Some of my favorite ways to clean in the kitchen

Here I go with a crazy cleaning post again! Most of these tips are from Real Simple. I've been using them for quite some time now and really like how they simplify my cleaning.

1. Microwave- put a cup of water in a bowl with some lemon juice. Run the microwave on high for 3 minutes. When finished, leave the door closed and let the water sit for another 3 minutes. Open and wipe it down. The food literally falls right off of the walls and ceiling. And it smells great. Just be careful with the water- it's hot :)

2. Dishwasher- buy a packet of Kool-Aid lemonade, no sugar in the packet- just straight up Kool-aid. It's about $0.15 a packet at Wal-Mart. Put the contents of the packet in the soap dispenser. Run empty on regular setting. Again- it smells great and is super white inside!

3. White Porcelain Kitchen Sink- these are hard things to keep looking clean. Fill the sink completely full with super hot water. Add 1 cup of bleach or hydrogen peroxide. I usually add this before it's full so it mixes in a little as the water is still pouring in. Let it sit for 1 hour. Drain sink, scrub lightly with mild cleaner (I use scrubbing bubbles), wipe dry, spray with Windex and wipe down again. It's amazing how much it sparkles. It's seriously crazy how good the sink looks after this.

OK- I know there are more Real Simple tips, but these are the ones I'm able to accomplish and have continued to use time and time again. Happy Cleaning!!