Always begin on the right side of your stove, then move clockwise around the room. The stove is typically the dirtiest part of the kitchen, so ending with it keeps you from spreading dirt and grease. (First, soak drip pans and knobs in warm soapy water. By the time you’ve worked your way around, they’ll be easier to clean.)

It’s hard to believe, but your dirty kitchen sink has more bacteria than your toilet seat. Use a product labelled as an EPA-registered disinfectant.

Alternatively, make your own disinfectant by first cleaning your sink with soap and water first, then spray a mist of vinegar followed by a mist of hydrogen peroxide, and let air-dry. If your sink is stainless steel, make it sparkle afterward by putting a few drops of mineral oil on a soft cloth and buffing. This prevents water buildup, which deters mold and keeps the sink looking clean longer.

Your dishwasher is probably going to be doing double duty during the holidays. So make sure to clean them as often as possible. A wash with a cloth dampened with baking soda will do the trick for the outside and edges. To clean the inside, run an empty cycle with Dishwasher Magic ($33.20, from Qoo10) – the product is designed to kill bacteria like E.coli. The dishes will be safe and sanitised after the rinse cycle is finished.

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Keep the heart of your kitchen clean by lining the bottom of the oven with a nonstick oven liner from Lazada or at Household department stores. It can be wiped with a paper towel, put in the dishwasher, and reused over and over

Sponges can be a breeding ground for bacteria. Disinfect yours every night by squeezing it out and microwaving it on high for a minute. When it’s shredded and smelly, replace it.

To declutter, crumple paper towels…forever. Use microfiber cloths instead to reduce counter space and to be more environmentally-friendly.

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Free up counter space – by attaching a magnetic strip under overhead kitchen cabinets to hold spice jars with metallic lids. Store frying pans, baking sheets, pot lids and cutting boards on their sides, using a filing rack or organiser.

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Remove food from its packaging and store in glass jars that reveal their contents in their many colours and textures. Line the jars up for a stylish and easily identifiable row of cooking ingredients. Try these Korken jars with lids from IKEA.

If you have room in your kitchen, include an island, which will not only give you extra prep space but also for storage, for pots and pans. Place it on castors for even more versatility.

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