Tips to Keep Your Kitchen Tidy

(NewsUSA)- If you are like most women, you hate to clean the kitchen. A recent national survey found that nearly 40 percent of American women dread cleaning their kitchens more than other areas of their homes. That's why the experts at Merry Maids offer these tips to help you get started:

* Make the fridge look fabulous. Before placing containers in the refrigerator, always wipe their exterior, and cover securely to avoid spills and reduce odor. Dispose of items that have not been eaten or have expired, every week. Once a month, remove all items and wash the shelves, bins, and walls of the refrigerator with warm, soapy water, and dry thoroughly. For exterior cleaning, all-purpose cleaners are safe for most surfaces in the kitchen, including stainless steel appliance exteriors.

* Scrub the sink so it shines. For stainless steel or ceramic sinks, rinse the sink after each use, and wipe with a clean, dry cloth. Drying the sink will prevent mineral deposits from building up on the surface. Each week, scour the sink using a non-abrasive cleaner, such as an all-purpose cleanser, or glass and surface cleaner. Do not use steel wool, wire brushes or abrasive sponges. Use a stainless steel cleaner or a small amount of olive oil when looking to add a shine to a stainless steel sink.

* Remember your disposal and microwave. To freshen your disposal, fill it with ice cubes and slices of lime or lemon. Then, run cold water, while the disposal is on, for about 30 seconds. The ice will sharpen and clean the blades, and the citrus will release a fresh scent. If you have dried-on food in the microwave, fill a two-cup glass measuring cup with one cup of water and the juice from one lemon. Microwave for about 30 seconds, or until the water boils. This should create steam in the microwave that will loosen dried-on foods, so you can wipe the microwave clean. The lemon juice will provide a fresh scent.

For more tips to keep your kitchen sparkling clean, visit www.merrymaids.com .