The best thing we can do for our kitchen is to purchase good quality cookware and appliances and then take good care of them to extend their lifespan. Sparkling clean and ready to go, they will always be at hand, and you do not need to spend a lot of money and use harsh chemicals to wash dishes.
Good cast iron cookware does not require complicated maintenance. Simply rinse with warm water. You can use mild soap for washing, but this is not necessary. It is better to sprinkle the pan with coarse salt and remove food residues with a sponge. Then you need to wipe it dry to prevent the formation of rust. If the appearance of cast iron cookware has lost its gloss, it has faded, you need to restore it. To do this, wipe the pan with frying oil, roast in the oven at a temperature of 170 degrees for an hour, and then remove the remaining oil.
If there are stains on such dishes or it has warmed up, make a home scrub. Baking soda is mixed with a few drops of warm water and a little dishwashing liquid is added to get a toothpaste-like consistency. Scrub the dishes with this scrub and leave for a few minutes, then remove the mixture and rinse. This home remedy can also be used to clean a burnt oven without the use of harsh chemicals.
Knives are a good cook’s best friend. They must be well sharpened. To maintain their sharpness, knives should be stored in a block of wood, not loose in a drawer. It is also important to use wooden cutting boards. To care for stainless steel knives, simply rinse with warm soapy water.
Wooden spoons can last for many years if properly cared for. They need to be washed with warm soapy water and wiped dry. Never leave wooden utensils soaked in water for a long time, otherwise the wood fibers will swell. Once or twice a year, such devices are rubbed with vegetable oil to moisturize and protect. It is ideal to use coconut, it has antibacterial properties. The oil should be absorbed into the wood for a few minutes, and then the appliance is wiped with a dry cloth.
After cutting sharp-smelling foods – garlic, onions, as well as coloring vegetables, such as beets, the board should be sprinkled with a small amount of coarse salt and rubbed with a slice of lemon. Do not wash wooden boards in the dishwasher or soak for a long time in water. After carrots or celery, simply wipe the board with a damp cloth. Once a month or more often, it is recommended to grease the board with coconut oil and polish it with a clean, dry cloth.
Cooktops and other dirty places in the kitchen are easy to clean with a simple household spray.
In a spray bottle, mix 1 part mild soap, 4 parts water, and 2-3 drops of lemon or orange essential oil. Spray the surface and wipe with a damp sponge. For a deeper clean, use another spray bottle filled with white vinegar mixed with water.
Gentle dishware care keeps the environment free of harmful substances, but makes it possible to keep the kitchen in perfect order.