6 Awesome Cleaning Hacks to Start the New Year

Level up your cleaning routine with these awesome cleaning hacks that will save you time and effort this new year!

Did you know that kitchen sponges are one of the dirtiest items in your home? Often tucked in a warm and moist corner of your sink, these sponges easily harbour germs and bacteria that may cause food poisoning.

Be sure to replace your sponges every 2 to 4 weeks for good hygiene.

Tired of picking around sharp blades to wash away sticky residue? Here’s a tip: fill your blender with a small amount of dishwashing soap, warm water and some drops of lemon juice for a fresh scent. Turn it on for about 5 to 10 seconds, and then rinse out the suds until the water runs clear. Voila, no easier way to get your blender sparkling clean!

To remove leftover food smells in the microwave, fill a microwave-safe bowl with water, baking soda and a quick squeeze of lemon juice. Heat it in the microwave at maximum power for 1 minute.

Use a soft damp cloth to wipe the internal surface of the microwave oven, but try to avoid excessive contact with moisture.

Refrain from cleaning the oven with abrasive materials and non food-safe cleaning agents.

Over time, large food particles may clog up the dishwasher's filter. Wash it under running water once a month to remove deposits. From how to load your dishwasher to choosing the right wash programs, follow these 8 tips to help your dishwasher run better!

Stainless steel appliances are a stylish addition to many homes, but keeping the luster on over time requires a bit of work. In most cases, you only need to gently buff over the fingerprints and dirty areas with a soft microfiber cloth. Add a few drops of conditioning oil to build up a protective layer against scuffs and marks. To give your appliance extra shine, find the steel grain that runs either horizontally or vertically, and wipe in the same direction.

Daily cooking and preparing food can leave your kitchen in a greasy mess. Of course, it’s always ideal to wipe away the oil spills and backsplashes immediately. But if they have hardened over time, the first step is to soften grease and grime with warm water, then use a sponge soaked in soapy water to do a thorough wipe, before drying off with a dishtowel. Tough stains and burnt tar on pots and ovens may require a few spritzes of degreaser for more intensive cleaning.

For your safety, always wait till the surface of the hob cools before you start cleaning. Be sure that the degreaser product is recommended by the manufacturer before using it, as some cleaning agents may be too strong for your hob.