Spring is almost here and spring cleaning invariably comes to every home. The kitchen is one place that really needs a deep cleaning due to the sheer number of germs and bacteria that can otherwise accumulate on cookware, appliances, utensils, and countertops. If the kitchen is not cleaned properly, bacteria can cause serious illness in everyone around it. So here are some tips to help you do a deep clean of your kitchen space.

• When you start to clean, be sure to completely clean one spot before moving on to the next. Go clockwise or counterclockwise, but don’t go back and do things twice. It just wastes your time.
• When you are about to clean out the cabinets, start at the top and work your way down to the bottom. Use a regular cleaner for these. No special chemicals are needed. Don’t forget to also clean the doors and the little cranes and nooks between the door and the actual cabinet, as dirt can easily get in between these places.
• Cleaning the fridge is also very important. Start at the top and work your way down. Also clean the top of the fridge. Even if you have a very tall fridge and you can’t see the top of it easily, dust is dust and it settles everywhere. Use a soft cloth for the outside of the fridge and for the inside use a cloth that has been soaked with a little white vinegar. This liquid is good for preventing the formation of mold.
• The sink is a bit more difficult to handle as you will need at least two different types of cleaning fluids. First, you need a general purpose cleaner to clean faucets and water handles. You also need something stronger to scrub the sink. When you get to places you just can’t easily reach with your regular tools, use an old toothbrush. Put some detergent on it and start scrubbing the tight spots with it. Old toothbrushes work wonders. I never immediately throw away a toothbrush I no longer use. I like to reuse them for household cleaning and only dispose of them afterwards.
• Another seemingly difficult aspect of cleaning the kitchen is the stove or cooking area. You can use a general purpose cleaner for this and for drier or burned stains you need to use something a bit heavier including a strong chemical. You can find several stove cleaner products that are quite effective at removing stubborn stains from your stove. Also work from front to back and top to bottom of the stove.
• An important aspect of cleaning the cooking area is the floor. Depending on the material, you may need a different cleaning procedure and tools. For example, hardwood cleans differently than laminate or vinyl. However, no matter what type of floor you have, you should first sweep the area to remove dust and crumbs, and then begin the mopping process.