DIY Network

Kitchen Clean-Up Kitchen Clean-Up From "Talking Dirty With the Queen of Clean" episode DQOC-131

For some people, the kitchen is their favorite room in the house. It's certainly the busiest. Kitchen chores are on the menu today as we check out the fastest way to do dishes, solve dishwasher dilemmas and learn how to make a meal that doesn't require extensive cleanup.

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But first a question:

Q: How do you prevent soap scum buildup on a dishwasher door?

A: If the machine is new, check with the manufacturer to make sure the door seal is working properly. To clean and disinfect the door, mix lemon juice and cream of tartar together and apply with a paper towel. No rinsing required.

The fastest way to get out of the kitchen when you hand-wash dishes is to get organized and enlist the aid of a helper.

Steps

• Fill a sink with hot soapy water to which some vinegar has been added. Vinegar is an acid and is great for cutting grease and eliminating odor. Water will sheet off glasses and they will dry without spots.

• Pans with grease or burned-on food should be filled with the soapy water and set aside to soak. Place utensils and silverware in the pans if soaking is needed.
  

  	Figure A
  	Figure B
  	Figure C
  	Figure D

• Clean the countertop on one side of the sink basin. If you use a drain rack, place a folded towel under one edge to allow water to drain into the rinse sink, or place clean towels on the counter to absorb water from the clean dishes (figure A).

• Scrape food residue off the dishes: the cleaner dishes are, the easier they are to wash. If you compost, never put meat or fats into a compost bin.

• Wash with either a sponge or dishcloth. Whatever you use should be kept very clean, so wash often and allow to dry thoroughly between uses to prevent a buildup of bacteria (figure B). Sponges and dishcloths can be disinfected by heating in the microwave for 30 seconds while wet.

• Wash delicate glassware and the "cleanest" tableware first. Set silverware in the sink off to the side to soak. Immerse glasses in the sink sideways to avoid the possibility of their cracking from the heat of the water (figure C). Stack plates and bowls in the sink.

• Wash and rinse tableware, then move on to the dirtier or greasier items, changing the water if it becomes too dirty. To save wate,r don't leave the water running as dishes are washed.

• Do not soak wood bowls or utensils. Wash them quickly, rinse and let them air-dry (figure D). They will crack or warp if allowed to soak in water for a long period of time.

• Either air-dry or dry tableware with a clean, lint-free cloth.
  

  ALSO IN THIS EPISODE:
  	Kitchen Clean-Up
  	Dishwashers
  	Cooking Without the Mess
  	Basic Kitchen Clean-Up