Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is a celebration of the triumph of good over evil, and it's a time for families to come together to rejoice, enjoy, eat, and pray. As the festive season approaches, cleaning the house in preparation for the arrival of guests is high on everyone's to-do list. When embarking on this cleaning journey, the kitchen is often the first port of call. After all, the kitchen is where the culinary magic happens. To help you with kitchen cleaning ahead of Diwali, we've compiled seven practical tips and tricks to ensure your kitchen sparkles.
De-clutter the Space: Before diving into the cleaning process, it's essential to declutter the kitchen. Remove items that are no longer needed and organize the rest. Take a close look at your kitchen cabinets and drawers, and consider discarding utensils and appliances that haven't been used in over six months. Additionally, check for damaged cookware that was never repaired. Organize the remaining items effectively, preferably in storage boxes, to avoid the need for reorganizing once the cleaning begins. Keeping everything in one place will streamline the process.
Start the Deep Cleaning: After discarding damaged items and setting aside the rest, begin the deep cleaning process. It's a good practice to start with the kitchen chimneys or exhaust fans, as they tend to accumulate the most dirt and grease. While cleaning these, consider letting them soak for a while. Create a mixture of warm water, baking soda, and dish soap, spread it on the exhaust fan or chimney, let it sit, and then scrub away the grime.
Clean the Countertops and Shelves: Countertops can harbor hidden dirt and grime from flour and cooking oil spills. Shelves, often above eye level, can accumulate greasy dirt due to infrequent cleaning. To tackle these areas, prepare a mixture of vinegar and warm water. Remove all items from the shelves, spread the mixture, and cover it with a piece of paper or cloth. This will assist in removing grease and stubborn residues.
Make the Roaches Run: Kitchens can attract unwanted guests like cockroaches and insects. To ensure that these creatures stay away from your food and sweets, consider using insect sprays or roach repellent gels. Additionally, a mixture of peppermint oil diluted with water can be sprayed in kitchen corners to deter roaches.
Make the Sink Shine: Your kitchen sink endures a lot of daily use, making Diwali the perfect time to give it a thorough cleaning. Use dish soap or eco-friendly cleaning agents to scrub the sinks until they gleam. For cleaning the drains, a mixture of baking soda and hot water can be poured down to clear any dirt or grime in the pipes.
Clear Out the Fridge: Your fridge plays a vital role before, during, and after Diwali, storing leftovers, extra food, and freshly cooked dishes. Cleaning the fridge should be a part of your preparations. Start by emptying the fridge and reviewing its contents. Dispose of items that are past their prime. For cleaning, use warm water without any harmful chemicals. Use your preferred cleaning liquid for the outside doors to give the fridge a fresh look.
Give the Kitchen a Small Makeover: To give your kitchen a clean and refreshed appearance, consider making small changes. Replace the old shelf cloth with a new one, or invest in a new stove cover that complements your shelf cloth. Add a few new utensils to the kitchen, such as a new spoon set or a seasoned wok. These additions will not only enhance the functionality of your kitchen but also make it look brand new to guests and family members, adding to the festive spirit.
As you prepare for Diwali, following these tips and tricks will ensure that your kitchen is not only clean but also welcoming and ready for the festive season.