8 Easy Cleaning Hacks For Your Kitchen

Since the pandemic, more people are interested in keeping a clean and healthy home. Yet when it comes to cleaning up a mess or spill, many will use a used dishcloth to get the job done. But did you know a used dishcloth can be a haven for bacteria and can contaminate other surfaces like the kitchen counter or your hands? Try these easy cleaning hacks using just a paper towel to brighten up your kitchen.

1. Make Your Oven Shine

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While your oven is turned off and cool, saturate paper towels in vinegar and lay them on your oven racks, glass door, and bottom. Leave the door open and let it set for about an hour. Do a quick wipe down and — DING! — you're done!

2. Prevent Messes in Your Fridge

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Goo from your milk and orange juice containers can make your fridge, well, gooey. Place a Bounty paper towel under the containers to catch spills then toss in the garbage.

3. Clean Your Sink in a Blink

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It's super easy to make your sink hygienic: Mix baking soda and water together to make a paste. Then use a paper towel to scrub the sink, never a dish towel. Rinse. Don't forget to take photos and act like it was hard to do on social media!

4. Get a Spotless Microwave

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Did you know food particles breed bacteria? Take a few wet paper towels and nuke 'em on high for one minute. After five minutes, open the microwave door and wipe down the inside with the hot paper towels. No harsh fumes! Be careful, those paper towels will be HOT!

Note: Always consult with your microwave oven manual on how to properly use paper towels in the microwave. For printed paper towels, use the unprinted side to minimize any potential ink transfer in your microwave!

5. Brighten Up Your Light Switches

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Just think of how often light switches are touched! Gross! Make a DIY solution using three separate containers of white vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, and rubbing alcohol. Note, these ingredients should not be mixed together! Spray one after the other on a paper towel and wipe your light switches. Simple!

6. Make Your Range Hood Look Good

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You know how it gets all dusty, sticky, and...weird? Try this solution: one part water and one part vinegar. Spritz it on the range hood and wipe it with a paper towel. Wiping in the direction of the grain is key!

7. Yes, Clean Your Knife Block Too

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Food particles can fall in the slots and stick to the wood surface. First, shake out those crumbs from your overdone chicken you made five years ago. Then, soak the block in warm water and a teaspoon of liquid dish soap. Rinse it out and set it on a paper towel to dry. This is the kind of detail that helps keep your kitchen clean and pristine.

8. Cut Out the Bacteria From Your Cutting Board

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Your cutting board can be full of bacteria, especially if you clean it with a dish towel. Clean it with this solution: one tablespoon of liquid chlorine bleach per gallon of water. Cover the cutting board with your solution and let it sit for 5–10 minutes. After you rinse it with water, pat it dry with paper towels. Now, it's ready for fresh fruits, vegetables, or chocolate. We're not judging.

For all of your cleaning needs, use Bounty paper towels instead of a used dishcloth. It’s a great way to reduce the risk of transferring bacteria onto your hands or other surfaces. Now that's an easy hack!