Proven methods and means of cleaning the kitchen: perfect cleanliness is guaranteed. How and with what to clean the countertop in the kitchen? Clean kitchen counters

Cleaning the kitchen is serious business. Prepare your rubber gloves and enthusiasm - in this article we will tell you how to clean the kitchen at home easily and safely for finishing facades, countertops and aprons (including wooden ones!).

But before you start choosing a recipe, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the following universal rules and recommendations that are relevant for both painted/unpainted wooden kitchens and laminated, varnished, plastic facades made of MDF and chipboard.

• For those in a hurry, we advise you to go straight to the recipes using the quick navigation (at the beginning of the article).

• The most important rule is: ALWAYS test the cleaner on an inconspicuous area before cleaning your kitchen. Treat it, then wipe clean and dry, wait 1-2 minutes and evaluate whether the color of the coating has changed, whether the shine has disappeared, etc.
• Fatty coating on kitchen furniture is a mixture of dust with fumes and a tiny suspension of fat that are formed during cooking. The older the plaque, the more difficult it is to get rid of it. Therefore, the optimal schedule for “general” cleaning of the kitchen from grease is 1-2 times a year, “major” cleaning is every 2 months using mild products and, of course, when the need arises.
• To clear hard to reach places, cracks or decorative finishing use toothbrush, soaked in the cleaning product from our article. You can also clean narrow crevices with a knife wrapped in cloth.

• Do not use harsh abrasives; only baking soda, a soft toothbrush, or the hard side of a regular foam sponge are acceptable. This is especially true for wooden kitchens, as well as any painted furniture without a top protective coating.
• When cleaning the kitchen, it is better to use a new sponge with a clean abrasive side. An old, greasy sponge can do even more damage.
• At the end of cleaning, it is advisable to wipe the kitchen: clean with a damp microfiber cloth and dry with a clean, dry microfiber cloth. This way you will avoid streaks and residues of the cleaning product itself.
• When cleaning the kitchen, pay special attention to the cabinets above the stove.

Method 1. Express cleaning and polishing for advanced cases (soda + vegetable oil)

PURPOSE: wooden UNpainted kitchens and countertops (coated with matte varnish, oil, wax, polish, any impregnations), varnished and laminated kitchens made of MDF and chipboard, aprons made of any materials.

This recipe is especially helpful if you need to bring it back to life. old kitchen or countertop for minimal time and money.

• With its help, you can, firstly, easily remove tightly adhered drops of fat, plaque and stains. Secondly, to “seal” the pores of the wood, protect it from moisture and dirt. And thirdly, to give the facades a natural shine and brightness. Basically this old one home recipe Replaces both cleaning agent and furniture polish.

WITH CAUTION: painted wooden kitchens and light wooden kitchens (oil may yellow slightly).

CLEANING FREQUENCY: It is important that cleaning with soda-oil is carried out regularly - at least every 2 months. The fact is that oil tends to oxidize and lose protective properties, may vary in color.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Step 1. Mix 1.5 tablespoons of baking soda with 1 tablespoon vegetable oil(can be used in more in a ratio of 1.5:1).

Step 2. Apply the resulting “scrub” to contaminated surfaces, focusing special attention cabinets in the stove area. The soda will crumble a little, and the oil will be absorbed like polish. You will see that the tree will become cleaner and a little brighter before your eyes.

Step 3: Wipe treated areas with a clean, damp microfiber or soft cloth.

Step 4. Wipe the remaining cabinets from dust and light dirt with a damp cloth. If necessary, you can treat the entire kitchen with an oil-soda solution.

Method 2. How to remove local stains, grease and dirt (6% vinegar + warm water)

INTENDED USE: For all types of surfaces, but with caution for wooden surfaces.

CLEANING FREQUENCY:

INSTRUCTIONS:

Add 6% vinegar to warm water in a 1:1 ratio, then remove dirt with a sponge or spray the product from a spray bottle, wipe the treated area clean with a damp cloth. Finally, dry the surface dry soft cloth or a microfiber cloth.

Method 3. Universal recipe for deep and thorough cleaning (6% vinegar + isopropyl alcohol)

PURPOSE: For spring cleaning old grease and other complex contaminants of painted and unpainted wooden kitchens, laminated, varnished, plastic glossy facades made of MDF and chipboard, all types of countertops and aprons.

CLEANING FREQUENCY: 1-2 times a year.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Step 1. Mix 6% vinegar with rubbing alcohol (isopropyl) alcohol in a 7:1 ratio and add a few drops of liquid soap to the solution.

Rubbing isopropyl alcohol can be purchased at outlets that sell printer supplies, companies that sell fiber optics, and specialty online stores. You should not experiment with other types of alcohol.

Step 2: Wipe the cabinets with the mixture using a microfiber cloth.

Step 3: Now wipe the kitchen clean with a cloth soaked in warm water.

Step 4. Finally, rub all surfaces with a special oil for wooden furniture, which contains beeswax. This action will “seal” the pores and protect your kitchen from stains, dirt, moisture and grease for a long time.

Method 4. Ammonia + warm water

INTENDED USE: For all types of surfaces, but with great caution for wooden surfaces.

CLEANING FREQUENCY: if necessary, but not more often than once every two to three months.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Add to warm water ammonia in a 1:1 ratio, then remove dirt with a sponge or spray the product from a spray bottle, wipe the treated area clean with a damp cloth. Finally, dry the surface with a dry soft cloth or microfiber cloth.

Method 6. How to remove burnt dark stains from cigarettes (linseed oil)

PURPOSE: To remove burns on unpainted wooden facades, countertops or aprons.

CLEANING FREQUENCY: If necessary.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Rub into the stain linseed oil using a soft, clean cloth until it disappears.

Method 7. Removing stains and scratches (6% vinegar + vegetable oil)

PURPOSE: For rubbing out small scratches, removing grease and stains from wooden kitchen furniture, countertops and splashbacks.

CLEANING FREQUENCY: If necessary and with caution.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Rub a mixture of vinegar and vegetable oil (diluted 1:1) into the scratches using a soft, clean cloth until the scratches disappear.

Method 8. Removing difficult stains (6% vinegar + salt)

INSTRUCTIONS:

Make a creamy paste from vinegar and salt. Dip a toothbrush into the toothpaste and lightly scrub the stained area. Rinse off the paste clean water and dry with a clean towel.

Method 9. Removing difficult stains (soda + damp sponge)

PURPOSE: To remove difficult and stubborn stains such as berry juice, ketchup or chocolate from wooden kitchen furniture, countertops and aprons.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Simply sprinkle some baking soda on a damp sponge and rub the stain. You can also use a soft toothbrush.

Yellow spots on a light-colored countertop can first be lightened with the help of such household products, like "Fairy" or "Pemolux". After they turn pale, Domestos or Mister Muscle should be applied to the spots, but it is not advisable to use them often. Also, the stained surface of a light-colored countertop can be washed with regular soda. To do this, you need to lightly wet the countertop, sprinkle soda on the stains and wipe it off with a hard sponge after ten minutes.

In the kitchen, it is preferable to use natural cleaners because they do not contain chemicals - unlike household cleaners.

A product such as Cilit BANG, which should be applied to the contaminated surface and rinsed off after thirty minutes, has proven itself to be excellent for cleaning light-colored kitchen countertops. It easily removes stains from both countertops and gas stoves, cabins and other utensils. The only disadvantages of Cilit BANG are its expensive cost and chemical composition - otherwise, it does its job quickly and effectively.

Housewives also often get rid of stains on light countertops using lemon, vinegar, salt or ammonia, which are applied to the dirty area and wiped with a damp cloth. However, with old, stubborn stains, such methods will not give noticeable results.

Original ways to clean kitchen furniture

Unusual products can be used to clean and polish countertops with light surfaces. So, on them after washing traditional ways You can apply “extra virgin” or “auto-gloss” wax, which must be rubbed after drying. They camouflage well minor defects or scratches on the surface, and will also help remove various contaminants and prevent the appearance of new ones.

For black stone countertops, black shoe polish can be used for cleaning and polishing.

When using products containing wax, you should remember that they may turn the light-colored stone yellow. To prevent this from happening, any remaining product must be removed using special solution To remove wax, wash the countertop with water and neutral soap, and then polish it again.

Also good effect An aerosol product intended for cleaning wood can also be used, since it also contains various waxes. Get rid of stains and streaks of various origins Window cleaning liquid will also help.

Although granite countertops are very popular, some people do not know how to properly clean and care for the stone surface. Hard granite is susceptible to contamination and you will gradually remove the protective surface layer if you use the wrong cleaning product. Wipe up spills immediately and then use a special granite cleaner or homemade mixture to clean and disinfect the countertop. If protective coating wears off (usually this happens after 2–3 years), apply new layer to protect the tabletop from dirt.

Steps

Cleaning and disinfection

Use warm water and dishwashing detergent to wipe. Fill a sink or small bucket with warm water. It is best to use warm water to clean granite. Add some liquid mild dish soap and stir the water lightly until it dissolves.

• The exact proportion is not important. Just make sure the water becomes a little soapy.

1. Wipe the countertop once a day with a clean white cloth. To clear the countertop, remove everything from it. household appliances and dishes. Soak a rag in aqueous solution dishwashing detergent, then squeeze out excess water. Wipe off all crumbs and other food debris from the countertop.

   Mix alcohol with water to disinfect countertops. Fill a spray bottle with water and 91 percent isopropyl alcohol in a 1:1 ratio. Screw on the cap and gently shake the bottle to mix the alcohol with the water.

2. Spray the countertop with a disinfectant solution every few days. Use a spray bottle to spray the solution evenly over the surface. Apply the solution to the entire countertop and do not skip individual areas. Wait 3-5 minutes for the disinfectant solution to take effect.

   • You don't have to leave the solution on the countertop if you don't intend to disinfect it.

3. Dry the countertop after wiping off the solution. Dip the rag into the soapy water again. Wipe down the countertop to remove any disinfectant solution. If desired, you can then wipe the countertop with a cloth soaked in clean water.

   • Wipe the countertop with a dry cloth to give it a shine.

4. Do not use acidic cleaners on granite surfaces. Products containing ammonia, vinegar or lemon juice contain acid and can damage granite. However, you can use citrus fruits essential oils, as they have a neutral pH level.

   Removing splashes and stains

   1. Blot up any spilled liquid with a paper towel. If you spill something on the countertop, immediately blot up the liquid with a paper towel. Do not rub the liquid over the surface. Even plain water may leave stains on the granite, so the liquid should be removed immediately.

      • Use a clean paper towel to avoid further contaminating the surface. You can also use a clean microfiber cloth.

   2. Use hot water and some dish soap to clean up spills. Fill a mug or heatproof cup with hot water. Add a few drops of mild dish soap and stir the water until it dissolves. Pour some solution onto the stained area and wipe it off with a clean microfiber cloth.

      • Repeat until you get rid of the stain.

   3. Use a baking soda paste to remove the oil stain. Take a small cup and use a spoon to mix three parts baking soda and one part water. Apply the resulting paste to the contaminated area and rub it with a clean cloth.

      • This mixture will also help remove old oil stains.

   4. Try removing juice or water stains with hydrogen peroxide. If the liquid has left a stain on your countertop, mix three parts hydrogen peroxide to one part water. Pour the solution onto the dirty area and rub it with a clean rag.

      • Rub the solution in light circular motions.

   5. Wipe the surface with water. Dampen a clean rag with water and rinse off any remaining cleaner from the granite surface. Wipe down the countertop until all dirt and cleaner are removed.

      • Wipe the countertop with a dry microfiber cloth to remove any remaining water.

   Protective layer to prevent stains

   1. Check the protective coating. Splash water on the granite surface and see how it behaves. If the water beads up, the coating is intact. If water spreads over the surface, it’s time to renew the protective coating.

      • The coating protects the granite surface from chips and stains.

   2. Clean and dry the countertop thoroughly. Use a cleaner specifically designed for granite. You can buy it at the store or make it yourself from alcohol, dishwashing detergent and clean water.

      • Wipe the countertop with cleaner, followed by a clean microfiber cloth dampened with warm water.
      • Wipe the countertop with a dry, clean microfiber cloth.

   3. Wait until the surface is completely dry after cleaning before covering it. protective layer. Even though you've wiped up the water, it's best to let the countertop dry completely. Wait 10-15 minutes for all the moisture to evaporate from the granite before moving on to the next step.

      • The protective layer will adhere less well to the granite surface if it is wet.

   4. Spray the sealant evenly over the surface of the granite. Make sure it covers the entire surface of the granite. It is best to use a spray can for this. After you apply the sealant, buff it with a clean microfiber cloth to evenly coat the entire surface.

      • Use a granite "penetration" sealer that penetrates into the stone. This sealant can be purchased at a hardware store or ordered online.
      • After 15 minutes, wipe off any excess sealant.

   5. The next day, apply a second coat. To properly seal the countertop with a protective layer, apply the sealant again. After one day, wipe the countertop again to keep it clean and wait for it to dry. Spray and rub in a second coat of sealant. After 15 minutes, wipe off any excess sealant.

      • You can do without the second layer. However, it will provide a more uniform and durable protective coating.

Oily spots on kitchen surfaces– a normal phenomenon. During cooking, they can end up in the most unexpected places. Sometimes you even have to wash the ceiling. But you can’t use the first product that catches your eye. It is important to consider what material the surfaces are made of so as not to harm their appearance. Cleaning your kitchen of grease is very easy if you do it right.

As a rule, the parts closest to the cooking area suffer the most from fat. And this role is always occupied by kitchen furniture. It is made from several popular materials, each of which has its own characteristics. It is worth considering kitchens made of MDF, wood and plastic.

How and with what to wash kitchen facades - video:

How to work with MDF

MDF kitchens are distinguished by the beautiful and durable material from which the surfaces are made. They require a thorough approach to cleaning, as they can be easily damaged. There are three ways to wash them from fat.

Mustard

A specially hand-prepared paste will allow you to wash away old grease from your favorite kitchen furniture. This method can also be used for household appliances and stone coverings.

How to achieve the result:

1. Mix some mustard powder with water to form a thick mass.
2. Apply it to all problem areas for a few minutes.
3. Carefully remove any residue with a soft cloth soaked in warm water.

All the fat will remain on the rag. Therefore, you should only take fabric that can be thrown away.

A popular means of getting rid of contaminants since ancient times is ammonia. He is capable of providing negative impact for some materials, but in this case he is harmless.

What to do:

1. Dilute a liter of water with a spoon of ammonia.
2. Fill a spray bottle with them.
3. Spray onto all stained areas.
4. Blot with a dry cloth.

This method cannot be used to clean glossy kitchen, as this may cause unsightly liquid marks to form.

Alcohol, vinegar, lemon

Ideal for modular kitchens with glossy finishes, which is suitable for white. It won't even harm the material low quality which makes it practically universal remedy removing dirt from kitchen cabinets and other surfaces.

How to proceed:

1. Mix equal parts of vinegar, alcohol and lemon juice or grated zest.
2. Blot with a soft cloth and wash off all dirty marks.
3. Wipe with a clean cloth.

How and with what to clean a wooden kitchen

Cleaning a kitchen made of wood is no more difficult than any other. You just need to use certain tools that are suitable specifically for it.

Oil, soda

Combination of vegetable oil with baking soda copes well with various contaminants, ridding the kitchen of plaque or other contaminants.

How to wash:

1. Mix oil and soda in a ratio of 1 to 2.
2. Distribute throughout all contaminated areas.
3. Treat with a sponge without hard fibers.
4. Rinse off with a damp cloth after 10 minutes.

If cleaned wooden kitchen If such actions do not work the first time, you can repeat them. Also, instead of this mixture, you can use lemon slices, which you need to wipe all the necessary places and wait ten minutes before rinsing.

Baking powder, known to all chefs, instantly cleans countertops and other furniture. You will need a volume of powder that is enough to cover all dirty spots.

Application:

1. Dilute the powder slightly with water to obtain a thick paste.
2. Rinse all areas with it.
3. Wipe with a napkin.

Classic medical alcohol can be used according to the same instructions.

How to wash a plastic kitchen

Removing grease from kitchen furniture made from plastic should be done with extreme caution. The top layer, as a rule, consists of “delicate” materials that can receive significant damage from many substances.

Soap

It's safest to use regular soap. It is advisable to give preference children's version, because it does not contain harmful additives that could damage kitchen set made of plastic or other surfaces.

How to wash:

1. Dissolve enough soap in warm water until the mixture is fairly cloudy and fairly “soapy.”
2. Wash all surfaces with dirt using a soft cloth.
3. Wipe with a dry cloth.

This method will help to clean the kitchen not only from plastic, but also works great with acrylic or PVC.

Special means

Exists large number specialized substances that are designed to clean plastic. They are also the most effective and safe for the kitchen.

How to use:

1. Moisten a soft sponge with the product.
2. Wash all dirty surfaces.

If the instructions provide for a different procedure, then you should rely on it.

Features of washing walls

Often, grease ends up not only on furniture located near the cooking area, but also on the walls. The process of cleaning them depends on what kind of coating they have:

• Tile – almost any product will do that won’t cause mechanical damage(scratches when washed);
• Paint – all products that do not contain alcohol or solvents are acceptable;
• Wallpaper - only dry contact is allowed (with a regular rag or sponge) for paper, and for vinyl or non-woven wallpaper you can use “soft” products;
• Whitewashing – it is advisable to use dry cleaning only.

If the coating is made of other materials, then maximum care should be taken so as not to damage appearance kitchens using folk remedies.

Household appliances, flooring, and other surfaces

Other surfaces suffer just as often from the effects of cooking. Most of them are allowed to use any method, with the exception of rare materials that require a special approach. If you need to wash ordinary household appliances or the floor, then you can safely choose any method.

Paper towels

The best solution for absolutely any surface is a clean paper towel. It cannot harm any objects, with extremely rare exceptions.

How to use:

1. Prepare one towel.
2. Moisten it with warm water.
3. Wipe every contaminated area.

If you need to remove a fresh stain of grease or other dirt, then this ideal option, which will instantly solve the problem.

Soap, soda

You can remove grease from most surfaces yourself using baking soda and soap. This is an ideal option for household appliances and dishes.

How to clean:

1. Rub the soap into small pieces and add a small amount of water.
2. Blot the sponge and wipe off all the dirt.
3. Pour baking soda onto a sponge and wipe the dirty surface.
4. After 20 minutes, rinse with a soft, damp cloth.

This product cannot be used when cleaning varnish or glossy coatings, as they can be scratched by soda granules.

Regular hydrogen peroxide, which is available in every pharmacy, will help remove grease, soot and other contaminants.

How to use:

1. Mix a small amount of peroxide with baking soda to form a thick mixture similar to sour cream.
2. Apply it to all areas that need to be washed for half an hour.
3. Use a brush to remove everything that has “moved away” from the surface.
4. Wipe with a damp cloth.

This method, like the previous one, is not applicable for varnish or glossy coatings due to the risk of damaging top layer material.

Melamine sponge

A melamine sponge will help clean all surfaces without streaks. It is quite dangerous for some surfaces, because it is a rather hard material. Nevertheless, it is extremely effective.

What to do:

1. Moisten a sponge with a small amount of water and squeeze lightly.
2. Wipe off all traces of fat.
3. Remove grains with a soft cloth.

In cases where the stains are very small, it is best to cut off a corresponding piece from the sponge and use it to clean off the dirt.

Steam cleaners

This method is applicable to most surfaces. The only exceptions are those that cannot be wet. Steam cleaners not only allow you to easily clean any type of kitchen dirt, but also disinfect the entire kitchen, making it as safe as possible for humans.

How to use:

1. Start the device.
2. Apply steam to problem areas one by one, while simultaneously cleaning them with a soft cloth.

After this, you can additionally apply any of the above methods. This will improve efficiency.

Household chemicals

Kitchen cleaning can be done using special chemical compositions. All of them are produced in factories, but are first carefully tested for effectiveness and safety. This is why many people prefer this method. Each product has a unique purpose, which depends on the type of material, the type of contamination requiring removal, the speed of exposure, as well as the effect on humans, for which the likelihood of allergic reactions is taken into account.

How to clean the kitchen:

1. Moisten a soft sponge with the product. If it requires dissolving, then do it.
2. Remove existing dirt.
3. Wipe items with a dry cloth.

When using such products, you should follow the instructions on the packaging. It is also very important to wear rubber gloves and protective mask, if necessary.

A great way to clean kitchen grease - video:

Conclusions

Cleaning any kitchen from grease or other types of dirt is a completely simple task. You just need to approach the matter responsibly and do everything possible following the instructions. The result will be pleasantly surprising.