Deep clean your kitchen in 15 minutes flat

If your home is like most, the kitchen is the hub of the house. It doesn’t take long for that busy space to turn into a disaster area. Fortunately, you can make it shine again in just 15 minutes.

Start soaking hard-to-clean items now to save you some scrubbing later.

Get your gas stove grates de-greased by exposing them to ammonia. Simply place the grates in a large zip-lock bag with about 1/4 cup of the smelly stuff and seal. Place the ziplock in a garbage bag for extra protection and set outside overnight. The ammonia fumes break up the nasty buildup, making it easy to wipe clean. Make sure to wear gloves and rinse the grates after wiping them down.

If you have pans or casserole dishes that have food concrete stuck to the edges, do not fear. Fill the offending dish with warm water and drop in a dryer sheet. Let that puppy soak overnight, and by morning the gunk will easily wipe away.

For your messy microwave, try a quick steam soak. Simply fill a microwavable bowl with 1-2 cups of water and add 1-2 tablespoons of vinegar, then microwave for five minutes. The solution will steam and work the stuck-on grime loose for easy cleaning.

This step is key, and sets you up for success or failure for the rest of your working time. Make sure you really get everything tidy in this step.

• Dishes are washed and put away
• All appliances (toaster, blender etc.) that are not in use are stored and off the counter
• Mail is put away/recycled
• Kids’ toys are put where they belong

Wipe down grates, pans and the microwave: All those things that were soaking are now ready for a wipe down.

Ever heard of lining the shelves in your fridge? If you haven’t tried it, check this out. It’ll save you a ton of time and trouble, and pretty much eliminates the need for major fridge wipe-downs.

Use a mild cleaning spray on the countertops and cabinets. Wipe them with a microfiber cloth or sponge.

Some of the crumbs you wipe from counters and other surfaces will probably end up on the floor, so save the floors for last. Try using a vacuum instead of a broom — the attachment works wonders in tricky corners and under cabinets. For an added shine, finish your floors with a steam mop.

Light a candle or put out some fresh flowers after a good clean. It adds an extra sense of calm and is a simple and pretty reward for your 15 minutes of hard work!

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