crystal_oven_cleaning

Restaurant Kitchen Cleaning Checklist: What To Clean & When

Thu, 21 Jul 2022 12:04:49 GMT

Cleaning and maintaining a commercial kitchen, like a restaurant kitchen, is just half the work. Keeping an immaculate kitchen is key to passing any restaurant inspection and ensuring your establishment continues to run in tip-top shape. This extra attention to cleanliness is extremely important because it prevents cross-contamination with food, fire hazards, and helps your equipment last longer.

To make cleaning the kitchen a little easier, create a list of tasks and keep it on hand during your cleaning process to make sure you don’t miss a spot. A list will help you remember how often you should clean restaurant supplies and commercial kitchen equipment while allowing you to easily distribute cleaning duties amongst your employees.

Take a look at our restaurant cleaning checklist to see what areas, equipment, and tools in your kitchen need to be cleaned and how often you should be cleaning them.

Daily Cleaning Checklist

When it comes to daily cleaning, properly maintaining your most used/ most loved supplies and equipment speeds up your service and keeps areas sanitary to promote safe food handling practices. Follow our daily cleaning instructions to ensure each area and item is left looking like new.

HOW TO CLEAN YOUR COOKING EQUIPMENT DAILY:

Dishwasher hood filters : Remove the filter from the hood and soak in a mix of hot water and detergent, scrub the filter, and allow it to air dry.
Flattops : Scrape the surface of food and grease build-up and follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions.
Fryers : Drain the grease from the fryer, scrub down the interior, remove any food residue from the drain line, and wipe down the exterior.
Grease traps : Remove water and grease from the grease trap, scrape it clean, and wipe the grease trap with a dry cloth to soak up any remaining liquid.
Griddles : Scrape off any remaining grease or food, follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions, and empty the waste drawer.
Ranges : Scrape off excess food and grease buildup with a degreaser, remove and wash components, allow to air dry, and reassemble.
Steam tables : Drain the well of water, scrub the entire table with a mild detergent, rinse, and allow to air dry.
Vent hoods : With a damp cloth, wipe away stains and grease build-up, polish if necessary.

HOW TO CLEAN YOUR KITCHEN TOOLS DAILY:

Flatware : Pre-soak if necessary, rinse, place inside the dishwasher, and spray off any residual soap.
Glassware : Pre-soak if necessary, rinse, place inside the dishwasher, and spray off any residual soap.
Smallwares : Pre-soak if necessary, rinse, place inside the dishwasher, and spray off any residual soap.
Utensils : Pre-soak if necessary, rinse, place inside the dishwasher, and spray off any residual soap.

SURFACES AND AREAS TO DISINFECT/SANITISE :

Countertops/prep areas : Clean countertops and prep areas, spray surfaces with a food-safe sanitising solution, and wipe with a dry towel.
Cutting boards : Choose a cleaning solution that won’t harm the material of your cutting board, follow the cleaning product’s instructions, and allow the cutting board to air dry.
Dispenser heads : Wash the dispenser and remove, soak, and sanitise the nozzle.
Drains : Clean the drain cover, use a drain brush to scrub the drain, rinse the drain with water.
Sinks : Clean the sink, spray it with sanitising solution, and follow the instructions on the sanitiser label.
Soda fountains : Wash, wipe, and sanitise the entire surface and components.
Waste disposal areas : Regularly take out the trash every time waste bins are full and disinfect surfaces with a cleaning solution.

THINGS TO WASH/SPOT CLEAN:

Aprons : Run aprons through a normal washing and drying cycle.
Ceilings: Wipe away any grease and food stains on the ceiling with a wet sweeper.
Floor mats : Scrub both sides of the mat with water and soap, hose it down with water, and hang to dry.
Towels : Run towels through a normal washing and drying cycle.
Walls: Wipe away any grease and food stains on walls with a cloth or sponge.

SWEEP AND MOP:

Kitchen floors : Use a broom and dustpan to sweep floors, mop floors with a mix of water and degreaser, then mop floors again with a mix of water and bleach.
Storage areas : Remove any containers and bins on the floor and thoroughly sweep and mop the area.
Underneath cooking equipment : If possible, unplug and move equipment in order to sweep and mop the area underneath.
Walk-in refrigerators : Remove any mats to properly sweep and mop walk-in refrigerators.

EMPTY AND CLEAN:

Bins : Empty your bins, replace with a new bag, and wipe away any food stains from the unit.
Recycling bins : Remove recyclable materials from recycling bins and wipe away any food stains from the bins.
Sanitising buckets : Throw away any water and solution remaining in the bucket and scrub the bucket with soap and water.

Weekly Cleaning Checklist

Luckily, there are certain areas and equipment that require less maintenance because they are not soiled as often as other items. Learn which items only need weekly cleaning to help you organise the best cleaning schedule for your kitchen.

HOW TO CLEAN YOUR KITCHEN EQUIPMENT WEEKLY:

Coffee machines : Wipe down your coffee machine and follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions.
Deep fryers : After cleaning, boil water in the fryer to remove tough grease stains, drain the water, and rinse the fryer.
Drains : Wash the drain cover and scrub the drain with a drain brush, then pour a mixture of water and sanitising solution into the drain, and rinse with water.
Ovens : Follow your oven’s manual in order to conduct a proper cleaning.
Refrigerators and freezers : Empty out your refrigerator or freezer and wipe down the interior and exterior.

DEGREASE:

Doors : Scrub off grease build up using a cloth and a degreaser.
Walls : Scrub off grease build up using a cloth and a degreaser.

DELIME OR SPOT CLEAN:

Dishwasher : Pour a deliming solution into the dishwasher and turn it on, stop the dishwasher halfway through the cycle and let it sit for a few minutes. Turn the machine back on and wipe the inside after the cycle has finished.
Gas pipes : Brush pipes to remove any buildup and wipe down with a damp cloth.
Sinks and faucets : Create a mix of water and deliming solution and use it to scrub away hard water deposits.
Water hoses : Wipe down with a damp cloth.

Monthly Cleaning Checklist

The areas and equipment that need cleaning monthly are usually hard to reach places or items that require deep cleaning. Monthly cleaning will take up more time than daily or weekly cleaning which is why planning ahead is essential. Take a look at the monthly cleaning list we've put together as a reminder to assign these tasks to the right employees.

WASH, SANITISE AND/OR EMPTY:

Behind appliances : Wipe, sweep, dust, and mop behind equipment that is typically up against the wall.
Ceilings : Remove tiles from the ceiling and hoover or dust the grid, wash the tiles with soap and water, and use a degreaser if necessary.
Floors : After sweeping and mopping floors, polish with a commercial floor scrubber.
Grease build-up : Scrape away grease build-up, apply degreaser to the area, and rinse off with water.
Ice machines : Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and sanitising, wipe the exterior, and clean the condenser and filter.
Pest or rodent droppings : Inspect the kitchen for droppings, if spotted, clean the area and contact a pest control service.
Refrigerators and freezers : Empty out your refrigerator or freezer and wipe down the interior and exterior, disinfect with a sanitising solution, and hoover coils and condenser.
Walls : Create a mix of water and cleaning solution and scrub walls, then dry walls with a cloth.

How To Clean A Microwave With Vinegar & Steam

Mon, 11 Jul 2022 12:51:07 GMT

Have you ever heated up leftover pasta and the sauce exploded in the microwave? This blog will show you how to clean a microwave using only water, vinegar, and steam! It’s easy to do, only takes a few minutes, and it works like magic!

I love simple cleaning solutions like this - no need to take a special trip out to try and find the right cleaning solutions to mix together and hope for the best. We guarantee you have all the ingredients/needed equipment to clean your microwave this way.

So without further ado, here's how to clean a microwave with vinegar and steam:

Tools & Materials

a microwaveable bowl
a clean sponge
vinegar
water
lemon essential oil (optional)

1. Mix water and vinegar in the microwaveable bowl

Fill a microwaveable bowl with 2 cups of water and add 2 tablespoons of vinegar. BONUS: Add a couple drops of the lemon essential oil if you want to mask the vinegar smell.

2. Microwave on high for 5 minutes

Put the bowl in the microwave, shut the door, and run the microwave on high for 5 minutes.

3. Let it steam for a few minutes

When the 5 minutes are up, don’t open the microwave right away. Leave the door shut for 3-4 more minutes to let the steam continue to do its work. The steam will help loosen up caked on bits of food, and the vinegar and lemon oil will help eliminate any odours.

4. Remove the bowl and the microwave's turntable

When you open the microwave door, please be careful taking the bowl out; it will be very hot! Also remove the turntable tray (carefully, it will be hot as well) and wash it in the sink.

5. Wipe the microwave down with a sponge

Take the clean sponge and wipe down the inside of the microwave; the food and dirt will come right off!

Alternatively...

Another way to clean your microwave is to get a sponge soaking wet, pour a teaspoon of vinegar on it, and then microwave the sponge. However, this method doesn’t create as much steam as microwaving a bowl of water, so if your microwave is really dirty, use the bowl instead.

Do you have any other cleaning tips for a microwave? I was thrilled with how easy this was! What other kitchen cleaning tips have you tried?

A Professional Oven Clean OR Do It Yourself (DIY)?

Fri, 24 Jun 2022 12:46:27 GMT

Cleaning the oven is one of those chores everyone hates but it needs to be done. There’s no way you can avoid stains, spills or grease building up in the oven and that means it needs to be properly cleaned to remove them. On the surface, it is a simple DIY job, but this isn’t the whole story.

If the job is simply to mop up a little spilt gravy or wipe a stain from the racks, then there's no reason why you can't do this yourself. But when it comes to comprehensively cleaning the oven, there's a strong case to get a professional involved.

Let's take a look at the benefits of professional oven cleaning versus DIY-ing the job.

TOP REASONS A PROFESSIONAL OVEN CLEANING IS BETTER

There are definitely occasions when cleaning your oven yourself is a simple/ cheaper option. When something spills whilst cooking in the oven, if you can wipe it up as soon as the oven is cooled down, there’s less chance of it truly baking on and causing any problems with the appliance. But the problem comes most of the time because we don’t realise there’s a spill, stain or debris in the oven - those slightly hidden parts you can't see unless you look properly.

Think about it, the oven is often used daily or even a few times a day and those stains become harder and more baked-on each time the oven is used. Now you are in the realm of needing serious equipment and cleaning products to remove the now really stubborn debris.

That's where a can a professional oven cleaner can handle the job. They offer a service that will handle all of the problems of baked-on food, stains, debris and everything the oven can throw at them. They have the cleaning systems and products needed to do a far better job.

OTHER REASONS TO HAVE A PROFESSIONAL OVEN CLEANING

While being easier and more comprehensive is a massive reason for having your oven cleaned by a professional versus doing it yourself, there are more reasons to consider. They are:

Cleans parts you can’t reach
Everything is put back together properly
Extends the lifespan of the oven
Avoids any harmful chemicals and choking smells
Protection if something does go wrong

BUT HOW DOES A PROFESSIONAL OVEN CLEANING WORK?

When you book a professional oven cleaning service , the work carried out depends on the oven you have (i.e style, size, manufacturer etc). But a few of the general tasks that will be involved include:

Removing internal parts of the oven, such as the racks, to be cleaned
Removing and cleaning the oven door thoroughly
Removing the oven fan (if there is one) and the housing around it
Cleaning the roof of the oven (prime place for food splatters)

There are also additional services you can have as part of the cleaning, depending on what you have in the kitchen. Extractor hoods and filters are examples of areas that definitely need cleaning and that you may want to include in the service.

Also, if you have a separate hob to the oven, you may want to have this cleaned at the same time. This means that everything stays in top condition and lasts the longest time.

HOW WE CAN HELP WITH YOUR OVEN CLEANING NEEDS

Here at Crystal Oven Cleaning, we are specialists in cleaning all kinds of ovens. We know the benefits that the service brings for our customers – that’s why they often book us to come back on a regular basis. So if you need your oven cleaning, contact us to arrange a visit and solve your dirty oven problems.

How to Clean Burnt Pots and Pans

Thu, 16 Jun 2022 13:52:24 GMT

Whether you consider cooking a joy or a burden (like marmite, cooking is often loved or hated), there’s no denying how much easier high-quality tools can make your time in the kitchen. From nonstick pots and pans to sharp knives and handy accessories, the proper tools can cut down preparation time and help you cook up a storm in the kitchen you love.

Pans are one of the most essential items we keep in our kitchens. Think about it, we use them for everything from frying to boiling to sautéing, and everything in between. In fact, most of us pick up a pan at least once a day when cooking. So caring for your most-used tools in the kitchen will be crucial if you hope to be succeed in the kitchen and plan to enjoy a long relationship with your cookware.

In our handy guide, we explore some of favourite tried and tested ways to clean and care for your pans. We’ll share everything you need to know hen it comes to getting rid of burnt-on food and oil. Looking to level up your kitchen with cast-iron cookware? We’ll help you get to grips with cleaning and seasoning your new pan, too.

What can I use to clean a burnt pan?

First, let's uncover the things you can use to clean your dirty pots and pans. There are plenty of ways to clean your tools with things you might already have in the cupboard – these are more than just old wives tales, these techniques can provide beautiful results.

Hot water – use hot water to deglaze the burnt food off the base of your pan
Baking soda & vinegar – use equal parts of water and white vinegar with a few tablespoons of baking soda
Lemons – boil water and cut-up lemons in your pan for 10 minutes before washing
Salt – use a wet sponge to scrub salt into affected areas of your burnt pan
Tinfoil – scrunch some tinfoil into a ball, then use it to scour your pan
A dishwasher tablet – add water and clean the burn with a dishwasher tablet

Keen to know more? Read on for how to clean your burnt pans with these instructions.

How to clean a burnt pan

Cleaning a dirty pan with hot water

Cleaning most things with boiling water is often a good idea, it certainly works for getting rid of burnt food off of pans. Just like you might deglaze the good stuff from the bottom of your pan when cooking, bring the temperature up and pour in some hot water to help lift away all stubborn food and grease.

Put your pan on the hob and turn on the heat.
When it’s hot enough to sizzle, pour in a good splash of water.
Use a wooden spoon to scrape away the burnt bits while the water helps loosen them.

Cleaning a dirty pan with baking soda & vinegar

We're big fans of using baking soda for challenging cleaning jobs in the kitchen. It’s great at removing those tough stains found in the kitchen, yet there's no harsh chemicals to worry about. BONUS! Add in some white vinegar, and we’re completely sold; both ingredients are likely to be found in your kitchen cupboards already.

Add water and vinegar to your pan in equal measures
Then bring the mixture to a boil
Add 2 heaped tablespoons of baking soda and watch it fizz up
Repeat if needed, adding water and baking soda and mixing to create a paste
Let the solution sit for 10 to 15 minutes
Thoroughly wash your pan with dish soap as you usually would

Cleaning a dirty pan with lemons

Not only are lemons delicious, they are excellent at cleaning just about anything - all thanks to their antibacterial, acidic properties. These refreshing citrus fruits also boast a refreshing smell without any harsh chemicals, again BONUS. So without further ado, here’s how to clean a burnt pan using those yellow fruits you love.

Chop 4 small lemons into quarters
Put them into the pan, with plenty of water, and bring to a boil
Reduce the heat and leave the lemons and water to simmer for around 10 - 15 minutes; some burnt food might float to the surface (this is normal)
Discard water and lemons, rinse, and wipe away any excess/ remaining burnt debris

Cleaning a dirty pan with salt

We guarantee you have table salt in your cupboards, after all it’s a good idea to keep some salt in your home at all times for seasoning your food, but also helping you clean up afterwards. That's right, salt can be helpful in all kinds of cleaning and removing tough stains, especially cooked on/ burnt food.

Sprinkle a generous layer of salt into the bottom of the pan
Use a clean, damp sponge to scrub the salt into the burnt food
Rinse away and repeat (as needed)

Cleaning a dirty pan with tinfoil

Don’t have a scouring pad at home? Don't worry, you can make a practical and hygienic alternative by scrunching some aluminium foil (or tin foil for some of you) into a ball. When you’re done with your make your own tool, simply recycle the foil afterwards.

Scrunch up a generous sheet of tinfoil into a ball
Scrub a cleaning agent, like baking soda (above) or dish soap, into the burnt area with your tinfoil scourer
Rinse the pan with warm, soapy water to check the results
Repeat if necessary

Cleaning a dirty pan with a dishwasher tablet

Yes, those tablets you through into the dishwasher can help you get those stubborn food stains out of your favourite pots and pans. Dishwasher tablets are packed with enzymes that break down starch and proteins in food, helping them clean your kitchenware each time you use your appliance. So it makes sense that these small-yet-mighty capsules are excellent at cleaning outside of the dishwasher, too!

Cover the bottom of your burnt pan with water and heat it for a moment
Remove your pan from the heat
Scrape a dishwasher tablet around any burnt areas, rubbing in small circles until the tablet starts to dissolve
Rinse and wash with warm, soapy water

Final thoughts

Do you have a go-to method for cleaning burnt on messes from your pots and pans? Please share it in the comments below - we wanna know (especially if it's a method we haven't tried yet). We're always looking for new products and creative ways to clean every inch of a kitchen and its appliances, cookware, cutlery etc.

The Ultimate Guide to Cleaning Kitchen Cabinets & Cupboards

Mon, 06 Jun 2022 11:35:38 GMT

Cabinets are the crucial point of almost every kitchen, so when they're dirty, you and other people will notice. The everyday fingerprints, food splatters, and watermarks are the main culprits, but tougher stains can build up over time too – and they’re all eyesores.

Fortunately, our easy tips for how to clean kitchen cabinets can help you tackle all types of messes and marks, including grease stains and sticky cabinets.

When it's time for cleaning, use our tips for the best way to clean kitchen cabinets tailored to individual cabinet styles. After all, what works on a painted cabinet might not work on a glass cabinet.

But before anything, please read through the steps and ensure you have all of the necessary cleaning supplies on hand. As you may already know, we’re big fans of using common household supplies, like vinegar and baking soda, in the cleaning tips we provide in our blog content.

You'll also want to double-check what cabinet material you're working with. The difference between wood and laminate, for example, can sometimes be tricky to spot straight away. You can find this information online, in the manual or speak with a professional if you're unsure.

How to Remove Stains on Kitchen Cabinets

Your cabinets are home to various items and ingredients, meaning they get a lot of daily use. Here are some of the most common kitchen cabinet stains/marks and how to remove them.

Fingerprints : The oily residue on fingers can leave unpleasant looking marks on your cabinet doors and shelves. We recommend cleaning the kitchen cabinets with vinegar to easily remove fingerprints. Simply dampen a clean cloth in a 50-50 solution of water and vinegar, apply to where the fingerprints are, and buff clean with a polishing cloth. It’s that easy!
Food splatters : Maybe you’ve spilt something on the side and the countertop spill has trickled down to the base cabinets or there are splashes of ketchup that have landed in the wrong place after you shook the bottle too vigorously - whatever it may be, food splatters are very common messes found on kitchen cabinets/cupboards. We recommend you wipe up any and all food messes as soon as possible with a damp cloth before cleaning kitchen cabinets with baking soda. This is especially true if you're working with a porous material, like wood. The key is you don't want to give the stain a chance to set in. Apply a paste of baking soda and water to the spot and let it sit for a few minutes. Then wipe the solution away. Finally, polish the area with a clean cloth and bring that sparkle back.
Water marks/ stains : If you live in a hard water area, water stains on cabinets can be a common problem when cleaning kitchen cabinets. The best way to prevent water spots is to switch tap water for distilled water whenever you clean the cabinets in your kitchen.
Grease : Cabinets/cupboards directly above the oven or hob are prone to grease stains. But cleaning kitchen cabinet grease doesn't have to be tricky. Like oil-based fingerprints, you can clean greasy kitchen cabinets with diluted vinegar. That’s right, a 50/50 ratio of vinegar and water is he secret behind removing grease stains in the kitchen. Because the grease splatters are likely to reach further distances than fingerprints, you’ll have to repeat the process, but it won’t take you long.

How to Clean Wood Cabinets

It can be tough to determine the best way to clean wood kitchen cabinets because they come in many different finishes with various seals. Some seals are more forgiving than others but stick with gentle kitchen cleaners on wood cabinets to be on the safe side. Find below our tips to cleaning wood kitchen cabinets/cupboards:

Use an oil soap, like Murphy’s Oil , to both clean and shine your wood cabinets. This non-abrasive solution will make your cabinets look new without causing any damage to the material.
Always use damp cloths when cleaning wood cabinets. Too much liquid saturation will damage the wood.
Use a clean, dry microfiber cloth to buff and polish the wood - and always wipe with the grain of the wood.
Monitor the cabinets in high-moisture parts of the kitchen, such as directly above or below the hob. These will need the most care as they're regularly exposed to steam and condensation. Might be worth considering an extra coat of sealant for these cabinets, to be on the safe side too.

How to Clean Laminate Cabinets

One of the best things about laminate as a material for your kitchen cabinets is that it’s very forgiving. The material responds well to most cleaners and requires very little maintenance -simple weekly wipe downs can be enough if you don’t naturally create a lot of mess in the kitchen. Follow these tips to clean the laminate cabinets in your kitchen:

Wipe down every cabinet in your kitchen with an all-purpose cleaning wipe or diluted vinegar. Then dry thoroughly with a clean cloth.
As with painted cabinets, you can remove stains found on laminate cabinets with a paste made from baking soda and water. All you have to do is let the mixture set into the stain, and then wipe clean after a few minutes.
Always avoid using abrasive cleaning pads, as they can scratch the surface of the cabinet and leave marks that can be buffed away.

How to Clean Glass Cabinets

Glass cabinets are often mixed with another material, such as wood or laminate, to create a paned door. Though the glass is simple to clean, make sure you choose a cleaning product that won't harm the adjacent cabinet material. Follow these tips to clean the glass cabinets in your kitchen:

For the glass part of the cabinet, use a glass cleaner and a polishing cloth to remove all fingerprints and other marks from the glass panes.
Open the cabinet door and clean the inside too. You'll still need to remove individual marks on the front, but this method lets you wipe down the entire pane in one full swipe.
Avoid any oil-based cleaners on the adjacent cabinet material as they can leave residue and streaks on the glass that are tricky to remove.

How to Clean Painted Cabinets

Having painted cabinets are common features in kitchens, especially over the last 5-10 years or so. They're an easy way to inject new colour and warmth into a space without a total remodel – win, win. But just like any other painted furniture or storage space, painted cabinets require some maintenance to look their best, 24/7. Follow these tips to clean painted kitchen cabinets properly:

Mix one-part water with two parts baking soda. Dab the paste onto the stain, let it sit for a few minutes, and wipe clean. Buff out any remaining residue with a new clean cloth.
To clean any grease off the painted kitchen cabinets, use a damp cloth with diluted ammonia. Gently wipe the cabinet until the stain is removed.
After several years of wear, consider repainting the cabinets/cupboards in your kitchen. It’ll be around this time you notice that the paint is beginning to chip and look unsightly.

When to Clean Your Kitchen Cabinets

You know us by now, we love a regular cleaning schedule – that’s why we recommend a two-part cabinet cleaning agenda that incorporates both weekly and seasonal cleans to save time, energy and most importantly, money.

Weekly : You need to do more than a simple wipe down every week – we recommend buying a multi-purpose cleaner and using it every 7 days. All you have to do is spray the multi-purpose cleaner onto a microfiber cloth, and wipe away all fingerprints, spatters, and other marks you see. Also, make sure to disinfect the cabinet and any materials you use to clean it with.
Seasonally : Give your cabinets a deep clean four times a year. To do so, empty the cabinets of all contents. Then dab a microfiber cloth with a mild cleanser. Wipe down the shelves and the inside and outside of the door. Then, we recommend using a clean toothbrush to get in all the nooks and crannies of the cabinets in your kitchen. Let dry completely before restocking with your glasses, plates, cereals, rice, appliances like blenders, slow cookers etc.

Or get a professional cleaning service to do the job for you

Specialising in deep kitchen cleans, the Crystal Oven Cleaning specialists are fully equipped to put the sparkle back into every inch of the kitchen, no matter the material of the cabinets or the size of the oven, all at competitive prices. Our customers rate us 5* and are delighted by the results we can achieve... so why not treat yourself to a professional oven clean. Simply give us a call on 01832 730404 for more information or book in for a clean HERE .

11 Brilliant Cleaning Hacks For Your Kitchen

Tue, 24 May 2022 08:55:39 GMT

The thing with cleaning hacks is that sometimes they … just aren’t hacks at all - they either don’t work or they leave you with a bigger mess than you started with. Not ideal, to say the least. When you’re spending time cleaning your house, you want to have something to show for your efforts, right!? And we want to help! So we’ve rounded up 11 of our best, most brilliant cleaning hacks — including the easiest and laziest way to get rid of odours coming from the sink to how you can clean up broken glass with a piece of bread, and much more. Check out our list below:

1. Clean Your Oven with a Dishwasher Tablet

So it turns out, the little dishwasher tablets you frequently use for cleaning your dishes in the appliance can be used for much more. We love to use it as a tool for cleaning ovens. And even toilets. Yes, seriously!

Simply dip the pod in the warm water and hold it long enough to soak up a bit of the water, but not too long that it starts to crumble. Lay the tablet flat, and use your palm to move the tablet in circular motions and scrub away the stains. Then dip the tablet again when it starts to dry out. It works well on the glass, and is also effective on the surrounding metal part of the oven door (but you might need to apply a little more pressure). When you’re finished, simply wipe away any residue with a clean damp cloth.

2. Use Vinegar to Unclog Taps

If you have hard water in the area where you live, you may find that the faucet (tap) on your kitchen sink gets clogged/blocked from time to time. Simply fill a bag with equal parts water and white vinegar, submerge your kitchen faucet, secure it with a rubber band or a zip tie and voila: keep it on overnight and by tomorrow morning your kitchen faucet should be free of gunk and back to working order. Just remember to let the water run for a minute or so after removing the bag to get rid of any lingering vinegar or buildup.

3. Squirt Some Dish Soap Down the Drain

Finding your drain a little slow to, um, drain? Squirt a little dish soap down there and run the hot water. Dish soap is formulated to cut through grease. Usually that grease is on your dishes and cookware, but it can also accumulate in your drain/pipes, causing blockages and odours - so give this hack a go and see the difference it makes.

4. Cut a Corner Off Your Sponge

You know that sponge you use to clean the dishes with? And the other sponge you use to wipe down the walls? Keep track of which one is which with this smart trick: Just cut off the corner of the sponge you use for the dirty work. It'll act as a visual reminder as to which sponge is for which chore. So simple, yet so effective.

5. Polish a Stainless Steel Sink with Flour

Yes, you read that correctly - you can polish stainless steel with the help of the flour already in the kitchen cupboard. All you have to do is wash and dry the sink, sprinkle the whole unit with flour, and then get to buffing. You’ll be surprised at how sparkly the metal gets in such a short amount of time!

6. Use Your Dishwasher to Dry Hand-Washed Dishes

This is a great hack that skips the use of a dish rack. After all, a dish rack takes up too much space on the side, so instead you can use your dishwasher’s empty racks to dry your hand-washed dishes. Your dishwasher will hold more than a dish rack, anyway, so you can clean a sink full of hand-wash-only dishes in no time.

7. Add a Bowl of Vinegar to Your Dishwasher

Keeping with the focus on your dishwasher - if you live in an area with hard water, you are probably pretty frustrated with dirty-looking dishes that come out of your dishwasher. To solve this, you simply need to put a bowl right-side-up in your dishwasher and pour in some vinegar. Run the dishwasher — the vinegar will help combat that hard water so your dishes come out sparkling again.

8. Banish Sink Odours with Baking Soda and Lemon Juice

If you've read other blogs of ours, you've probably got the hint we love using baking soda for cleaning purposes, so of course we have to bring a hack to you in this blog too. When you think of all the gross stuff that goes down the drain of a kitchen sink, it makes sense that it’ll start to smell eventually. Try this DIY de-clogger to keep your pipes clear of gunk and smelling nice again: Flush your drain with very hot water, then slowly pour a cup of baking soda down. Finish it off with about a cup of lemon juice and wait for the fizzy chemical reaction. It's magic!

9. Use a Potato to Clean Rust

Again, yes you read that correctly... you can clean with a potato. Here’s how it works: Cut the potato in half, dip the cut end in dish soap or baking soda, and rub it over the rusted area. If the end of the potato gets slick, slice it off and dip the newly cut end. Repeat until all the rust is removed!

10. Clean up Broken Glass with a Piece of Bread

It happens from time to time: You gesture a little too enthusiastically and down goes your fancy wine glass that only comes out for special occasions. The big pieces of glass are easy enough to pick up, but the tiny shards? Not so much — or are they? What if we told you all you need is a slice of bread? That's right, get a slice of bread and just press it gently over the glass and the little fragments will stick to the soft dough. (They don’t call it Wonder Bread for nothing.)

11. Microwave Your Cleaning Rag Before You Get to Work

And for the final hack in today's blog - you should zap your cleaning rag in the microwave before you start cleaning. Just make sure it’s damp before you put it in and figure out how long it needs to be nuked in order to be hot but ok to handle (make sure it's not scalding - no injuries here please). Once it’s steamy and hot, the rag will be way more powerful when it comes to cutting through the messes in your kitchen.

8 Reasons Why You Should Keep a Clean Kitchen

Fri, 20 May 2022 12:44:12 GMT

The kitchen bin is overflowing, the sink smells like the inside of a dirty sock and the sponges lining your sink are so full of bacteria that any second they may stand up and start crawling away. Is it a big deal? Well, yes.

Keeping your kitchen (like the other rooms of your home) clean is important for a number of reasons. The main one being health and wellbeing - unfortunately with dirty kitchens comes the risk of illness and disease. But if you're not overly concerned with the biology side of things, think economy instead. Cleanliness can save you money - AND THAT'S ALWAYS GOOD. Then finally, it’s also politically and socially correct to be clean.

We have 8 reasons you should take time out of your busy schedule (whether it's just an hour out of the week) to clean the kitchen and find ways to keep it tidy. NOTE : We're not advocating a frontal assault on all things disorganised, jumbled or in need of a friendly wipe-down. A few crumbs in front of the toaster is nothing to get obsessive about. We will tell you how to maintain a clean kitchen and why it is necessary for better health and wellness - as well as help you save money and time, and send a positive message to your kids. Keep reading to learn more.

Prevent Food Borne Illness

One of the biggest concerns about cleanliness in the kitchen is food borne illness due to spoilage or cross-contamination. You know about safety precautions like using different cutting boards for meat and vegetables, always wash your hands after handling food especially raw meats and cleaning the sink and countertops regularly. These are just the basics.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) , there are more than 200 diseases caused by contaminated food and a whopping estimated 600 million – almost 1 in 10 people in the world – fall ill after eating contaminated food and 420,000 die every year , resulting in the loss of 33 million healthy life years (DALYs). This is contamination from all sources, including food manufacturing, but that figure is still shocking.

Some of the biggest culprits introduced in food are Salmonella, Campylobacter, pathogenic E coli, and Listeria. There are others that can be transmitted to food from unwitting human carriers and then distributed to others in the household. They include: hepatitis A virus, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella, Shigella sonnei and rotavirus. Although food borne illnesses are much more likely to present severe health risks to young children, older adults and those who are already ill, even a mild case of food poisoning is an experience to avoid.

Here are just a few things to consider adding to your kitchen routine to reduce the risk of food borne illness:

Always wash your hands before and after handling perishable foods (i.e foods likely to go bad quickly)
Dispose of ALL spoiled food promptly. Never keep leftovers in your refrigerator longer than four days.
Clean all the equipment you use for food prep like meat thermometers, measuring cups & spoons, can openers, sieves, colanders, blenders, wooden spoons etc. If it touches perishable foods, it should be cleaned
If a food item looks or smells off in any way, dispose of it
Keep all your household cleaners away from food prep areas
Refrigerate perishable foods after no more than two hours at room temperature.
Wash all cutting boards in hot, soapy water every time you use them, and discard cutting boards with deep scoring or gouges. For tips on cleaning your wood cutting boards, click HERE .
Wash your hands after handling any raw meat or eggs.
Always wash your hands after touching your nose, mouth or eyes.

Entertain Without Any Kitchen Related Embarrassment

You may prefer the idea of having the kitchen all to yourself when you’re having company over, but folks usually like to gravitate to the kitchen to see what’s going on. After all, it's the heart of the house and the place where all the action is. Don’t be surprised if your tidy living room is empty and your guests are laughing and having a great time standing within a couple of feet of the bin you just filled with gone off food. Sadly, because it's the busiest room in the house, it can also be the dirtiest room in your house. Before the sister-in-law you don't like starts telling the story of the day she discovered a loaf of bread covered with an inch-thick of mold, expect the unexpected by getting your kitchen in tiptop shape and keeping it that way.

Limit Household Use of Harsh Chemicals

Cleaning agents used in kitchens and bathrooms kill germs because they consist of a string of strong chemicals that get the job done, but can also leave residue behind. We as humans aren’t immune to some of the effects of strong anti-bacterial agents, and keeping your home clean using safe practices can be challenging. One thing is certain, though. Maintaining a regular cleaning regimen keeps bacteria under control, so there’s less of it to deal with. The chemicals you use, whether you decide to go green or employ a more aggressive, powerful option, will be available in reduced concentrations at any given time. If you’ve ever spent a weekend of heavy-duty cleaning only to have your home smell like you’re preparing a chemical stew, you know what we mean by this.

Extend the Life of Your Appliances

Every appliance in your kitchen - big or small - will work more efficiently when they’re clean. This includes the dishwasher, oven, hob, extractor fan etc. Efficiency means longer life. When a vent or filter is dirty, an appliance has to work harder to do its job. It will usually work hotter, too. That means a shorter useful life for than if you’d kept it clean. Will a little dust or grease destroy all of your countertop gadgets? No, but the effects are cumulative, and prolonged neglect will do more than make your appliances a little sticky and unpleasant to look at.

Manage Food More Efficiently

Kitchens are the key places for food storage and preparation, right? And having an effective and consistent food maintenance strategy is a good idea. Foods like milk and eggs turn relatively quickly, and keeping your fridge clean and organised will help you keep track of food stores so you can use them before they spoil. When the inside of your fridge looks like new things are growing in it, don’t expect to be able to monitor or control what goes on in there. Decaying food will produce odours and bacteria that can spoil other foods, and when you leave spills in place, you risk creating problems with cross-contamination.

The cupboards are another spot to keep an eye on. Although canned foods may be relatively indestructible, things like baking powder, spices and other products should be monitored. If you know the freshness date on that loaf of bread is about to elapse, you may be able to turn it into breadcrumbs before it turns green and furry. Also, it's important to note that spilled, spoiling and neglected food can breed a number of different bacterias and encourage insect invaders. Food is perishable, and using it to its best advantage requires regular cleaning and maintenance.

Take the Hassle out of Kitchen Prep

Cooking is a lot easier with everything out of the way/ in the right places. Just think about it, it’s dinnertime and you’re exhausted. This morning’s breakfast dishes are on the side where you plan to chop onions, and the sink is full of salad debris that never made it into the bin. In order to get a meal together, you’ll have to clean the kitchen first. While you’re cursing whoever left the sponge full of god knows what, you’re thinking of ways to cut a few seconds from dinner prep. If this sounds familiar, you’ll probably acknowledge that cleaning when you’re tired or in a hurry isn’t good cleaning (it's just about passable). If you’re struggling with sticky countertops, raise your hand. The truth is, hasty cleaning probably takes more time in the long run, too (annoyingly). One good worktop cleaning — you know, the kind where you take everything off the side and clean everything one at a time — may take 15-20 minutes. Having to drag a cloth around your countertop appliances, the mail basket, and the bread box twice a day for a hurried cleaning could pile up a lot more minutes than you think. If you get into the habit of cleaning regularly, you’ll save a few steps and keep your frustration meter out of the red zone. BONUS!

Be Safer

Just by clearing the clutter that gathers in your kitchen can avoid a number of different accidents happening. NOTE : Cleanliness isn’t just an aesthetic concern. It’s very much about safety, too. Drips on the floor from last night’s drink spillage could cause someone to slip over, and that oil slick on the stove from taco Tuesday could start a grease fire. The kitchen is one spot where water, high heat, electricity and sharp objects all come into close proximity, and the best way to control this potentially dangerous environment is by keeping it as clean and organised as possible. Of course, no one plans on starting a fire in the kitchen, or slipping on water spills or dropping the blade end of a greasy knife on a toe - but these things happen, especially in unclean and disorganised environments.

Set a Good Example for Your Children

The fact is that whatever you’re doing — or not doing — is making an impression on the people around you, especially your children. yes, they won’t love you any less if you never clean out the the kitchen cupboards, but they may adopt your less desirable cleaning habits later in life. Cleanliness may not have the almost religious importance previous generations of housekeepers attributed to it, but it’s a good habit to teach your children by example. That's it, lead by example - and make the process as fun as possible. Teach your children how to clean and organise, whilst also bringing team work and competition to the process. Not only is this good for the family in terms of learning good cleaning habits, but it also speeds up the overall cleaning process - that's a win, win situation if you ask us.

How to Clean Grime Off the Oven Door

Tue, 10 May 2022 10:39:12 GMT

Cleaning the door of your oven is not a job that’s often at the top of our to-do lists. But it’s one of the places in our kitchens that can get greasy and grimy very quickly. From leaky sauces to oil splatters and more, it’s easy to see why it can get so grubby, so quickly.

Cleaning your oven and the oven glass doesn’t have to be a chore – the trick is knowing how to do it quickly and effectively. Here, our experts at Crystal Oven Cleaning give you the top hacks for your oven glass and give you guidance on how to ensure you keep it scratch-free and sparkling.

How to Clean Your Oven Glass

Cleaning the door of your oven doesn’t have to involve the use of harsh chemicals. By now, you would have gathered we like to inform you of the more natural, chemical free ways of cleaning your kitchen appliances - by making a bicarbonate of soda and vinegar mixture, you can get fantastic results and make your oven glass look as good as new.

"But what products do I need to clean my oven door?" I hear you ask. Well, before you begin cleaning, make sure you have the following to hand:

Bicarbonate of soda (or baking powder)
White vinegar
Rubber gloves
Non-scratch sponges
A clean microfiber cloth
Warm, soapy water

Step-By-Step Guide to Cleaning Your Oven Door Naturally

First, mix bicarbonate of soda (or baking soda) and water together to create a little paste. Once you have made your mixture, you’ll need to:

Take out the glass panel at the front of your oven and put it into the sink
Cover the glass in the cleaning mixture you've just made
Leave for around 30 minutes, or overnight if the grease and stains are particularly bad
Do the same for the glass on the oven (being careful to avoid any heating elements)
Spray the areas with your cleaning solution with some white vinegar
Ensure the cleaning paste has become foamy
Use a scratch-free sponge to wipe away any excess grease (pay attention to any stuck-on food)
Repeat this process a couple of times (if grease and stains are stubborn)
Rinse the glass with warm soapy water
Then rinse with clean, cool water
And finally buff with a clean microfiber cloth to bring the sparkle back

IMPORTANT : For other ways you can clean areas of your kitchen with this natural solution, check out our blog titled ' 5 Ways to Clean Your Kitchen With Baking Soda ' .

Our top tips on how to clean your oven glass without scratching it

Be aware that hard pieces of food can actually scratch the glass in your oven when you're scrubbing away. So always approach with caution and check for any residue that could damage your oven’s glass
Don’t use abrasive cleaning sponges that could cause irreparably scratch the glass.
It can be tempting to scratch off stubborn grime with a blade or knife. And when there’s a lot of grime in your oven, it’s not always easy to see the effects of your scratching until you’ve rinsed away the soot. Don't use sharp implements to scratch your oven, particularly on the door. You may well regret it afterwards!
If in doubt, leave it to the professionals. Crystal Oven Cleaning is here to help. We use a no added caustic system, giving you peace of mind that your oven will be cleaned safely and effectively. Click HERE to contact us today!

The Best Way To Get The Orange Stains Out Of Your Plastic Tupperware

Fri, 06 May 2022 09:07:15 GMT

If you look in your kitchen drawers right now, I’m sure you will see many pieces of tupperware that are stacked, sometimes neatly and sometimes haphazardly. They are perfect for many different uses, but mostly we use them for pack lunches and leftovers.

If you are somebody who stores something in plastic containers, you know tomato sauces and similar items often leave plastic containers with orange stains that are difficult to remove. Even after washing the containers with the best washing up liquid you have, you are left with orange discolouration - leaving you in need of a more effective cleaning routine that directly attacks the stained residue.

Since you store food in these containers, you don't want to use harmful chemicals that could get into your food, so all-natural products from your kitchen cupboard will work best.

How to Get Set in Orange Stains Out of Plastic Containers

You will find below a step-by-step guide to our favourite way of getting these horrible looking orange stains out of your plastic tubs:

Step 1 : Sprinkle just one cup baking soda into the stained container and pour 2 cups of hot water into the plastic tub.

Step 2 : Place the lid on the container and shake around to wash down the sides of the container. Take the lid off, dip a cleaning cloth into the water and scrub down the container. Rinse the container with hot water and examine.

Step 3 : Rinse the plastic container with hot water and examine.

Step 4 : Then soak the cleaning cloth in white vinegar and wipe over any remaining orange stains. Please continue this step until you have removed all of the orange residue.

Step 5 : Finally, wash the plastic container with warm soapy water to get rid of the cleaning ingredients, and dry the plastic with a clean towel.

No more embarrassment or avoiding to use the plastic containers you have for things that will turn them orange. Now you have the ultimate way to get rid of these stains, all that’s left to do at this point is to enjoy your newly clean container!

How to Clean a Wood Cutting Board

Wed, 27 Apr 2022 11:18:53 GMT

If there's one item you can never have too many of in the kitchen, and that's cutting boards (or also known as chopping boards). These are a necessity not just for keeping your countertop in good shape - avoiding knife marks and messes to clean up, but also for properly preparing different foods i.e. meat, poultry, vegetables etc. A good cutting board is also absolutely essential for overall food safety and hygiene.

But which type of cutting board is best? Wood cutting boards versus plastic cutting boards has been debated for years, but from our professional opinion, wood cutting boards are better in the long run. This doesn't mean you should throw away any plastic cutting boards you have though - if you don't know how to properly clean your cutting board, it doesn't matter which kind you use anyway.

This is why we are putting together a list of ways to thoroughly clean your wooden cutting boards to ensure longevity, and ultimate health and safety with the must needed equipment in a kitchen.

Cleaning Wood Cutting Boards With Dish Soap

The best thing about cleaning a wood cutting board is that it can be easily be done by hand. All you need is hot water, dish soap, and a clean sponge or brush (decide which one you prefer - either a sponge or a brush). Rinse the board off with hot water first, then apply soap. No need to take an additional trip to the shop to get special soap, just use your regular dish soap for this. Then scrub away! If you notice any knife marks, scratches or inconsistencies in the wood, make sure to give those areas an extra hard scrubbing.

Make sure to properly clean and scrub both sides of the cutting board. Even if you only used one side to cut on, please don't forget that meat juices can drip and contaminate the other side. So be safe and clean both side of the board thoroughly. Then simply rinse off the soap and bubbles each side of the cutting board with hot water. Next, dry off the board with a clean cloth or towel, or drip dry in an upright position. Which ever works best for you.

Cleaning a Wood Cutting Board With Lemon and Salt

Yes, you read that correctly - using lemon and salt to clean (a chemical free solution you'll love). Just giving your cutting boards a good cleaning regularly (every 4 to 6 weeks) with lemon and salt is a great way to help maintain them and improve the longevity of the board.

First, sprinkle the board with salt, such as sea salt or even kosher salt (the salt you probably already have in the cupboard, or at least know where it is in your local shop). Then take a lemon and cut it in half. Scrub the salt down each side of the cutting board using the lemon with the fleshy side down. Let the salt and lemon solution sit for around 5 minutes. Finally, wipe off the board with a clean sponge, rinse with hot water, and dry (with a clean towel or drip dry in the an upright position).

Cleaning Wood Cutting Boards With Bleach

For the meat lovers out there that want to make sure all the bacteria is removed from the cutting boards used in meal prep might want to bleach the board. First things first, make sure you have a cutting board just for meat and poultry - nothing special about the board other than only meats are cut up and prepared on it . To clean the board using bleach, we recommend adding one tablespoon of bleach to a gallon of water and let your board soak in the solution for a around 3 to 4 minutes. Then rinse down with hot water and dry it off.

IMPORTANT NOTE: When handling any bleach, please be careful and cautious.

Cleaning Wood Cutting Boards With Vinegar

Another one for those of you who prefer to use a chemical-free products, mix one part white vinegar to four parts water (hydrogen peroxide can also work if you don't have vinegar to hand) and soak your cutting board in the solution for a 3 to 4 minutes. Then rinse off with hot water and dry (with a clean towel or drip dry in the upright position).

No matter what you soak your cutting board in, it's important not to soak it for more than a few minutes to avoid warping or cracking the wood. Take care with how long you soak the board for.

Top Tips To Maintain Your Wood Cutting Board

Now you know how to clean a wooden cutting board, how do you maintain it so it lasts longer than a few uses? Here are the top tips we can give you when it comes to looking after your wooden cutting boards:

To avoid cracking, dryness, and warping of the wood cutting board, it's best to oil the board every 4 to 6 weeks (depending on how often you use it). Luckily, this task only takes a few minutes. First, clean your cutting board thoroughly using one of the methods above, and dry the board once you're happy with how clean it is.

To oil your cutting board, you need to use a product specifically formulated for wood cutting boards. Don't worry, just head to Amazon and type in "wooden cutting board oil", plenty of results turn up. Here are some we like:

When applying the oil, only use a soft cloth or paper towel to apply it on - that way it's soft on the surface of your wooden board. Apply a thin coat to the surface and se circular motions to buff the oil into the wood cutting board. Do this front and back, as well as the sides. Let the oil soak for a few hours or even overnight, and see the difference it makes.

9 Clever Cleaning Hacks For Your BBQ

Tue, 19 Apr 2022 12:53:29 GMT

The days are getting warmer and you're about to dust off your BBQ from last year for a feast in the garden, or alternatively, you've spent all day and evening barbecuing- rustling up some tasty food for your loved ones - but now the night is over and all that remains is a dirty barbecue that needs cleaning.

Whatever scenario you find yourself in, we know you want the best ways to remove all the grease and grime so the BBQ sparkles again. Luckily for you, whether you have a freestanding BBQ or a mini portable one, we've compiled a list of clever cleaning hacks you can follow, promising a sparkling grill and clean BBQ in no time.

1. Steam Clean

If you've been using your BBQ all day and you've finally finished cooking the delicious food, once it has started to cool down, cover the grill with water-soaked newspaper and close the lid. Leave it for 20 to 30 minutes, to give it a good steam clean. Then wipe down. If there is still debris and grease after doing this, try the other tricks below (we recommend 2 and 3).

2. Use an Onion

While there’s still some heat in your BBQ, attach an onion to a fork and rub over the hot bars. The water in the onion steam cleans them and removes any stubborn, stuck-on food.

3. Vinegar Wash

For stubborn burnt-on food and grease, we recommend mixing 500ml of vinegar and the same amount of water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution onto the grill and leave for 10 to 15 minutes. Empty the bottle, refill with just vinegar, spray on and then scrub to clean the BBQ.

4. Use the Dishwasher

Depending on the size of your BBQ, you should be able to remove the hotplates and fit them nicely into the dishwasher. Set it to a pot wash cycle and they should come out as new. Again, try to clean them whilst warm to get the best results (warm not hot... we don't want any injuries now do we?).

5. Clean With Some Beer

This trick involves good ol' newspaper again and some beer you don't mind using to make a cleaning solution for your BBQ. All you have to do is pour half a bottle of beer onto a warm (not hot) grill and scrub with some old newspaper or a wire brush if you have one. In just a few minutes, your BBQ will be sparkling again.

6. Baking Soda Solution

We love cleaning with baking soda. Most homes already have it in the cupboards and the results are unquestionable. To use baking soda in cleaning your BBQ, simply sprinkle some on the grill and dissolve with some water. Then use a clean sponge with a scourer to scrub until all the baking soda and food debris is gone and the grill is left sparkling.

7. Dispose of Fat & Oil Correctly

Yes, there are certain ways to dispose of things like meat fats and oils that accumulate during the time you use your BBQ. You must scrape fats, oils and grease that have cooled into some newspaper before binning them. Do not throw fats and oils down the sink! It's a good idea to keep a ‘fat trap’ or container in the kitchen to collect waste fats, oils and grease. You may also want to mix cooking oil with absorbent materials such as cat litter or coffee grounds, and then throw it away in the bin.

8. Scrub & Clean the Outside

Once the inside of your BBQ is clean, don’t forget to give the outside a once over. All you have to do is use some hot soapy water and a little elbow grease to see your BBQ sparkle again.

9. Then Heat It Up Again

When you’re finished cleaning the inside and outside of your BBQ, make sure you heat it up for around 15 to 30 minutes. This will ensure any residual from your cleaning session is burnt off and won’t compromise food taste when you next use it.

Or get a professional cleaning service to do the job for you

Our Crystal Oven Cleaning specialists are fully equipped to put the sparkle back into your beloved BBQ, in time for the summer/ garden parties. Our customers rate us 5* and are delighted by the results we can achieve... so why not treat yourself to a professional BBQ clean. Simply give us a call on 01832 730404 for more information or book in for a clean HERE .

Top Tips to Make a Stainless Steel Sink Shiny Again

Wed, 13 Apr 2022 11:04:08 GMT

It’s pretty easy for your kitchen sink to become incredibly dirty. After all, it's alongside the oven and fridge as one of the most used appliances in the room. Plus, you usually clean your hands, dishes, cutlery and all other kitchen apparatus there, so it is no surprise that they get unclean pretty quickly. As you're reading this now, it's likely you know stainless steel is a good material to use, but maintaining that new shine that radiates from a stainless steel sink is not that easy. Until now...

If you want your kitchen sink to be sparkling bright almost 24/7, then here are our top tips and tricks that will achieve the desired effect. We've tried and tested these ourselves and know they work every single time.

Using Baking Soda

We've spoken about using baking soda in kitchen cleaning before. It turns out it's probably the most common method of cleaning a stainless steel sink and seeing it shine again. Baking soda is fantastic because it removes food stains, grease and water deposits quicker than anything else. All you have to do is simply mix baking soda and water into a paste and spread it over the sink. Then add in a small amount of vinegar which will cause the paste to fizz. After it fizzes up, clean the paste away. The stainless steel sink will look a lot cleaner once you have done this.

To Remove Water Spots, Use Vinegar

Water spots are annoying marks on your stainless steel sink, but they are very easy to get rid of. Dip a clean sponge in some white vinegar and simply rub all around the basin. One of the pros to using vinegar to remove water marks is that it really doesn't take a lot of effort to clean water spots from a sink.

Then Consider Using Flour

Yes, you read that right! Using flour to help bring a shine to your stainless steel sink. Not many people know about this method, but it can be very effective! All you have to do is put a few tablespoons worth of all-purpose flour into the sink and use a clean, soft cloth to rub it around. Admittedly, this does require a bit of elbow grease but it is so worth it for the shine... plus we say it goes towards your workout of the day. When you've finished rubbing the flour around the sink, simply rinse it all away. You should find that your stainless steel sink has got some of its shine back again and will look cleaner as well.

Or Baby Oil For Some Shine

Did you know that you can use baby oil to get that new shine back into your stainless steel sink? Yeah, not a lot of people know that either, but we've tried it ourselves and it worked amazingly. We just added a few drops of baby oil onto a paper cloth and wiped down our own stainless steel sink. It added a layer of shine to the sink that we hadn't seen in a while. So simple, yet so effective. We will be using this trick more often.

5 Reasons to Hire a Professional Oven Cleaner

Thu, 07 Apr 2022 09:38:02 GMT

Oven cleaning is a chore often pushed to the bottom of the to-do list. We're all guilty of it, from time to time. But the longer we leave it, the murkier the inside of the oven becomes, until the prospect of cleaning it seems less like an insufferable chore and more of an impossibility. We've visited customers who people thought they could get away with not cleaning their ovens for years at a time. Sharing the reality of cleaning their oven caused us mixed emotions, and for the customers we're referring too, it was so much more daunting than they had first imagined.

Fortunately, there is an alternative. There are professional oven cleaners who will happily take on the task and get it done to a high standard. There are many, many reasons to hire a professional, but here is a list of the most important:

A professional oven cleaner has expert knowledge

Professional oven cleaners have the necessary skills and tools to complete the job to the very best standard. For example, they don’t just scrub oven doors with a small sponge – they remove the door, soak it and reattach it. Professionals know which parts of your oven need special attention, where food debris and grime can collect over time. For instance, if you have a fan-assisted oven, an oven cleaning professional will make sure to clean this compartment thoroughly, which in turn greatly improves the quality of your cooked food.

We have over 20 years experience in the industry , and we train every member of our team with the specialist knowledge we've obtained over the 2+ decades. We've seen it all, and tackled some challenging oven units. But we love it - it's what we do on a daily basis.

Professional oven cleaners save you time

Oven cleaning isn’t like washing the dishes. The cumulative dirt and grime that has been baked on and burnt over time can take hours to clean. This is time you probably don’t have to spare, whether it be work, kids, busy schedules... something always takes up the 24 hours in a day . But even if you do happen to have a free afternoon, it’s infinitely more likely that you’d prefer to spend that quality time doing something you enjoy like reading a book, watching a film or spending time with your family. So hiring a professional, who will work around your personal schedule, is the way to go - you can get on with life while the job gets sorted for you. It's a win, win situation.

Your store-bought oven cleaners may be toxic

Anyone who has tried to clean an oven for themselves knows how overpowering the smell of store-bought oven cleaners can be, enough to leave you light-headed and frustrated. Not only do these cleaners leave unbearable fumes in your home, but they also tend to contain toxic chemicals that can irritate your skin and are dangerous if accidentally ingested.

Our fully equipped customised vehicles with specialist cleaning technology for removal of grease, fat and burnt on debris ensure NO mess, NO odour, NO toxic or caustic products in your home or workplace. For the safety of everyone around - the Crystal Oven Cleaning team, you, your family, friends, pets etc. Safety is a top priority of ours, and will remain as so for the foreseeable future!

Getting your oven cleaned will save you money in the long run

Professional oven cleaners know how to maximise the energy efficiency of your oven . By cleaning it to a high standard, we will reduce the amount of time your oven takes to heat up. We guarantee you see a noticeable difference to your energy bill. Other benefits of having a clean oven and how it can save you money is that your food will heat up/ cook through more evenly, and you'll be able to see through the oven door, so you won’t have to open the door to check on your food. A regular, thorough clean will, without a doubt, increase the lifespan of your oven, so you won’t be paying out to replace it before it’s necessary.

Hiring an oven cleaning professional is as hassle-free as it gets

It is easy to get in touch , and we are more than happy to have an informal discussion in order to determine how we can best help you. We don’t believe in high-pressure sales tactics and, most importantly, the quote you receive will definitely be the one you pay on the day.

If you’re looking to get the best cleaning results, save time and money, as well as conserve energy in the long run, contact us TODAY and schedule in an appointment for us to carry out a deep oven clean for you! Our fully trained professional oven cleaners are on standby - you can have your oven looking brand new for as little as £45. Yep, that's right... An opportunity not to be missed.

Top Tips For Cleaning Your Hob

Fri, 01 Apr 2022 09:52:06 GMT

Your hob is one of the most used and most visible appliances in your kitchen and is a common place for grease, stains and food spillages to gather. Once food and grime has built up on your hob, it can be a big job to get it back to looking like new again.

Here are our top hob cleaning tips to make sure you’re left with a sparkling result, whether you have a gas or an electric appliance in your home. Check it out!

First things first... make sure the appliance is turned off and not hot (if you've just used it, give it time to cool down before you go to clean it. We don't want any burns no, do we?)

Cleaning your gas hob

Gas hobs usually have metal pan stands and removable burner tops and rings. We advise taking these elements off as this will make cleaning your hob a much easier chore for yourself.

Start by filling a bucket or your sink with hot, soapy water (using your regular washing up liquid is perfect for the job) and put all the removable elements of your hob in to soak. This will break down grease whilst you’re cleaning the stovetop, making the removal easy peasy.
Then use a damp cloth to remove the loose dirt or debris from your stovetop and spray on the kitchen surface cleaner of your choice, and leave on for the recommended time on the bottle. We recommend using a non-caustic and environmentally friendly product.
Now wipe off the cleaning product with a damp cloth to remove any burnt on stubborn stains.
Then polish the clean surface with a dry microfibre cloth to leave it smooth and shining.
Any grease on the pan racks and burner rings should now now be easy to remove after with a clean cloth or a sponge after soaking. For the more stubborn stains, use an old tooth brush.
Then leave everything to dry completely before putting them back onto the hob.

Cleaning your electric hob

An electric plate hob usually has raised elements to heat your pans on. This means that it’s easy for food, grease and grime to burn into the space between and even beneath the elements of your appliance. For your electric hob clean, you can use your normal kitchen degreaser. As always, we recommend using a natural and non-caustic solution.

Firstly, spray the hob with your chosen cleaning solution and leave it to work for around 5 minutes - this should loosen any burnt-on stains. If not, leave the solution on for a little longer.
Then use a clean, damp cloth to wipe over the hob to remove any dirt and burnt on food. Repeat this until all stains are lifted. If there’s food in between and beneath the raised plates, use an old toothbrush to get into all the nooks and crannies.
Now wipe everything down again with a damp cloth to remove any remaining product. And then, make sure your hob is completely dry before using it again.

Or get a professional oven cleaning service to do the job for you

Specialising in deep kitchen cleans, the Crystal Oven Cleaning specialists are fully equipped to put the sparkle back into the heart of your home, at competitive prices. Our customers rate us 5* and are delighted by the results we can achieve... so why not treat yourself to a professional oven clean. Simply give us a call on 01832 730404 for more information or book in for a clean HERE .

Can Oven Racks Be Cleaned in the Dishwasher?

Tue, 22 Mar 2022 13:41:29 GMT

It’s safe to say cleaning the grimy, sticky grease off an oven rack isn’t the most enjoyable household chore - but it is necessary. So, we have put together a simple guide on whether or not oven racks can go into the dishwasher and ways to clean them that you may not have considered before.

Can my oven racks go in the dishwasher?

Most modern dishwashers come with dishwasher safe racks which make it very tricky to fit an oven rack inside. However, if there is room in your dishwasher then there’s no reason why you can’t give it a go. Although placing your oven racks in the dishwasher may sound like the easiest, hassle-free way to clean them, it doesn’t necessarily mean it is the best way (remember that!).

Oven racks gather a lot of built-up grime and grease that is often baked over and over. This means that it is going to need some real elbow grease to come off! A dishwasher is perfect for removing dirt off dishes and cutlery because the dirt isn’t deeply embedded. But dealing with dirt and grime on oven racks is often a whole different story. No need to worry though, if you try to clean the oven racks in the dishwasher and it doesn't work, give the follow tips a go and you will have sparkling clean oven racks in no time.

Cleaning your oven racks in the bathtub

That's right, you can get rid of the stubborn burnt on food by soaking the oven racks in the bath. Simply fill the bathtub enough to completely submerge the racks in hot water and add ½ cup of dishwashing soap and 3 cups of your favourite washing detergent. Leave them to soak for a good 24 hours. Return to the bathtub once the 24 hours are up, using either a old toothbrush or non-scratch scorer, and give the racks a good scrub. The grease and grime should come off with ease.

Use tin foil and a dishwasher tablet to clean the oven racks

Using the tin foil (also known as aluminium foil) from the back of your kitchen cupboard, wrap it all around the oven rack. Fill the bathtub with hot water and completely submerge the wrapped oven racks in the water. Throw in a dishwasher tablet, and watch it dissolve in the bathtub. This will react with the foil creating a cleansing agent. Leave the oven racks to soak in the bathtub for 2 hours and then drain all of the water from the bathtub. Then simply remove all of the foil and wipe the oven racks down - the grease should come away with ease. Finally, rinse the racks when all the food and grime has been removed.

Or use a professional oven cleaning service

So the answer to the questions is yes, oven racks can be cleaned in the dishwasher (if they fit). Or they can be cleaned in the bathtub with the help of cleaning agents and hot water. However, the best and easiest way to clean oven racks is with Crystal Oven Cleaning. Our team of specialists take all removable parts, including oven racks out of the oven to be cleaned in the unique, no-added caustic solution. We will put the work in to make your oven sparkle once again. Get in touch TODAY and let's get that oven showroom clean once again.

How To Clean Your Kitchen Extractor Fan Filter

Mon, 14 Mar 2022 16:04:30 GMT

Extractor fans are a must-have in any kitchen. Not only do they help keep your kitchen clean by removing harmful smoke and fumes, but they also help to keep the room ventilated. Over time, the filters in your extractor fan will become clogged with dirt, dust, and grease, which will impact its overall performance. In this blog, we will tell you how to clean your extractor fan and filters quickly and easily. Let’s get started!

How to Clean the Kitchen Extractor Fan

While you are cooking those delicious dishes every day, your cooker hood (extractor unit above the hob) is getting greasier and grimier as it works hard to eliminate odours, fumes and grease. You may have the habit of wiping down your hob, but just like any appliance, it needs that interior deep clean. Not to worry! With the right match of cleaning solution and scrubbing methods, we are here to help you get that gleaming cooker head filter back. Here's how to make it sparkle again:

To start, you will need:

Hot water
Washing up liquid
Non-abrasive brush

HOW TO CLEAN METAL COOKER HOOD FILTERS

STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE

Carefully remove the filters from the hood. Most filters easily slide or pop out, but if you’re unsure, refer to the manufacturer/ user guide.
Fill the sink with very hot and add the washing up liquid.
Place the grease filters in the sink, making sure they are entirely covered by the water. Leave to soak for at least 15 minutes.
After soaking, gently scrub the filters with a non-abrasive brush. For stubborn areas of grease and grime, add extra washing up liquid directly to the brush.
Be gentle with your brushing action to avoid damaging the filters. To avoid damaging the filter surface, do not use coarse scouring tools or pads.
Repeat the above step on the other side of the filter.
When all the grease and grime has been removed, rinse the filters fully with clean hot water.
Allow the filters to dry naturally, or speed up the process by patting dry with paper towels. NOTE: do not apply heat to your filters to help them dry faster.
Only when they are completely dry can you refit the filters in the extractor hood.
And that's it, you've cleaned the filters!

PREVENTING THE BUILD UP OF GREASE

Also, as frying is the most common cause of grease build up in extractor fan filters, you may want to invest in a splatter guard .

Cleaning the filters is necessary to prevent grease and fumes reaching the extraction vents. However, there are preventative steps you can take between deep cleans to make the job easier for yourself. We recommend using a paper towel or clean cloth to wipe down the grease filters each time you use the hob - ensuring the fan and hood are completely cool before you start to clean.

REPLACING THE EXTRACTOR FAN FILTERS

The grease filters in your kitchen extractor hood often last for a few years. However, like anything else, they don’t last forever and can deteriorate over time. If your filters are showing any signs of deterioration or physical wear, they should be replaced as soon as possible.

If your hood has standard carbon filters, they cannot be cleaned and should be replaced at least every four months , or more regularly if the hood is used extensively.

CLEANING THE REST OF THE APPLIANCE

While the filters are soaking in hot soapy water, you’ve got a perfect opportunity to give the inside of the hood a good clean too. Use a sponge and a non-abrasive cleaning agent to clean the inner surfaces of the hood. Then thoroughly dry the inside walls before refitting the filters.

To clean the surface of the extractor, use a soft cloth and washing up detergent and warm water.

Painted surfaces should be cleaned using a soft cloth, detergent and warm water. Or use a cleaner designed for enamel surfaces. Do not use abrasive or bleach-based products on any of the hood’s surfaces.

There are many reasons to clean the filters in your extractor unit. The longer you leave it, the bigger an effect it will have on the fan’s performance. Plus, doing it every so often will ensure you don’t have the unpleasant tasks of tackling a major build up of grease.

Glass surfaces, usually found on built-in kitchen extractor fans, should be cleaned with a suitable glass cleaning agent. You'll be able to find information on this in the user handbook/manual guide.

Your Spring Cleaning Checklist : Top Tips For Cleaning Your Kitchen

Wed, 09 Mar 2022 16:18:01 GMT

When you walk into your kitchen, can you see the food splatters and dust particles on your tiles? With the kitchen being one of the most popular rooms in a house comes a lot of spillages and dirt, especially on wall and floor tiles.

Of course we think the kitchen is the best place to start your spring cleaning, but it can often be an overwhelming task. And often or not, it's because of the most off-putting chore in that room... cleaning the oven.

But fear not... we’re here to make it easier than ever to tidy and organise your kitchen this Spring. Our first tip is to break your cleaning up into bite-sized chunks so you don’t take on more than you can clean in one go! The key is to not over do it and overwhelm yourself.

Now without further ado, let's take a look at the following Spring cleaning tips to help clean your kitchen and get it looking tip-top again!

Clean The Tiles

Our top tips when it comes to cleaning kitchen tiles is to start from the top (walls) to the bottom (floor). This is because some dirt from the walls may fall and that would be incredibly annoying if you'd just spent a lot of time cleaning the floor to then mess it up again... straight away.

We have a blog that discusses the best ways to clean your kitchen tiles, everything from the products to use and the natural cleaner you can make yourself to be eco friendly and save yourself some money along the way. Click HERE to check it out!

Scrub The Windows

Use a mild soap and warm water to clean the window, rubbing away the dirt and dust. Then use a damp squeegee to remove any excess water from the window, starting in the top corner and dragging it down to the bottom. Overlap each stroke until the window is completely dry and wipe down the window frames and sills.

Sort Out The Fridge

This is a job that needs to be done regularly, not just during your annual spring clean. But we add it to the Spring clean list because it's often forgotten about. Throw away any old jars lurking at the back of the cupboard, that are years out of date, and wipe down all the shelves with a cloth and warm soapy water or anti-bacterial wipes.

Don’t forget to clean the fridge gulley at the back – condensation needs to drain properly. Use a cotton bud or pipe cleaner to clear out any debris but always check your fridge manual to avoid causing damage.

Clean Your Dishwasher

Again, the dishwasher needs regular TLC and a great way to get rid of smells and keep it looking its best, is to use baking soda and a damp cloth to wipe down any food debris and stains that find themselves there. Keep it sanitised and use a dishwasher cleaner once every couple of weeks to make sure you’re killing all the bacteria lurking in there. The heat and moisture in a dishwasher is a playground for bacteria, so make sure you're cleaning it regularly.

Scrub The Stainless Steel

It's no secret that stainless steel is difficult to clean, but our top tip for tackling this obstacle in the cleaning process is to avoid using anything abrasive and use a wax-based aerosol, sparingly, on the surface of the steel. Also avoid anything with oil in it as it’ll smudge and leave unsightly marks.

Fill Up The Cleaning Cupboard

A spring clean always alerts you to any cleaning supplies that are dwindling or have run out. It’s the perfect time to take stock of the suppliers you have and the essentials and favourites you need. However, if you have a product in there that is years old and hasn’t been used – let it serve as a warning as you don’t need it, so don't buy any more.

Get Your Oven Deep Cleaned

Having a professional oven clean will only take a couple of hours and will transform this family favourite appliance. Food particles that stick to the grill become charred and bacteria can grow where you prepare your meals daily; therefore, it is imperative that ovens are properly cleaned. Our oven cleaning specialists use a unique environmentally friendly no-added caustic cleaning system, which rids ovens of germs and leaves your kitchen springtime fresh and fragrant. Get your oven sparkling again with a professional clean !

The Microwave Do's And Don'ts Everyone Should Know

Tue, 01 Mar 2022 11:57:55 GMT

Craving last night’s leftovers and need to heat it up fast? Microwaves are the go-to appliance in these situations as its speed fits perfectly with every busy lifestyle and convenience level . And, think about it, supermarket have kept pace with the times by providing an unlimited variety of frozen foods you can now microwave, everything from breakfast items to dessert treats.

But what are the rules when it comes to microwaves? How can you cook your food whilst also looking after the appliance so it lasts a long time? Well, we've put together a list of do's and don'ts when it comes to this vital appliance in everyone's kitchen. Check it out.

Microwave Do’s

Check on your food

Microwaves achieve the best results if you regularly check, stir and keep an eye on the food. All too often when people are microwave cooking, the outer edges of the food is piping hot but the middle is still cold. This can simply be resolved by regularly stirring or turning the food inside the microwave. Another pro to checking on your food is preventing spillages/splashes or at least intervening before there is a sea of sauce to clean up.

Keep your microwave clean

This leads nicely to discussing the cleanliness of the appliance. Since any droplets/spillages affect the efficient operation of microwave energy, a dirty microwave will cook more slowly and unevenly. Also, letting your microwave build up germs and grime is bad news for your gut. The bacteria that can be found in dirty microwaves can cause infections, and create sickness. Wipe it down with a damp cloth every now and then and make sure it’s gleaming. To find out more about how often you should clean your microwave, click HERE . Also, to learn how to clean the appliance with just a lemon, click HERE .

Take extra caution when thawing meat

Some people will tell you to never defrost meat in the microwave. But these people are wrong. Meat is perfectly okay to defrost in the microwave, you just need to be vigilant and keep your eye on it. Make sure it’s removed from all its original packaging and check on it regularly. Thin cuts of meat especially will begin to cook if left to defrost in there for too long. You probably don't want to do that so make sure you're just defrost and not cooking as well.

Follow the instructions

If you are cooking a microwave ready meal, make sure you have read and followed the instructions step-by-step. There will be differing cooking times for microwaves of different power levels. For example, a 700W microwave will take longer to cook something than a 900W one.

Microwave Don'ts

Put metal in the microwave

This one everyone should already be aware of. Putting metal in the microwave is a big no-no- AVOID AT ALL COSTS. Metal will spark in a microwave oven and if left unattended, will cause a fire. Make sure everyone who uses this appliance in the kitchen is aware of this rule. So no metal containers or cutlery should find its way in the microwave.

Use containers that aren’t microwave-friendly

Some plastics like food packaging or plastic containers ( i.e. salad bowls) aren’t designed to be put in the microwave and can melt. The smell alone should be enough to put you off, but the clean-up is so much worse. Make sure any container you put in the microwave is microwave-ready.

Leave your food uncovered

When you are cooking food in the microwave, especially if it has liquid (like a sauce) or fat (like meats) in it, make sure you cover it up. It’s good practice to cover anything you’re cooking in your microwave anyway, as it will cook quicker and more evenly. It's important to know that little pockets of moisture often form in food that is microwaved and can lead to explosions. So covering your food will reduce the amount of times you have to clean spillages and grime from the inside of your microwave.

Random fact : The term "bangers", used to refer to sausages, supposedly originated during World War I, when meat shortages resulted in sausages being made with a number of fillers, notably water, that caused them to explode when cooked.

How Often Should You Clean Your Oven?

Mon, 21 Feb 2022 13:01:58 GMT

Your oven does a lot of heavy lifting when it comes to your daily cooking, which is why it demands routine maintenance. It's inevitable that they accumulate grease, spilt foods and general food particles. However, the amount of food spillage and grease that accumulates in the unit really depends on the individuals using the oven, what they’re cooking and how often they use the oven. This makes putting a time frame on cleaning your oven quite difficult, because some ovens may be used more frequently than others, whilst different foods are used as well.

When should you clean your oven?

It's a good idea to clean your oven at least every 12 weeks or whenever you notice stains of burnt food or grime collecting within the appliance. The more you use the oven, the more you clean it. Plan on cleaning your oven every two weeks if the oven is constantly being used to cook large family dinners as spilled food and odours can occur and that's a last chance sign that you need to clean your oven more often. Here's a list of the top reasons to keep your oven clean .

How can I keep my oven clean?

The best way to prevent grease and food spillages building up is to give the oven a quick wipe down after each use. For example, if you’ve been frying and you can see fat and grease on the hobs, it’s best to give them a wipe down as soon as you can (when it's cooled down to avoid burning yourself). It's the same for the inside of your oven. It may not be realistic to wipe down after every use so be mindful of times you can do it, and do it as often as you can.

It’s definitely wise to remove any food spillages as often as possible from the insides of ovens. When foods have spilt and are left inside, this can cause unnecessary smoking which will not only set off your fire alarm, but the odour it will correct will be horrible for your home, and even ruin the food that you’re cooking.

How we can help

Without a doubt, cleaning the oven is one of the most hated of household chores. And let’s face it – when you’ve got a long list of other jobs to do, spending a couple hours cleaning your oven probably falls to the bottom of that list very quickly . That's where we come in! Our fully trained professional oven cleaners are on standby - you can have your oven look brand new for as little as £45. Contact us TODAY to learn more and book in with us.

Do I Need To Clean My Dishwasher?

Tue, 15 Feb 2022 13:28:40 GMT

It's a common occurrence that people don’t think about cleaning their dishwashers. After all, the appliance is used to clean dishes on a daily basis, and it's easy to assume that the dishwasher will get cleaned at the same time as it is washing dishes, but the reality is that food debris and other deposits build up over many uses. That buildup can result in a poor performing dishwasher and dishes that come out dingy and looking gross.

Regularly cleaning and maintaining your dishwasher can keep it running smoothly and can provide you with spotless dishes every time they get washed. So the answer is yes, you do need to clean your dishwasher. Keep reading for some easy-to-follow tips that will keep your dishwasher looking and performing at its best.

Use the dishwasher regularly

One of the best ways to ensure that your dishwasher is free from excess buildup is by running it regularly. Using your dishwasher frequently will keep debris from settling in the bottom of the appliance and can help reduce the amount of times that you will have to give it a thorough cleaning throughout the year.

Clean the dishwasher filter

Prevent food waste becoming trapped in the filter by emptying it on a regular basis - we recommend on a weekly basis at least. The inner filters can be cleaned under the kitchen-sink tap with a soft brush. The outer metal filter just needs rinsing under hot water.

Inspect & clean the spinning arms

Dishwashers work by spraying water out of their spinning arms onto the dishes inside. When those arms aren’t spinning properly or the holes in them are full of buildup, your dishes won’t be getting thoroughly cleaned. Make sure that the arms are spinning correctly and clean out any debris that has accumulated inside the holes with a small toothpick.

Top up with dishwasher salt and rinse aid

It's important to add dishwasher salt to stop limescale building up, and soften the water in the unit as dishwasher detergents only work effectively in soft water. Rinse aid helps dishes to dry without streaking. Most dishwashers have indicators showing when to top up both. Get yourself a funnel to make it easier for you to access where the salt and rinse aid needs to go and reduce the spills that occur.

Wipe the door seals clean

Food that gets stuck on the door rim of a dishwasher can lead to seals perishing and the dishwasher leaking, and it's really easy to prevent this. If you use your dishwasher regularly, a quick weekly wipe of the rim and seals with a damp cloth is all you need to do. It's that simple.

Run the dishwasher empty and hot

We admit this won’t have a massive impact on the reliability of your dishwasher, but a hot wash will guard against your machine smelling. The hot water will help remove any food residue which may have built up and led to nasty smells occurring. This is particularly important if you tend to use the eco program on your machine ore than any other program. This is because the programs that are eco use cooler water, which commonly results in a build-up of food residue. We recommend you run the dishwasher empty every 4- 6 months.

Consider using a dishwasher cleaner

Every six months when you run an empty and hot wash, it's worth considering using a dishwasher cleaner, too. Manufacturers recommend using a proper dishwasher cleaner, and we agree. Avoid using any 'natural' alternatives such as lemon juice or white vinegar, but also don’t use bleach or harsh cleaners either. This can degrade the seals and components and cause damage to the machine. Click HERE to learn more about the dishwasher cleaners out there.

How to Make Your Own Kitchen Floor Cleaner

Wed, 02 Feb 2022 13:22:13 GMT

Your kitchen may be the most well-loved room in your home, but it can also be the dirtiest. Between heavy foot traffic, spilt food, and grease splatters, kitchen floors endure plenty of wear and tear on a daily basis - meaning they need cleaning A LOT.

Whether you want to protect new kitchen flooring or extend the life of existing floors, a gentle cleaner is crucial. You'll want to avoid abrasive cleaners that can scratch or remove the flooring's finish. It's incredibly important to always follow manufacturer suggestions on what types of floor cleaning products to use on your own kitchen floors. If you aren’t sure what’s best for your kitchen floor, go with a gentle homemade kitchen flooring solution.

In today's blog, we're going to walk you through 2 different ways you can clean your kitchen with your own cleaner. Keep reading to learn what they are.

Clean Your Kitchen Floors with Dish Soap

Dish soap is very effective on resilient flooring materials, such as linoleum and vinyl, and also works well on ceramic tile. All you have to do is add 2 tablespoons dish soap to 1 gallon warm water and stir until blended. Then simply use the solution you've made to mop your kitchen floors.

IMPORTANT NOTE : Don’t use dish soap and water on wood floors, as they can stain or worse warp the flooring with excess moisture. If you have laminate flooring in your kitchen, you must look to the manufacturer's recommendation before cleaning with dish soap. Most laminates carry warnings about the effects of excessive moisture.

Clean Your Kitchen Floors with Baking Soda and Vinegar

This cleaning solution combo works great cleaning most types of kitchen flooring - with the exception of natural stone and hardwood. All you need to do is combine 1/2 cup water, 1/2 cup dishwashing detergent, 2/3 cup baking soda, and 2 tablespoons of distilled white vinegar. Stir the mixture until everything is dissolved. Then simply pour the cleaning solution into a spray bottle. Wash the kitchen floor in small, manageable sections by spraying the solution on the floor, mopping it up, then rinsing thoroughly with warm water.

IMPORTANT NOTE : Remember not to skip the rinse stage or else you'll be left with stubborn baking soda streaks that are tricky to get rid of.

Our Top Advice for Keeping your Kitchen Clean

Wed, 19 Jan 2022 14:32:33 GMT

The kitchen is, without a doubt, one of the most used rooms in your home. Whether you cook every night or batch cook on the weekends, it’s only normal for your kitchen to become messy. Your kitchen needs attention every day, on the basis how much foot traffic passes through and the number of meals that are prepared in this one room. Ignoring the washing up or forgetting to clean the surfaces can lead to a much bigger job the following day or at the weekend, but who wants a big cleaning job during the weekends? (Certainly not us!) Here are our favourite ways you can keep your kitchen clean and safe for the whole family.

Clean as you go

Cooking can often turn into organised chaos - every pan from the cupboard is now on the kitchen side, the sink is full of pots and all of a sudden there are food splatters on the wall and floor. It's a busy time, but you can always find time to clean as you cook, so the cleaning job doesn't become overbearing and to keep the kitchen clean as you go.

Wipe up spillages ASAP

It may seem like an obvious tip for keeping your kitchen clean, but spillages can be missed when you are rushing around to get the meal on the table or rushing out of the door in a hurry. It's easy enough for spillages to get missed, especially if they're not in eyesight in places like the microwave and on the hob. But the truth is, if you clean a spillage up as soon as it happens, it will be much easier to clean then a day later when it has become dried and more stubborn to get rid of!

Cover food when using your microwave

As we're on the subject of spillages in hidden places/places not in immediate eye-line, let's discuss the microwave. The easiest and best way to avoid food splatters in your microwave is to cover your food when it's cooking/ heating up. You can either use a microwave lid or a piece of kitchen roll to avoid food splattering in the microwave. This simple technique will make cleaning the microwave much easier and help you keep the kitchen as clean as possible. Click HERE for a cool way of cleaning your microwave with a lemon... that's right, that yellow fruit with a kick can help you clean your microwave without the use of toxic chemicals.

Have specific places for everything in your kitchen

Make sure every pot, pan, spoon, knife and spatula has a place in your kitchen. Keep all of your utensils and cooking equipment in their designated places until you choose to you them. Organising your kitchen will make it look instantly cleaner and keep the kitchen clean. Plus, it's nice to know where everything is in the kitchen.

Regularly clean your kitchen cloths

To keep your kitchen clean, it is important to regularly clean and change your cleaning cloths. Dirty, damp kitchen cloths are the perfect habitat for bacteria to breed, and bacteria=illness. Make sure you thoroughly wash cloths, sponges and brushes after every use and leave them to dry before using again. Also, we recommend you use different coloured cloths for different areas of your kitchen. For example, blue for the sink and yellow for the sides, and this will help stop the spread of bacteria.

Hoover the kitchen floor

Sweeping the kitchen floor is great when you need a quick clean, but more often than not you will actually spread the dirt around the kitchen. That's where hoovering comes in to save the day. Hoovering the kitchen floor will ensure you get into all the nooks and crannies of your kitchen - we recommend you hoover every couple of days to keep on top of the kitchen clean.

How We Can Help

If these tips have inspired you to get your whole kitchen shiny clean this month , then why not call in the professionals for a little helping hand? Crystal Oven Cleaning offer all the professional cleaning services you could be looking for - Oven, Microwave, Hob, Aga, Range, Extractor Hood etc. Contact us to book in.

5 Ways to Clean Your Kitchen With Baking Soda

Wed, 12 Jan 2022 15:52:57 GMT

Baking soda serves as a great multi-purpose cleaner that is affordable, eco-friendly, and non-toxic, making it the perfect alternative if you want to reduce the amount of chemical cleaners in your kitchen.

As a bonus, it doesn't leave a strong odour in the room you use it in, unlike many leading cleaning products in the supermarkets today. Once you see how well it cleans, we promise you will consider buying it in bulk. Sometimes baking soda (also known as sodium bicarbonate) is all you need to clean in the kitchen. Depending on the surface and the tough stains, some of the cleaning in your kitchen may require mixing the baking soda with a natural acid, such as white vinegar or lemons - but don't worry, we'll talk you through it.

Here are 5 ways to use baking soda to clean your kitchen:

Clean the microwave

The microwave gets messy fast - one minute its sparkling clean, the next its ridden with food spillages. But did you know baking soda will have it sparkling again in no time? Just sprinkle some baking soda onto a sponge and wipe down the inside of your microwave until clean. It's that simple and effective - how cool is that!?

Reduce smells in the fridge

This one is probably the most simple way in keeping the fridge odourless. All you have to do is place baking soda into a small container and keep in the fridge for up to 3 months. If you wish, you can set multiple containers throughout the fridge where there tend to be smellier foods, and the baking soda will absorb the strong odours from lingering in the fridge and maintain the neutral smell you want.

Remove grease and other tough stains from your pots and pans

Getting rid of grease and tough stains can be time-consuming and difficult but there's a trick that will simplify the cleaning process for you. All you need to do is sprinkle some baking soda directly on greasy pots and pans. Then, add some boiling vinegar to it. Wait 20 - 30 minutes for the mixture to work on loosening hardened food particles and stains. Then use a clean sponge to wipe the pots and pans. The stains should lift easily and quickly - if the grease and stains are more stubborn than you thought, simply just repeat the process again.

Clean the oven

Cleaning the oven is one of the most hated chores when it comes to a clean kitchen, but combining baking soda and a little bit of white vinegar will make it so much easier. First, you need to mix sodium bicarbonate and water to create a little paste. Then spread on the bottom and all sides of the oven. Spray some white vinegar over the paste and it will begin to foam up. Let the foam work it's magic for a few minutes and then scrub with a clean sponge or dishcloth. If the grease and stains don't lift, simply spray some more vinegar until it's easy to remove the gunk.

Unclog drains

Having a clogged drain can cause some horrible odours to occur in your kitchen, not to mention stop you from using the sink. But don't fret. Jus add a couple of tablespoons of baking soda down the drain and pour some hot vinegar over the baking soda. This will cause a sizzle and foam reaction and should break up the blockage. Then run some hot water from the tap down the drain to rinse and everything should be running smoothly again.

6 Reasons To Have Your Oven Professionally Cleaned

Fri, 17 Dec 2021 14:14:14 GMT

Without a doubt, cleaning the oven is one of the most hated of household chores. And let’s face it – when you’ve got a list of things to do, spending a couple hours cleaning your oven probably falls to the bottom of that list of priorities every time.

So, you probably do the next best thing and call in the cavalry to help. But for now, we want to share with you the 6 reasons why using a local oven cleaners is the answer you’ve been looking for to keep your oven looking like new.

It’s easier and quicker than doing it yourself!

A local oven cleaning business has the time and all the professional equipment needed to do an outstanding job. So it's ideal to call in the people that clean these appliances day in and day out to ensure the job is done and at a satisfactory level.

It’s a deeper clean

Shop bought or even homemade oven cleaners normally only clean grease and light grime buildup but what about the more stubborn nasties found? Well, a professional will be able to remove everything to bring back your cooker's original shine.

Cleaning parts you can’t reach

There are so many different types of door fittings, back panels and fan fixtures that collect grease and grime every time you use it. These areas are often difficult to clean, causing them to be great places for bacteria to grow. With this in mind, it's a good idea to call in a oven cleaning business that has access to the appropriate tools that ensure these obstacle can be removed and fixed back into places after a good ol' clean.

You will get better results

Of course this depends on you choosing the right business, but whether you choose a local oven cleaner or a national company, a true professional clean will give you better results. Look at the business' reviews and testimonials - see for yourself. Paying customers that are happy with the service they receive will usually say that a clean done by a professional is next level, and that can't match it.

No harmful chemicals or overbearing smells

It doesn’t make sense does it, the products used by a professional has less harmful chemicals and odours than what you can buy in a supermarket? Well that’s the way it is - yes, different professionals clean in different ways, but if the person cleaning the oven is a true professional, the products used will be less harmful than shop bought cleaner and have no/little smell.

Prolongs the life of an oven

Cleaning your oven will help your oven last for as long as possible. A dirty oven covered in grease and food debris will work much harder to heat up and maintain the temperature needed. Therefore, the oven will wear out much quicker than a nice clean one. So not only will keeping your oven clean help avoid any health and safety hazards, but it will also keep your oven performing better FOR LONGER.

7 Ways to Prepare Your Kitchen for All That Christmas Cooking

Tue, 07 Dec 2021 13:44:53 GMT

Prepare your kitchen for STRESS FREE cooking this Christmas... yes you read that right - stress free cooking and entertaining. The roast turkey, pigs in blankets, Christmas cake, mince pies, gingerbread men, Brussels sprouts, and cranberry sauce. There’s no doubt that cooking and eating good food is a key part of celebrating the festive season.Whether you’re cooking for one or hosting a huge feast for family and friends, the slightest preparation can go a long way to reduce stress and make time you spend in the kitchen this Christmas more enjoyable.

Here are 7 ways you can prepare for the best experience you'll have when it comes to cooking the Christmas dinner this year. Check them out!

Declutter & clean your kitchen

Taking the time to reorganise, clear out and clean your kitchen before the festive day gets and make it a pleasure to spend time in. Empty and reorganise your cupboards, throwing away out of date or unused food to make room for the Christmas treats. Declutter worktops and shelves to create an aesthetically-pleasing and relaxing space to cook in - you'll thank yourself later.

Then make sure that all the surfaces in your kitchen are sparkling clean - give it that deep cleanse its needed for a while. This includes cleaning the counters, tiles, fridge, stove and of course, the floors. Doing all these will make sure you have a tidy and less stressful environment for all your festive prep.

Stock up on EVERYTHING

Now is the time to organise your fridge, freezer and cupboards. Make sure all old items are tossed out. Then rotate the stock you have with things that have the earliest expiry date and must haves for Christmas dinner at the front.

After you've thrown away the unwanted/out of date items and put the remaining stock in a priority order, now is the time to make a list of things you need to buy and go shopping. Be detailed as to the things you need to buy and run the list by someone else if you need to - they may think of something that you've missed out. Then the fun continues and you get to go shopping. Try not to stray from the list - keep to what you need and avoid paying for things that may go to waste.

We recommend you create a menu for your dinner parties as well as a list of the ingredients for the dishes you intend to prepare. Be creative and have fun with the menu - but remember to check with your invited guests if they have any food restrictions/ allergies. SUCCESS!

Clean & prepare the oven

The oven is one of the most used appliances in the kitchen, however it's often the most overlooked when it comes to cleaning. Yes, most homeowners know that it’s important to clean the oven, but it's one of those jobs that gets put on the back burner and forgotten about. Well... this can't be the case for Christmas. The easiest way to get your oven sparkling clean is by booking a professional oven clean . Our specialists here at Crystal Oven Cleaning use a unique oven cleaning system, suitable for all oven brands and models. This unique system means it is safe for use around children and pets, giving you an odour-free home with no mess! We promise to put the sparkle back into your oven for Christmas, so get in contact .

Check your cutlery, utensils & cookware

Make sure that you all have the necessary cutlery, utensils and cookware you need for the Christmas cooking you have planned. This way, you will still be able to purchase or borrow anything that is missing. Remember to sharpen your knives beforehand and make sure that all your serving plates and dinner plates are washed and ready to be used. And if you feel a little fancy this year, polish your silverware. Little touches like these can make all the difference.

Make sure your dishwasher is in working order

Your dishwasher should be running efficiently as you will need this appliance to hold a huge number of dishes after your shindig. Look into the drain and be sure to clear any residue from it. Check also if there are lost utensils or broken glass at the bottom. For tips on how you can improve your dishwasher's performance, click HERE .

Disinfect your bins

These bad boys are one of the most important things in your kitchen as they will hold all the food waste and gunk (bin juice) that needs to be thrown away. So, make sure that you take them outside and clean them off - you simply just need to use dish soap and hot water to wash them. Then, disinfect them before taking them back inside. We recommend this disinfectant . You also need to have more bin bags than you can use, to ensure that you have enough and not left short-handed.

Create a schedule for all your cooking

For your Christmas cooking and dinner parties of the festive period, it is always best to prepare ahead of time. The best way to do this is to make a schedule for everything you need to cook. Know when different foods need to be prepped and ready to go in the oven or on the hob, and for how log. We also recommend you chop vegetables beforehand and store them in the fridge. Having this schedule will allow you to be more organised than ever before so you can enjoy the day, no matter what.

How Often Should You Clean Your Microwave?

Mon, 29 Nov 2021 13:35:26 GMT

While microwaves can be helpful when it comes to reheating leftovers, they can get quite messy over time. Food splatters, spills, and lingering odours can make this kitchen appliance a hot spot for grease and grime. However, frequent cleanings can help keep those little messes from turning into big ones.

In this blog, we'll cover exactly how often you should be cleaning your microwave to stay ahead of the game - as well as our top tips to cleaning this tiny unit in the kitchen.

Frequency is key!

Give your microwave a wipe down after each and every use. Yes, this may seem like a lot of effort, but wiping the appliance down daily will reduce the number of deep cleans needed in the future.

If you don’t have time to clean your microwave after each use, try and clean it after two uses. This is because leaving the splattered food for long periods of time will not only cause nasty odours in your kitchen but is also a breeding ground for bacteria. Bacteria will then turn to mould and nobody wants a mould ridden microwave in their kitchen, right?

It's also important to note that food spillages/ splatters left in your microwave may also affect the taste of your food. The particles and bacteria can go into your cooking and not only spoil the taste of your food but may also cause harm to your health ... NOT GOOD! So remember - frequent cleaning is key in maintaining a hygienic, clean microwave.

Use safe, non-toxic cleaners

Avoid using commercial cleaning products that may contain harmful toxins in the microwave. High street products can leave residue inside the microwave once you have finished cleaning. So, it is important to ensure you have removed all the product to avoid these odours entering your food the next time you use the appliance. There are many effective ways to clean your microwave with natural ingredients, here's one to try . Plus, you can always opt for the good ol' hot soapy water. Hot soapy water will kill the germs without leaving the harsh chemicals behind. Winner!

Don't forget the exterior

Of course, the outside of your microwave can get dirty, as well... just think about those greasy fingerprints on the buttons. But there's good news: you can care for the exterior exactly like you would the interior. Just be sure not to use an abrasive sponge on the surface, as this will scratch it. And we advise you polish it off with a dry soft, clean towel for a little shine too.

5 Ways To Make Your Oven More Energy Efficient

Thu, 18 Nov 2021 15:10:37 GMT

Whether you’re an avid baker, a chef in the making, or a Sunday roast lover, your oven can really unlock your culinary potential. But we’ve all got to do our bit for the environment, so it’s important to pay attention to how you use your oven and how often - not only for environmental reasons but also to save you some money along the way. Take a look at and follow these 5 simple tips, and you’ll be helping the environment as well as your wallet - WIN WIN! Check them out.

Don’t pre-heat the oven for too long - Simply put your food in to cook as soon as the oven reaches the right temperature - when that little light goes out, chuck the food in and let it do its thing.
Defrost your food thoroughly beforehand - If your oven has to defrost food before it starts to cook it, it’ll obviously need to use more energy and take longer to cook. So try to thoroughly defrost anything frozen before you put it in the oven to save on energy.
Cook several meals at the same time - Cooking multiple dishes at the same time is a great way to make more efficient use of your oven. Yes, it'll take some meal prep to cook in batches, but it could slash the amount of energy you use by a significant amount. Just be sure to avoid overcrowding your oven or obstructing any fans, as this will reduce efficiency - the exact opposite of what you want to do.
Turn the oven off early - If you turn off your oven around four or five minutes before your meal is ready, the residual heat within the unit will continue to cook, without using any more energy. It truly doesn’t get any more simple than that!
Keep your oven clean - A clean oven will heat up much quicker and distribute the heat more effectively around the appliance, making it more energy efficient - good for the environment and the ol' coin purse. Click HERE for the other reasons you should keep your oven clean!

How We Can Help?

If you’re looking to conserve energy and save money in the long run, contact us TODAY and schedule in an appointment for us to carry out a deep oven clean for you! Our fully trained professional oven cleaners are on standby - you can have your oven look brand new for as little as £45. An opportunity not to be missed... we look forward to hearing from you soon!

Your Kitchen Cleaning Checklist

Fri, 12 Nov 2021 15:00:00 GMT

We know it can be easy to forget about cleaning your kitchen and keeping on top of it, life gets in the way sometimes. However, leaving the cleaning jobs longer and longer can result in large build-ups of bacteria, grime and unwanted mess!

This is why we've put together an easy to follow kitchen cleaning checklist, so you no longer have to worry. You can keep on top of daily, weekly and monthly cleaning without any unnecessary stress or hassle.

Daily Kitchen Cleaning Tasks

Wipe up any spills as they occur : Leaving a spillage on the side may result in horrible stains and nasty smells occurring in your kitchen. So clean up straight away... it only takes a few seconds.
Give the floor a quick clean each day : Just think, the amount of foot traffic that goes in and out of the kitchen give your kitchen a quick sweep to clear up anything that’s fallen onto the floor.
Organise the washing up : Another simple way to help you achieve a cleaner, tidier kitchen is to stay on top of putting dishes away so that you don’t have a big build-up of pots cluttering your sink and surfaces.
Wipe down the sink and all the kitchen surfaces : It’s important to wipe down your sink and kitchen surfaces daily to keep on top of any bacteria or germs that may be left lingering after cooking/eating. We recommend using an antibacterial cleaner to kill any germs initially, then go over the area with a cloth that’s been soaked in hot soapy water. That way it's definitely clean.
Declutter areas of the kitchen : A simple but effective step to a cleaner kitchen every day is to declutter and remove any items that do not belong on your kitchen surfaces. Simply tidy them away in a safe place and .

Weekly Kitchen Cleaning Tasks

Detox the fridge : Start with removing any food or drink products that are out of date or "gone off", as these could quickly spread bacteria - potentially causing other items to become contaminated. Then wipe down the insides thoroughly, every shelf and drawer. After wiping down the inside of the fridge, ensure you clean the outside door and handle too.
Wipe down every small appliances and cupboard : Just once a week give your smaller appliances such as your toaster, microwave, kettle and coffee machine a little TLC. Get rid of any crumbs and give everything a thorough wipe down and clean. To do this, simply rinse a clean cloth in hot soapy water and wipe away.
Add tea towels/ dishcloths to the weekly wash load : Tea towels and dishcloths are known for harbouring bacteria and must be washed at least once a week. After they start to lose their freshness, all you have to do is add them to your wash basket and include them in a weekly wash.
Mop the floor : Crumbs and spillages should be taken care of during your daily cleaning routine. However, it’s important to mop the floor at least once a week. Not only will it completely freshen up the room, it will also kill any bacteria and germs. We suggest using a bucket of scented disinfectant with hot water to add that little touch of the room smelling nice.
Remove and replace the bin bag : Keep on top of replacing your bin bag once a week to reduce nasty odours filling the kitchen. We recommend using extra strong bags to reduce the risk of them splitting, resulting in food or liquids leaking out into the bin. No leakages, no nasty smells or unwanted cleaning in the bin itself.

Monthly Kitchen Cleaning Tasks

Deep clean every cupboard and drawer : Remove all products so that you can reach fully inside, give them a thorough clean, removing any built-up crumbs and potential bacteria. Also find any products that have expired and throw hem away.
Dust and clean the fridge and tops of cupboards : Dust can get stuck on top of the cupboards in your kitchen so once a month give them a good dusting and any other areas you can spot that may gather dust.
Deep clean the sink and unblock it : Give your sink a thorough scrub using a brush that has been soaked in hot soapy water. There are many products you can buy to unblock the sink, however if you are looking for a natural remedy, we would suggest mixing together 1/3 cup of baking soda with a 1/3 cup of white wine vinegar in a jug. Once the mixture starts to fizz, carefully pour it down the sink and leave it to settle for 30 - 40 minutes. Once it has settled, flush it out with hot water.
Rinse and clean the dishwasher : Over time, grease and bacteria can build up in your dishwasher. So a deep clean once a month will eliminate this completely, ensure your pots are always clean.
Deep clean your bin : Once a month it’s important to deep clean your bin to reduce odours and stop the growth of any harmful bacteria. So empty the bin completely, spray with disinfectant and give it a good scrub. Rinse out the bin and leave it to dry.

What Are The Best Cleaning Supplies To Keep In The Kitchen

Tue, 02 Nov 2021 12:30:33 GMT

We've said it before... kitchens are often the heart of the home, therefore experience a lot of traffic. High traffic in the kitchen = sticky work surfaces, smudged stainless steel or crumbs on the floor. And that's why the kitchen is probably the room that needs to be cleaned the most.

So to keep your kitchen in tip-top shape, we have put together a list of the best kitchen cleaning supplies you need in the cupboard. After all, a perfectly organised cleaning cupboard will save you time and help you get great results every time. So read on to learn which supplies are a MUST!

Multi-purpose Cleaner

A multi-purpose cleaner does what it says on the tin, it offers great cleaning results across the multiple surfaces found in your kitchen. Therefore, making it an invaluable product to have in your kitchen cleaning cupboard. Better still, opt for a spray multi-purpose cleaner for ease and speed when cleaning.

Dishwashing Liquid

Dishwashing liquid (or washing up liquid) is a must-have item in the kitchen cleaning cupboard. This particular type of soap is strong enough to cut through grease, but is also gentle on the skin. While it is great for cleaning the dishes, it is also a fantastic degreaser in other areas of the kitchen - making it a must have product for every kitchen!

Cleaning Gloves

As the kitchen is one of the messiest rooms in the house to clean - from food grime in the oven to muddy footprints on the floor - it's important to protect your hands from dirt and chemicals with a pair of good cleaning gloves. With your hands covered, you can scrub away with no need to worry.

Limescale Remover

Limescale can quickly build up in the kitchen, especially in areas with hard water. So, it’s a good idea to include a limescale removing product in your cleaning cupboard. But here's a secret... you can also use lemon and white vinegar to remove limescale as a natural alternative if you wanted.

White Vinegar

So we briefly mentioned white vinegar above. Well, white vinegar is an essential product for every cleaning cupboard (not just the kitchen!). Vinegar is an incredibly versatile and natural cleaning product, that easily cuts through mould, bacteria and grime - anything found in the kitchen. Plus, its safe to use on a range of different kitchen surfaces.

Microfibre Cloths

Microfibre cloths work just as well as paper towels to wipe up kitchen spills. However, microfibre cloths are reusable so you are doing your bit to be environmentally too. When the cloths become dirty, you have to do is simply wash them in the washing machine.

Sponges

You can’t go wrong with adding a couple of sponges to your kitchen cleaning kit. They make the perfect tool for removing grime from kitchen appliances and surfaces. Very handy additions to the cleaning cupboard, that's for sure.

Baking Soda

Similar to white vinegar, baking soda is an essential natural cleaning product to keep in your kitchen cupboard. Not only is it mildly abrasive, it also works as a deodoriser - making it the perfect cleaning product for the grime found in the kitchen.

The Number of a Professional Cleaning Business

Yep, you read that right! Make sure you have the number of a cleaning company at hand/ in the cupboard. This is because many domestic oven cleaning products contain a toxic chemical called sodium hydroxide. This is a very common oven cleaning chemical and is more commonly known as caustic soda. With this in mind, you may want to avoid adding a domestic oven cleaning product to your cleaning kit, and instead opt for a natural cleaning method or call the oven cleaning professionals.

The Crystal Oven Cleaning specialists use a non-added caustic cleaning solution, meaning your kitchen is safe, hygienic and free from harmful fumes. Contact u s today to schedule an appointment.

Top Tips for Cleaning Your Kitchen Tiles

Tue, 19 Oct 2021 09:49:50 GMT

The kitchen really is the heart of the home. From cooking and food prep to generally hanging out, the kitchen is the go to place... but this often means dirt can quickly build up on your kitchen wall and floor tiles without you realising. However, with the right technique and products, you can keep your kitchen tiles looking clean and glossy 24/7 (or at least most of the time).

Follow the cleaning tips for the floor tiles, wall tiles and grout below.

How to clean the floor tiles in your kitchen

Start by hoovering the area to remove any excess dust and dirt (this will ensure you don’t spread the dirt around the kitchen).
Use baking soda, vinegar and an old toothbrush for the areas in between the tiles.
Finally, mop the floor tiles with warm water and a good quality floor cleaner. Here's one we recommend !
Leave the floor to dry, sit back with a cup of tea and a slice of cake to enjoy your sparkling clean kitchen.

How to clean the wall tiles in your kitchen

Before you start, consider the type of tile you have - for plain ceramic tiles a standard scoring pad should be okay. Avoid using a scouring pad on printed or patterned tiles (instead use a microfiber cloth or soft sponge).
Use warm water, a clean cloth, and a good quality tile cleaner to scrub the dirt, grease and stains from the tiles on your wall.
Wipe the tiles over with a new clean cloth and warm water (repeat the process if persistent stains remain).
Then dry the kitchen tiles with a clean tea towel for a glossy professional finish.

NOTE: never use vinegar or harsh cloths on marble tiles!

How to clean the grout in your kitchen

Despite the large number of cleaning of products on the market, the common household toothbrush is recommended as the BEST tool for cleaning grout. A top tip for a cost-effective grout cleaning solution is baking soda and vinegar. No fancy products here - simply the ones you can find at home anyway!

Regular kitchen cleaning tips

Sweep and hoover the kitchen floor on a daily basis to make deep cleaning easier
Clean up spillages on kitchen tiles as soon as possible to avoid any staining occurring
Regularly wipe over tiles with a disinfectant and clean cloth or disinfectant wipes to avoid the build-up of germs and other nasties.

How we can help

Specialising in deep kitchen cleans, the Crystal Oven Cleaning specialists are fully equipped to put the sparkle back into the heart of your home, at competitive prices. Our customers rate us 5* and are delighted by the results we can achieve, so why not treat yourself to a professional oven clean. Simply give us a call on 01832 730404 for more information or book in for a clean HERE .

Reasons to Keep Your Oven Clean

Thu, 14 Oct 2021 10:51:40 GMT

The oven is one of the most used appliances in the kitchen, however is the most overlooked when it comes to cleaning. Whilst most homeowners know that it’s important to clean the oven, it's one of those jobs that gets put on the back burner and forgotten about. One of the main reasons being the oven must be cold before cleaning. And well it's a mess that's not in eye sight really, it's a hidden mess you only see when you open the oven door.

So you may notice the oven needs cleaning the last time you used it, but the job can be easily forgotten about afterward. However, neglecting this cleaning job can be dangerous, so it’s wise to understand the importance of a clean oven and schedule a time for this task or, even easier, book a professional oven cleaning appointment.

There are many important reasons to keep your oven clean, so we have listed them below for you. Check it out!

Fire Safety

Without a doubt, this is the most important reason to keep your oven clean! This is because it is much safer to cook in a nice clean oven, compared to a dirty oven. Why? Well, a dirty oven filled with grease and food debris is at a higher risk of fire compared to a clean oven. Accidental spills on the inside of the oven can begin to burn and generate fumes and smoke - so it’s best to clean up spills as soon as the oven is cold.

Avoid Contaminating Food

When you use a dirty oven, you run the risk of contaminating the food you are cooking with the grime and grease from previous meals. Regularly cleaning the oven will eliminate fat and grease build up between meals cooked and reduce the risk of contamination. You want your food to taste the way it's supposed to, right? A clean oven it is then!

Improve Efficiency

Regularly cleaning your oven will help it operate to its full capacity and for longer. Clean ovens are more energy efficient because the heat is distributed evenly with less energy needed. Plus, if your oven door is covered in grease, you will not be able to see the food inside. This will result in the oven door being opened to check on cooking. With every time the oven door is opened, heat escapes and lowers the temperature inside the oven - meaning the oven will not perform as efficiently as it would if the door remained close the whole time.

Increased Durability

Cleaning your oven will help your oven last for as long as possible. A dirty oven covered in grease and food debris needs to work much harder to heat up and maintain the cooking temperature needed. Therefore, the oven will wear out much quicker than a nice clean on. So not only will keeping your oven clean help avoid any health and safety hazards, but it will also keep your oven efficient and performing better FOR LONGER.

Professional Oven Cleaning

The easiest way to get your oven sparkling clean is by booking a professional oven clean . Our specialists here at Crystal Oven Cleaning use a unique oven cleaning system, suitable for all oven brands and models. This unique system means it is safe for use around children and pets, giving you an odour-free home with no mess! We promise to put the sparkle back into your oven, so get in contact and we'll sort it out for you..

How to Clean Your Microwave Naturally with Just a Lemon

Mon, 04 Oct 2021 13:51:58 GMT

Do you have a mess in your microwave that you keep putting off to clean? Or is it a mess you dread to even start because you think it's going to take you hours and hours? Not only is it possible to get a squeaky clean microwave without using harsh chemicals, but this is also hands-down the easiest way to clean a microwave. Yep, you read that right... if you’ve been avoiding cleaning your microwave, this all-natural lemon trick is going to make you very happy - check it out below.

What You Need To Start

Here's everything you need to clean your microwave :

A small (microwave safe) bowl/ measuring cup
1 lemon
A clean, dry dishtowel

Step-By-Step Instructions

Measure the water : Measure 1/2 cup of water into a measuring cup or bowl.
Add the lemon : Slice the lemon in half and squeeze the juice into the water. Then drop the lemon halves into the bowl.
Microwave for 3 minutes : Place the bowl in the microwave and put on high power for 3 minutes so the liquid comes to a boil.
Let stand for 5 minutes : Do not open the microwave door; let the trapped steam inside the microwave loosen the food gunk. Let it stand for approximately 5 minutes.
Clean the microwave : Open the door and carefully remove the bowl that contains the lemons. Wipe the inside of the microwave clean starting with the ceiling and the sides. If your microwave has a turntable, lift it out and wipe it clean.
Scrub the stubborn areas : If you come across stubborn spots that won’t easily wipe away, dip the corner of your dishtowel in the lemon-water and scrub until the area is clean.
Remember the door : While you’re wiping the microwave, remember to wipe down the door as that often gets dirty.
Replace the turntable : If you took it out, put the turntable back and you’re good to go — the nice, clean microwave you wanted... it's that easy!

How to Organise Your Kitchen

Thu, 30 Sep 2021 13:06:07 GMT

A well-organised kitchen makes the endless cycle of cooking and cleaning a whole lot easier to manage. Our last blog showed you how you can keep your kitchen clean with 12 simple tips, and today we're given you the scoop on how you can organise your kitchen. Here are our favourite ways for making the heart of your home (the kitchen) be at it's best - for you and your family. Read on to learn what they are.

Declutter, declutter, declutter

Decluttering is the first step to organising any room, and kitchens are no exception - they tend to collect specific clutter: That really fancy knife set from your wedding registry or the bread maker you got for Christmas a few years ago but have never even used, or the crappy old pots you can’t quite bring yourself to throw away etc. The list can go on... So: Get rid of it all. If you’re not sure where to start, try the box method - it's a great way to weed out stuff you never use. And if you don’t use it regularly, it doesn’t need to be in your kitchen.

Use containers that show you what’s inside

Mismatched food containers are agents of pure chaos. You only need a few types of food storage containers to maximise the amount of space you have in your cupboard; we prefer square or rectangular containers that stack up well. Also see-through containers are great; just make sure you use clear labelling on absolutely everything in your fridge, freezer, and cupboards for the ultimate organisation - make your friends jealous!

Eliminate dead space

Does you kitchen have awkward, unusable spaces? If you have trouble seeing or reaching items at the back of your cupboards, fridge, or pantry, a Lazy Susan could help. For that weird space between your fridge and the wall next to it, why not a sliding spice rack to fill the space whilst also freeing some much needed cupboard space. If you’re desperate for more space, it’s very easy (and cheap) to turn false drawers into usable storage or install a secret toe kick drawer at the bottom of a kitchen cabinet.

Create zones for different tasks

When organising your kitchen, it’s helpful to think of your kitchen in terms of work zones: food storage, dish storage, food prep area, cooking zone and cleanup (sink and dishwasher). Prioritise these zones according to how much use they get. For example, if you and your family make dinner together, you might want a second prep zone.

Make use of the backs of cupboard doors

The inside of your cupboard doors are wasted space. Instead of leaving it blank, add some hooks on there and get to organising. This will give you an easy way to hang up measuring cups, wooden spoons, pot lids, and even cutting boards; with a little more effort, you can even add a custom knife block . Alternatively, you could even paint the inside of the doors with blackboard or whiteboard paint so you have a place to track meal plans and your shopping list. BOOM... BONUS!

Give everything an allocated space

That leads us to the last and most important point: Have a place for everything and everything in its rightful place. Items you use most often should be easiest to reach, while items you rarely use can go in less convenient spots. And why not group ingredients together that go in the same recipes and next to the tools you use them with.

12 Smart Ways to Keep Your Kitchen Clean

Wed, 22 Sep 2021 10:16:43 GMT

A mess in the kitchen can be demoralising and mentally draining. I can’t cook in a dirty kitchen, and having to clean it up before I can even get started drains all my energy. So I find the kitchen needs to stay in a basic state of cleanliness and order all year round. As the hardest-working room in the house, and the place where the messiest messes are made, this is a battle best accomplished with some principles that are kept firmly in place.

With this in mind, we've put together some of the best ways to keep your kitchen in perpetual tip-top shape, no matter what. Continue reading to learn the 12 smart ways to keep your kitchen clean below!

Clean as you go

The concept of cleaning as you go is a fundamental step to maintaining a nice, clean kitchen. It means that you clean up as you’re cooking or using the kitchen. Examples of this idea in action include wiping up the inevitable spills you make right away, putting ingredients back in the right cupboards when you’re done with them, and washing dirty dishes while dinner is in the oven/ cooling down.

Don't put your dirty utensils on the side

Why create any unnecessary messes?! Grab a piece of paper towel or a small dish to set down your wooden spoon or the serving fork you used to dish out the leftovers you’re microwaving. A spoon rest that’s always out is also a great option. LIFE HACK : use the hole at the bottom of the handle of your saucepan as a holder for the stirring spoon you're using. It'll hold it for you, keep it upright and stops you from create extra messes you'll need to clean.

Organise the cupboard underneath your sink

Having your cleaning products and tools accessible is key to maintaining a squeaky clean kitchen. You probably store a majority of them under the sink, right? And that’s great — you just need to make sure it’s organised, so that you can easily grab what you need, when you need it and get on with the job at hand.

Strive for an empty sink

It’s subconscious, but even one dirty teaspoon in the sink makes it easier to stack your dirty bowl in there rather than sticking it in the dishwasher or washing it up right away. NOTE: Messes beget messes. But the opposite is also true. An empty sink is more likely to stay that way. Get in the habit of keeping an empty sink (and ask your family/housemates if they could join your efforts). It's easier than you think - I promise!

Hoover or sweep everyday

Kitchen floors can get dirty real quick, especially if they aren’t maintained. Add a nightly vacuum or quick sweep to your routine to keep floors from ever getting too bad — and to keep from tracking crumbs and any other kitchen messes throughout the house. Bonus is that it'll help you add to your daily steps - get fitter by cleaning!

Clean out your fridge regularly

Yes, you’ll still have to deep clean your fridge every once in a while, but if you want to maintain a clean kitchen, you’ll need to regularly check for any foods that have gone bad and leftovers that need to be thrown in the bin ASAP. Tying this activity with to your weekly food shop will remind you to do it and will also help cut down on wasted food and unnecessary spending. WIN, WIN!

Rethink what’s in your cupboards

Jam packed cupboards are no fun (and a giant time suck if you have to unstack and restack various pots every time you need to get you the correct dishes to be able to cook the meal you're wanting). Go through your cupboards and keep only what you really use and love. This way, getting what you need — and putting it back — will be a much smoother process for you and anyone else that cooks in your household.

Give small appliances a once-over every time you use them

Each time you take something out of the microwave or toaster, wipe up any splatters or dropped crumbs. This way, your small appliances are always clean for when you go to use them.

Clean your oven OFTEN

Having a tried-and-true, effective, and easy way to clean your oven means you’re less likely to put the task off until it’s a gigantic chore. Add oven-cleaning to your monthly cleaning routine so you never have to deal with the horrible buildup of grime and nastiness in your oven.

Empty the bins every night if you have to

You know what truly ruins a nice clean kitchen like nothing else? A stinky , overflowing bin in the corner of the room. Don’t let your rubbish just sit there. Take it out every night (or every other night). If you feel like you’re emptying trash bags that aren’t full enough, consider a smaller bin for your kitchen waste.

Label, label, label

OK... you may know where everything goes, but does everyone else in your household? Help them out and make sure the right things stay in their places by adding little labels to the shelves of your cupboards, fridge and freezer.

Create routines and stick to them

And finally, plan your way through keeping a clean kitchen. Being able to switch into automatic pilot mode is the surest way to keep up with your kitchen-cleaning chores. Create routines for cleaning up after every meal cooked/ordered in, including things like clearing the table first, then wiping it down, putting leftovers in the fridge, and soaking any pots that need it etc. Also create specific routines for shutting down the kitchen every night and for the weekly cleaning chores.