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Being midway through spring, it is time to start your spring clean-up with the kitchen. Begin with the following short clean-up routine.

1. Clear out the clutter

2. Wash the dirty dishes

These two items will give you room to do the actual deep cleaning that might need to get done. Then get ready for cleaning. Here are a few tips:

1. Gather all of your supplies together first thing. (Dust mop, step-ladder, cleaning clothes, small bucket with handle, sponges, vacuum with attachment, all-purpose cleaner, dishsoap, or mild cleanser of choice, oven cleaner (if needed), shelf or cabinet liner and drawer dividers, broom, mop and towels.)

2. Organize your pantry – so you can find the cleaning supplies and the oven cleaner if needed.

3. Reward yourself by going out for dinner after a day of cleaning

4. Listen to music or an audio book, it will make the time pass a lot more quickly and you will have an enjoyable atmosphere.

Next let’s get going with our deep cleaning.

1. Determine if walls need to be washed in dirty spots.

a. Spot wash, remembering air vents, doorknobs, doors, switch plates, etc.

b. The walls in the kitchen will likely need to be washed more often that in other rooms. You may not have noticed that the mixer, food processor, indoor grill slosh or spatter goop all over the wall. It is now time to get rid of grease, grime and spilled food from your walls.

2. Dust and clean anything on the walls.

a. Be careful when cleaning framed items.

b. Never spray cleanser or water onto any frame. (The liquid can get behind the glass and damage the pictures. Just lightly wet a clan cloth and wipe the frame and glass.)

3. The ceiling fan and light features will need to be cleaned.

a. Take down any light fixtures and gently wash and dry them before you replace them.

b. Use a mild cleaner on your ceiling fan, be sure to work on a safe ladder to clean the blades.

4. Take down curtains and blinds to be washed.

a. Vacuum and clean windowsills and corners.

b. Wash inside and outside of the windows.

c. Take down and rinse off screens.

d. Wash curtains and blinds according to manufacturer’s suggestion.

5. Large appliances in the kitchen will need attention.

a. Starting first with the oven, when cleaning the oven, leave the windows in the kitchen open to avoid the overpowering smell.

b. Clean all the knobs, burners, burner covers and spill catchers on your stove.

c. Vacuum the coils of your unplugged refrigerator.

d. Sweep and mop underneath the refrigerator.

e. Clean the refrigerator of expired food, mostly empty containers and items your purchased that you have never used.

f. Take out the refrigerator shelves and drawers and wash them down.

g. Wipe the entire inside of the refrigerator before replacing shelves and food.

6. Small appliances in the kitchen will also need attention during the cleaning period. (Always unplug appliances before you start cleaning.)

a. Wipe down and clean the microwave. (If spills are found, try bringing a water-filled glass cup to boiling in the microwave. The steam should help loosen the gunk. If the microwave smells, boil lemon juice.

b. Don’t forget to clean the blender, food processor, toaster, indoor grill, etc.

7. Miscellaneous things to clean in your kitchen.

a. Clean out kitchen cabinets and reline if needed.

b. Run the dishwasher empty or try adding vinegar or baking soda. If your dishwasher has a food trap in the bottom, clean it out.

c. Wash down all the backsplashes

d. Wipe down and clean out any drawers. Organize your flatware

e. Wash down the sink. This is a great time to pour baking soda with warm water or lemon peel down the disposal to freshen the drain.

f. Sweep and mop the floor. Don’t forget the baseboards.

About the author: Suzie Brown

Sue Brown served as UNL Extension Educator for 37 years in Adams County. Her area of emphasis was food safety, nutrition, community development and clothing and textiles. She enjoyed serving the public with information for daily living and use. She continues to be active in the community.