KITCHEN
once a week
• Clear surfaces of detritus such as bills, post and children’s toys and swap out tea towels for a fresh set.
• Give stainless-steel appliances a gentle wipe with a specific cleaner or a mix of water and vinegar (see DIY recipe from owner Rowena Jongejan of Family Clean, below right).
• Clean the bin and surrounding floor or cupboard area where it’s kept, to stay on top of hygiene and odours.
once a month
• Purge the fridge of forgotten food, wipe shelves and wash out crisper drawers.
• For sparkling results, run a dishwasher cleaning solution through your machine.
• Remove exhaust fan vents and give them a thorough soak and scrub in hot soapy water.
once a year
• Deep clean the freezer and target seals with a eucalyptus or lemon-based disinfectant, says Rowena Jongejan. “An old toothbrush is great for getting into grooves, followed by a cotton pad soaked with oil of cloves,” she says. “This will kill mould spores, rather than just disguise them with bleach.”
• Organise an annual pest-control treatment to keep the creepy-crawlies at bay.
• Reorganise the pantry, tossing food and spices that are past their use-by date. Check if your storage system needs improving with pull-out baskets, tiered shelves or additional hooks.
“Keeping an opened box of bicarbonate of soda and half a lemon in the back of the fridge will absorb odours and keep it smelling clean” ~ Jody Allen, Founder, Stay At Home Mum