Kitchen Basics

The Biggest Kitchen Cleaning Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)

Last updated on June 12, 2020 by Food Network Canada Editors

You know all that constant scrubbing you're doing in the kitchen? Well, you might be doing it all wrong. Here are 10 kitchen items that you've (probably) been cleaning improperly this whole time. But don't worry: we offer up easy hacks for quick cleans done right!

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Dishes

<p> You probably think you're being efficient by cramming as many plates, glasses and cutlery into your <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/cleaning-and-organization/photos/14-dishwashing-mistakes-youre-probably-making-1898483/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">dishwasher</a> as humanly possible. Instead, alternate placing spoons with the handles up and down, but keep forks with their tines pointing upward. Also, never stack items one on top of the other, because the water won't be able to reach the ones on the top of the stack. Another tip: place the dirtiest items on the bottom rack, facing the centre of the dishwasher, so they get the maximum force of the spray arm. You can also check out these <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/kitchens/photos/things-you-didnt-know-dishwasher-could-do-1926172/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">things you probably didn't know your dishwasher could do</a>. </p>
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Microwaves

<p> If your microwave emits an unpleasant odour every time you open the door, put down the spray cleaner and grab a lemon. That's right, you can clean and deodorize a microwave by placing a 3/4 cup of water with a couple tablespoons of lemon juice (or slices) inside the microwave. Heat it up until it boils and then let it sit inside for 10 minutes without opening the door. Then, wipe away any grunge with a clean, damp cloth and dry with a dry one, resulting in a clean, stink-free microwave. Discover more <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/cleaning-and-organization/photos/quick-and-easy-hacks-to-clean-your-microwave-in-minutes-1925540/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">quick and easy hacks for cleaning your microwave</a>. </p>
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Stovetop Burner Grates

<p> It's a fact of life that burner grates are going to get messy, what will all the grease and caked-on grunge that can accumulate during the course of everyday cooking. Instead of trying to just scrub it off, place each burner grate in a resealable freezer bag, spritz liberally with ammonia (about a quarter-cup) and then seal up the bag. Let it sit overnight (in a bin or large container, in case the bags leak). Make sure they're sealed tight, as it is the fumes, not the liquid, that does the cleaning. Then, remove from the bags and (wearing rubber gloves, in a well-ventilated area) wipe clean with a sponge and watch all that gunk come right off — no scrubbing required! </p>
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Ovens

<p> If you use commercial spray-on oven cleaners or the oven's self-cleaning cycle and still aren't satisfied with its level of cleanliness, try this: mix baking soda with water until you create a thick paste, then spread this stuff on the inside of your oven. Let it sit overnight (a minimum of 12 hours, or longer if you can) and wipe it off with a wet rag, which will also remove all the baked-on gunk. If any baking soda residue remains, pour some white vinegar into a spray bottle and spritz — then wipe away with a wet rag. Turn on the oven at a very low temperature for about 15-20 minutes to dry. Learn more about <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/kitchens/photos/how-to-clean-oven-quickly-inside-out-1933545/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">how to clean an oven quickly, inside and out</a>. </p>
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Coffee Makers

<p> Has your <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/things-you-didnt-know-morning-coffee/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">morning cup of coffee</a> been tasting a little funky lately? That's probably because it's time to clean the coffee maker, but don't even think about simply shoving the coffee pot in the dishwasher. Your best bet to de-gunk your coffee maker is to fill it with a solution of one part vinegar and two parts water, and run it through a brewing cycle. </p>
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Blenders

<p> If you're like most people, you probably clean your blender by running it through the dishwasher, yet there's an easier and far more effective way to do it. Simply pour in some water and dish detergent, and puree, thereby letting the blender clean itself by doing what it's supposed to do. Once clean, give it a rinse and you're all set. </p>
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Cheese Graters

<p> Have you ever tried to clean a grater after shredding cheese, only to cause your sponge to become all gummed up with cheese goo? Here's a better way to do it: simply shred a potato with the dirty grater, which will remove all the cheesy detritus from the holes, while saving your sponge. As a bonus, you're halfway to making a batch of tasty cheesy <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/spiced-mustard-hash-browns/19157/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">hash browns</a>! </p>
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Cast Iron

<p> It can be tempting to dunk your sticky cast iron in the dish water and scrub away, but they key to keeping your iron pan in tip top condition is to wash it on its own. A teeny bit soap and water is OK to get grease off a well-seasoned pan, but some coarse sea salt is a better to get the grime off. Be sure to rinse and dry your pan quickly, to prevent rust. </p>
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Baking Sheets

<p> If your once-shiny metal baking sheets are now brown and nasty-looking, don't despair. Scrubbing won't help, but a little hydrogen peroxide and baking soda will. Simply apply a paste baking soda and hydrogen peroxide to the pan, and let it sit. Later, wipe it off and get ready to be amazed by the shiny like-new baking sheet that was hiding beneath the baked-on grunge. Find more of <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/baking/photos/top-chocolate-chip-cookie-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">our top chocolate chip cookie recipes for a better week ahead</a>. </p>
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Cutting Boards

<p> Sure, soap and water will clean a wooden cutting board, but when you need to give it a deep clean to remove serious stains (say, from slicing beets), try cleaning it with a little salt and lemon. Sprinkle salt over the board, slice a lemon in half and use it to rub the salt into the board. One thing to avoid: cleaning a wooden cutting board in the dishwasher, which can cause it to warp, dry out and even split. </p>
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