to pick a day when no one will be around to avoid the not-so-pleasant smell while drying. I actually like the smell of vinegar.
8. Laundry stain remover
Discover the powerful stain-removing properties of white vinegar! Effortlessly tackle pesky stains- old or new by dabbing a bit on and letting it sit for an hour before washing. For extra tough stains, like red wine, sprinkle on some baking soda beforehand. Your clothes will look and smell like new in no time!
9. Remove fabric-covered furniture odors
Say goodbye to that pesky fabric smell from your new furniture with this easy solution. Simply wipe equal parts vinegar over all areas, with extra attention to hard-to-reach spots like the inside and underneath. Let it sit for 5 minutes, then wipe it clean with a cloth or paper towel. Enjoy your fresh-smelling furniture!
10. Clean your wooden cutting board
Cleaning a wooden cutting board with vinegar is easy and effective. First, you should rinse off any food particles or other debris from the cutting board. Then, mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a bowl and dip a sponge into the solution. Rub the cut board with the dampened sponge in circular motions to clean it thoroughly. Finally, rinse off the vinegar solution with warm water and dry the board with a clean cloth. For extra disinfecting power, you can also sprinkle baking soda onto the cutting board before wiping it down with the vinegar solution. With regular cleaning and maintenance, your wooden cutting board will remain in top shape for years to come!
Living with a chronic illness can present unique challenges when it comes to cleaning the kitchen, but that doesn’t mean you have to give up on your tidiness. By investing in helpful tools, using natural and non-toxic cleaning products, creating a regular cleaning schedule, and enlisting help from family and friends, you can make your home a cleaner and more comfortable environment. With a little bit of effort and planning, you can make your kitchen cleaning routine much easier and less of a burden. So don’t be afraid to embrace these tips and tricks – they will help make your life much more manageable! What are some of your favorite kitchen cleaning hacks?
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