With the hectic lives and schedules of many households today, the kitchen is perhaps the busiest room in the house. It has become not only the room in which we prepare our food, but also a central meeting place for families and guests. Many people plan their entire day in the kitchen, making lunches, planning and preparing meals and eating on the run.

All of this activity can only mean one thing: dirt. And depending on the number of people in your home, the dirt, grease and grime that are typically found in kitchens can be significant. It can be quite a hassle to clean from top to bottom, mainly from all of the cooking that is done in the room, not to mention the expense of the variety of cleaning products.

But cleaning your kitchen really doesn't have to be an expensive or a dreaded chore. Follow these easy tips that will leave your kitchen sparking clean, and leave you with more free time as well!

An Ounce of Prevention…

- Every day before meals, fill the sink with hot, soapy water. When everyone is finished eating they can rinse their dishes and put them in to soak. If you have a dishwasher you'll save wear and tear by loading it with dishes that are pre-rinsed.

- The sink should also be filled with soapy water while preparing meals as well. This way you can “wash as you go” and finish cooking without having a pile-up of pots and pans waiting for you.

- Keep a spoon rest on the stove and a paper towel on the counter to catch drips, spills and messes from serving and stirring spoons.

- Keep a supply of aluminum foil handy to cover casseroles before baking to prevent spills and burns. It's also helpful to put a piece on the bottom of the oven to catch drips so when it's time to clean the oven, it won't be a day-long event.

- Lids from various sized butter or margarine containers make excellent “coasters” for jars and bottles in the fridge or cabinets. You'll be able to catch spills from honey, syrups and oils and then simply wash the lid instead of the whole shelf.

- Scratch marks on a stainless steel sink are nearly impossible to remove, if at all, so prevention is critical for keeping your sink looking its best. Always use a rubber mat on the bottom of the sink to protect it from scrapes and marks from sharp knives.

More Tips to Quickly Clean The…

- Sink
An easy way to clean rust stains on a stainless steel sink or mineral deposits around faucets is to scrub the area with a simple lemon.

- Dishwasher
Rinse the filter after every use and regularly clean the moving components as well as the outer surface. Get rid of mineral deposits by running a cup of vinegar through an empty wash cycle.

- Refrigerator
Use a solution of baking soda and water to wipe down all of the shelves and surfaces, remember to rinse off jars and bottles before replacing them. Clean the bottom drain pan with warm, soapy water and clean the condenser coils on the back of the fridge twice a year using a vacuum cleaner and a small attachment. Even frost-free freezers need cleaned once a year also using baking soda and water. And don't forget to place an open box in both the fridge and the freezer to absorb odors and keep foods fresh.

- Microwave
To remove dirt from the inside of the microwave, place a dish of hot water with a slice of lemon and set the timer until the water boils. The steam that is produced will dissolve the build up of dirt and make it a breeze to wipe clean.