Cleaning expert Lynsey Crombie, known online as the Queen of Clean, has shared a straightforward technique to keep kitchen cabinets and worktops "shiny and streak-free" using ordinary washing-up liquid.
Grease and grime from everyday cooking can quickly make kitchen surfaces look grubby. When frying or sautéing, oil turns into tiny droplets carried by steam that settle on every surface, leaving sticky, bacteria-harbouring residue.
Why washing-up liquid works
Lynsey said: "I am constantly asked how I keep my high gloss, kitchen cabinets clean, shiny and streak-free. To remove grease, grime, food splashes and finger marks, I start by cleaning with warm water and washing up liquid. Washing up liquid is a degreaser, so I.T. is the perfect product to use."
Washing-up liquid is specifically formulated to cut through hardened food, grease and oil on plates. It contains surfactants that break down oil, allowing it to be rinsed away easily, unlike most conventional products that struggle with greasy stains because oil and water do not mix.
How to deep clean kitchen surfaces
Start by adding a few squirts of washing-up liquid to a basin or bowl of warm water, taking care not to add too much, as this may leave a soapy film. Dip a cloth into the solution, wring it out thoroughly, and wipe in a circular motion, paying particular attention to areas where grease accumulates, such as cabinet handles, zones around the hob, and the backs of worktops.
For stubborn residue, place the damp cloth directly onto the stain for 30 seconds before wiping. Then use a second cloth to rinse with warm water, removing any remaining soap, and dry thoroughly with a third cloth. With just five minutes of work, your kitchen should be left spotlessly clean and free of stains.
