This post was originally published on DIY Network’s blog Made + Remade in November 2014.
Whether you’re gearing up for holiday entertaining, spring cleaning, or just finally noticed those sauce splatters staining your backsplash, there’s almost always a reason to do a deep clean in your kitchen.
When it’s your time, here are some tips for getting in all the nooks and crannies:
Dingy hinges? I dealt with some serious filth on the kitchen hardware when I was painting the cabinets, but soaking them in a solution of water and Bar Keeper’s Friend was enough to loosen the grease build-up so it could be wiped completely clean (see below, left vs. right). If you’re looking for a similar fix without removing the hardware, soak a small rag in the solution, ring it free of drips, and scrub at the hardware while it’s still attached. Use a dry rag to buff the hardware and surrounding area when you’re done.
Brass doorknobs? Nothing has worked quite as well for me as a good ol’ Magic Eraser-type sponge. Moistened, these cleaning tools can remove decades of grime. After 1 minute of scrubbing, I was embarrassed to realize how dirty they were and found myself cleaning all of the knobs in the house.
Chrome drawer pulls? Remove them to clean, and let them soak in Bar Keeper’s Friend or soapy dishwater for a short while. Grease and fingerprints will come right off. Buff them dry with a dry rag, and they will look brand new.
Stainless steel appliances? Keep fingerprints and smudges at bay with products like Bon Ami, baby oil, and Enduro Shield. (Psst. Don’t forget to clean the inside of your dishwasher while you’re at it.)
Granite countertop? My friend Hannah once had a great video that showed eco-friendly cleaning methods – can’t find it now, so here’s a tutorial to fill its place!
Sticky cabinet shelves? Soak a rag in Bar Keeper’s Friend, wring it out, and put some elbow grease behind it. If all else fails, lay a new layer of adhesive drawer liner (in a cool pattern or pretty color – because, why not!) and call it a day.
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