So in today's blog we decided to have a look at some common kitchen messes and offer ideas on how you can clean them up.

Mixers

The blades of kitchen mixers are an often overlooked hidey hole for food and other bacteria. After using your blender or mixer rinse the blades under warm running water then fill the mixer with warm water and detergent, turning it on to help further rid your equipment of any further nasties.

Sink

You wash dirty dishes in it every day, but how often do you wash it out? To keep your sink sparkling, mix a couple of tablespoons of bicarbonate of soda with enough water to make a paste, then clean off the whole sink using the paste and a gentle scourer. Rinse with hot water and then dry with a clean cloth or towel for a clean and hygienic surface.

Surfaces

They're the big regular job in the kitchen, but there are ways to make cleaning your benchtops and cooker top easier and more effective. Microfibre cloths are one of the great recent inventions and will slash your cleaning time and your use of chemicals in the house. Just use a damp cloth to clean away the grot, then dry the surface afterwards, since germs can only breed in damp areas. For really grotty surfaces, use a vinegar spray to help break down the stains and to disinfect.

Floor

Don't forget the floor. When cleaning a kitchen we can become a little too focused on the benches, sinks and counters, forgetting about the floor. Make sure you give your kitchen floor a good mop down every couple of weeks and thoroughly clean up any spills so that you don't attract cockroaches, which brings us to our next point...

Insects

With all the food that is about kitchens can be a magnet for creepy crawlies, eager for an easy feed. However, you can get the upper hand by putting away all food (and food scraps) and by wiping down the bench each night before you go to bed. If you do need to put baits around, make sure you place them in areas that won't come into contact with anything you are going to eat or use to cook your food.

Germs

Let's face it, when you're dealing with raw food you are dealing with germs. So, to ensure your kitchen remains germ free and your stomach remains bug free either wash and dry your cloths and sponges after each time you use them to clean up spills, or use paper towels. Re-using damp cloths is a sure way to spread germs and disease!.

Storage

If there's one place in the home that has plenty of storage it is the kitchen, so why not use it. Bench tops and counters look better when there are few objects on them so avail yourself of any available space to store unneeded appliances, plates and so on. Not only will this make the kitchen look better but it will give you more room and make your life easier as well.

What are some of your kitchen cleaning tips? Share them below.