Get matched with top cleaning & maid services pros in Moriches, NY

Bleach isn’t the best choice to use while cleaning a refrigerator. Food absorbs odors, and bleach is known for its lingering smell, which can then lead to your fresh foods tasting off. Most people don’t safely dilute bleach, either. If you’re concerned about bacteria or mold from contaminated food, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends using a bleach solution of 1 tablespoon of bleach to 1 gallon of water for sanitizing. Be sure to let the fridge air out for an hour or more afterward to let the fumes dissipate.

Add cleaning your stovetop to your weekly kitchen cleaning checklist. Make sure to wipe down any spills after cooking, and once the stove is cool to the touch and it’s safe to do so. This maintenance will ensure your stovetop and its burners are easy to clean and eliminate caked-on, hard-to-scrub food residue.

As a general rule, you should clean your oven at least every three months, though this depends on how often you use it and the amount of residue buildup. A clear sign that your oven needs cleaning is if you notice smoke or a burning smell during use. Many ovens have a self-cleaning cycle, which heats the oven to an extreme temperature. If you use this feature, stay home while it runs and consider ventilating the room, as it can create smoke. For manual cleaning, you can make a paste of baking soda and water or use white vinegar before resorting to harsher, store-bought oven cleaners.

If it’s been a while between cleanings, then further elbow grease is needed. To help with caked- on stains, create a solution of distilled vinegar and water, then soak the rough side of the sponge and scrub.