5 Tips for Sparkling Kitchen

Is your kitchen the heart of your home, but it's lost some of its sparkle? From daily cooking to family gatherings, kitchen surfaces can get messy fast. Don't worry, you don't need harsh chemicals to get it looking brand new again. Here are 5 professional tips from our team at BizNest Cleaning to make your kitchen shine. 

Tip 1  The Secret to Streak-Free Stainless Steel 

(No Fancy Cleaners Needed!)

Tired of streaks and smudges on your beautiful stainless steel appliances? You don't need to spend money on expensive, specialized cleaners. The key to a perfect, fingerprint-free shine is simpler than you think – just two good quality microfiber cloths and a little warm water. This method works wonders here in Calgary, helping to minimize those stubborn hard water spots.

Tip 2 Conquering Stovetop Grease the Natural Way

The stovetop is a magnet for grease and spills, but you don't need aggressive chemicals to win the battle. A powerful, eco-friendly cleaning solution is likely already in your pantry. This method works on electric coil, gas, and most glass or ceramic cooktops.

For Light, Daily Cleaning:

Your best first defense after cooking is simple. Just use a soft cloth dampened with warm, soapy water (a few drops of regular dish soap is perfect). Wiping down the surface after it has cooled prevents grease from building up over time.

For Tough, Cooked-On Grease

When you're faced with stubborn, built-up grime, it's time to bring out the secret weapon: baking soda.

1. Create the Cleaning Paste
   In a small bowl, mix about a half-cup of baking soda with a few tablespoons of warm water. Stir until you have a thick, spreadable paste, similar to the consistency of frosting.

2. Apply the Paste
   Carefully apply a generous layer of the baking soda paste directly onto the tough, greasy spots. Don't be shy – make sure the entire problem area is covered. Avoid getting the paste inside any gas burner openings or electrical elements.

3. Let it Work its Magic
   This is the most important step. Let the paste sit undisturbed for at least 15-20 minutes. The baking soda needs time to break down and loosen the grease, so patience is key.

4. Scrub Gently
   Take a non-abrasive sponge or a soft cloth, dampen it with warm water, and begin to gently scrub the area in a circular motion. You'll feel the grime start to lift away easily without hard scouring.

5. Wipe Clean
   Use a clean, damp cloth to wipe away all the paste and residue. You may need to rinse your cloth a few times to get the surface completely clean.

6. Final Polish (for Glass/Ceramic)
   If you have a glass or ceramic cooktop, you can give it a final polish with a spray of equal parts water and white vinegar, then buff it dry with a clean microfiber cloth for a perfect, streak-free shine.

Here is the step-by-step process for a fresh, odor-free drain:

Apply Baking Soda
Begin by pouring approximately one half-cup of baking soda directly into the sink drain.

Add White Vinegar
Follow the baking soda by slowly pouring one cup of white vinegar down the drain. You will notice a fizzing reaction as the two ingredients combine. This foaming action is what helps to scrub the inside of your pipes, breaking down grime and food buildup. Allow this solution to sit and work for about 10-15 minutes.

Flush with Hot Water
After letting the solution sit, flush the drain thoroughly with hot water for one to two minutes. This will wash away all the loosened debris, leaving your drain clear and fresh.

Bonus Tip for a Lasting Fresh Scent

For an extra touch of freshness, you can use leftover citrus peels. Simply place a few lemon or orange peels into your garbage disposal (if you have one) and run it with cold water for about 15 seconds. The natural oils in the peels will release a pleasant, clean citrus scent in your kitchen.

Tip 4 Choose the Right Cleaner for Your Countertop

Using the wrong cleaning product on your kitchen countertops can cause permanent damage, especially to natural stone. What works for one surface might be harmful to another. Here’s a simple guide to ensure you’re always using the right product to protect your investment and keep your counters looking beautiful for years to come.

For Natural Stone (Granite, Marble, Quartzite)

• The Rule: Never use acidic or harsh chemicals. This includes vinegar, lemon juice, bleach, and ammonia-based cleaners (like many window cleaners). These acids will eat away at the sealant that protects your stone, leaving it dull and vulnerable to stains.

• The Right Choice: Always use a cleaner specifically formulated for stone or one that is labeled "pH-neutral." A simple solution of a few drops of mild dish soap in warm water is also a safe and effective option for daily wipe-downs.

• The Calgary Factor: Here in Calgary, our hard water can leave mineral deposits (white, chalky spots) on surfaces. Using a pH-neutral cleaner and immediately drying the counter with a soft, dry cloth can help prevent these spots from forming on your sealed stone countertops.

For Engineered Stone (Quartz)

• The Rule: Quartz is non-porous and highly durable, but you should still avoid harsh, abrasive cleaners or scouring pads, which can dull the surface over time.

• The Right Choice: A soft cloth with a mild all-purpose cleaner or a simple mixture of dish soap and water is perfect for daily cleaning. For tougher spots, a bit of rubbing alcohol on a cloth can be effective.

For Laminate Countertops

• The Rule: Laminate is very resilient, but avoid using abrasive powders or scrubbers that can scratch the surface.

• The Right Choice: Most all-purpose kitchen cleaners are perfectly safe for laminate. A cloth with warm, soapy water is also a great choice. There's no need for expensive, specialized products here.

Tip 5 Effortlessly Steam Clean Your Microwave

Food splatters inside a microwave can become tough and caked-on over time. Instead of spending time and energy scrubbing, you can make the microwave do most of the work for you with a simple steam clean. This chemical-free method softens even the most stubborn grime, allowing you to wipe it away with zero effort.

Here’s the simple, step-by-step process:

1. Create Your Cleaning Solution: Find a microwave-safe bowl. Fill it with about one cup of water and add either a few tablespoons of white vinegar or a few slices of fresh lemon. Both vinegar and lemon are excellent natural cleaning and deodorizing agents.
   
   

2. Generate the Steam: Place the bowl inside the microwave. Heat it on high for 3 to 4 minutes, or until the liquid comes to a strong boil and you can see the inside of the microwave window getting steamy.
   
   

3. Let the Steam Work: This is the most important step. Do not open the microwave door. Leave the door closed for at least 5 minutes after the timer goes off. This traps the hot steam inside, where it will soften and loosen all the cooked-on food particles from the top, bottom, and sides of the microwave.
   
   

4. Wipe It Away: After letting it steam, carefully remove the hot bowl (use an oven mitt if necessary). Take a clean, damp cloth or sponge and simply wipe down the entire interior. The grime and splatters will come away effortlessly, with no hard scrubbing required.