Expert: Jamie Novak - 3/22/2006

Question
This weekend I am going to clean my whole kitchen from top to bottom.  I am going to clean my microwave, stovetop, refridgerator, countertops, sinks, cabinets, table, chairs, and especially my walls which are painted with semi-gloss paint (could be high gloss though), and floors....pretty much everything.  I just wanted to know what cleaning product is perfect for this type of heavy cleaning that is safe and that kills all of the viruses and molds and bacterias?  I was thinking Mr. Clean cleaners.  Are all of Mr. Clean products anti-bacterial cleaners even though it doesn't say on the label?  Also, do white Terry Cloths work best?  I have a lot of terry cloths in my home, will that do?  what else do I need?  Sponges, scurbbers, if so, what kind?  I just need a few advice and/or tips.

Adrian

Answer
Let me say this is a great way to jump into the spring season. A deep and thorough cleaning of any space, especially the kitchen where we spend so much of our time, is a wonderful way to start a new season.

I love this question and it sounds like you are well on your way! I do have a few ideas to help you clean faster.

First, I'd gather all your supplies and place them in a plastic bin or caddy, that way you will have everything on hand. You won't want to waste any time running around looking for items like the sponges or black garbage bags.

Terry clothes are a great cleaning product. I also highly recommend the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser! This is an amazing product that will clean in the grooves of the refrigerator handle as well as the wall as well as the floor and so on and so on. I haven't found anything it can't do! Wet it and use it until it is all used up, they last a long time.

Be sure to make the process fun, play music you enjoy and have a good time. You'll also want to be sure you have a snack on hand and drink a lot of water. You'd be surprised how much better you work when you have energy, so keep a snack handy and drink water.

Here are the 10 steps I like to follow when cleaning the refrigerator:

1. Grab your garbage can and turn the temperature-control knob inside the refrigerator to 'Off.' If you have a refrigerator with a drip pan underneath, remove it to clean.

2. Take everything out of the fridge, as you pull it out decide if it is something to keep or to toss. Check expiration dates carefully.

3. Fill your sink with soapy water and soak all the removable pieces, shelves etc.

4. While the pieces are soaking wipe out the fridge, including the bins.

5. Replace all the shelves and turn the refrigerator knob to the recommended setting.

6. Consider placing a box of baking soda on a back shelf (for freshness) instead of opening the box at the top perforation; consider poking holes in the box lid. That way if it tips, there is less chance of spilling.

7. Wipe down the outside of the fridge including the top, and handle.

8. Put back all the food items, wiping down any sticky or messy bottles. As you replace the items try to put like with like. For example, all drinks on one shelf, all condiments together and so on. Also, make a list of the items you need or want to use. Then you can make a menu for the week using the items before they spoil.

9. Take it a step further and place all the items used for one task in a bin that you can pull out at one time, for example, all the items used for making sandwiches.

10. Lastly, you might also consider placing a lazy susan on one of the shelves to easily reach little items. And place muffin cups under the bottles that tend to leak and cause a sticky spill, like ketchup. That's it!

Good luck and I'm here if you need anything else.