Armies of ants – the nasty red biting kind, mouldy residue on platforms, smellier trash… don’t even get us started on the endless other summer woes. And unless you have all the time in the world, guarding your kitchen against these will not be top on your agenda. But before those blasted ants drive you up the wall, consider these genius ideas that will help you keep your kitchen spotless and in the pink of health this summer.
Ant attack
When it comes to the dreaded ant menace, a solution of boric acid and water works like magic. Mix a tablespoon of boric acid powder in a cup of water and put the solution in a spray bottle. Spritz the solution on the trail of ants, along skirtings and even in the corners of kitchen cabinets. Just make sure it doesn’t get into food, clothes etc. The ants will be long gone in a few hours!
Spoiler alert
Unlike in winter, food is bound to spoil faster with the summer heat. So it’s important to ensure your kitchen is kept cool. Opt for a window covering that prevents the harsh sunlight from coming in especially in the afternoon. The safest bet though is to let your food cool for an hour after cooking, and put it in the refrigerator.
Trash talk
If you live alone or as a couple, chances are you won’t need to change your trash can liner everyday. But in summer, you should. Emptying out the trash daily is important as the rubbish tends to rot faster, leaving your kitchen with a foul odour that is hard to get rid of. Eew!
Sour grapes
It’s best not to put fruits in the refrigerator as they tend to lose their taste; and keeping them outside for too long during summer makes them go bad. Our advice: Buy only what you plan to eat in the next day or two. Also, do not remove fruits like grapes from the stalks if you want to preserve their freshness.
Mould-y menace
Any spillage on your kitchen platform will develop the famous M & Ms – Mould and Mildew in summer. So adopt this night-time ritual. Sprinkle soapy water all over your platform before you turn out the lights and wipe it down thoroughly. This will also rid your platform of crumbs and other food residue that is likely to attract ants
Smelly boxes
You know how plastic boxes acquire a distasteful odour after food has been stored in them for a while? Well, this is your chance to get rid of the smell. After washing the containers, soak then in water and lemon juice for a few hours. Then leave them out in the summer sun to dry and voila!
Clean up drive
A weekly refrigerator check up is almost necessary during summer. So give your fridge a once over every weekend – from the freezer to the chiller tray and even the vegetable compartment. Throw away food that has been lying in there for too long or veggies that have lost their crispness. Fresh food means a healthier summer!
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