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I feel like when people say, “The kitchen is the heart of the home.” They are RIGHT! Honestly, I can’t say how amazing I feel when the kitchen is clean. It also was the hardest room to organize, and MOVE! I can’t say how many boxes were packed up to move that I put the “Kitchen” sticker on, but when it’s organized and you have a system, cooking and baking are WAY more enjoyable. I don’t like cooking or baking to start with, but I feel more ready to go for it when I know where everything is and it’s all easily accessible.
A clean and organized kitchen not only enhances your cooking experience but also promotes a healthier lifestyle. Follow these practical tips to maintain a tidy and efficient kitchen.
1. Declutter Regularly
Start by removing items from your countertops and cabinets that you don’t use frequently. Donate or discard gadgets and utensils that serve no purpose. Keep only the essentials, which will make cleaning easier and your kitchen more functional.
2. Implement a Cleaning Routine
Set aside time each day for simple cleaning tasks. Wipe down surfaces after cooking, wash dishes immediately or load them into the dishwasher, and take out the trash daily. A few minutes of cleaning each day can prevent a bigger mess from accumulating.
3. Organize Cabinets and Drawers
Utilize organizing tools like drawer dividers and shelf risers to maximize space. Sort items by type or frequency of use—place everyday items within easy reach and store less-used items away. Group similar items together, such as baking supplies or spices, for efficiency.
4. Use Clear Storage Containers
Invest in clear, airtight containers for dry goods. Not only do they keep food fresh, but they also make it easier to see what you have on hand. Label your containers to facilitate easy identification and organization. I would also use clear containers to put bagged items in so they are easy to see and you know when you have too much.
5. Maintain a Clean Fridge
A clean fridge is crucial for food safety. Regularly check for expired items and wipe spills as they happen. Use bins or baskets for similar categories to keep things organized and encourage rotation of older items. I like to clean my fridge out before my monthly grocery run. Right before I go I take everything out, get rid of what is expired, and wipe it down. The end result of this is SO satisfying!
6. Keep Cleaning Supplies
Handy Store cleaning supplies in a designated area or a caddy under the sink. This makes it easy to access them for quick clean-ups. Using natural cleaners or multi-purpose (this one smells so good!) products can also simplify your cleaning routine.
7. Create Work Zones
Designate specific areas for different tasks in your kitchen, such as cooking, baking, and prep work. This helps streamline the cooking process and keeps your work areas organized. Ensure each zone contains all necessary tools and ingredients.
8. Address Spills Immediately
Don’t let spills sit; cleaning them up right away prevents sticky messes and stains. Keep a cloth or paper towels handy, so you can quickly wipe up any accidents as they occur.
9. Involve the Family
Encourage family members to take part in keeping the kitchen clean and organized. Assign age-appropriate tasks and make it a fun activity. This helps distribute responsibility and reinforces the importance of a tidy space.
10. Set a Weekly or Monthly Deep Cleaning Schedule
Plan a weekly deep-cleaning day for tasks that need more attention, such as scrubbing the floors, cleaning appliances, and organizing pantry items. This routine will help ensure that your kitchen stays in top shape.
11. Keep a Back-stock Section
This is a place where you will put all of the OVERFLOW items. What I mean by that is the items that are extra that you tend to get because of sales or because you realize you already have 2 packages of corn chips. These are usually baskets that you keep in places that you might not normally look at so they do not take up valuable space.
12. Make Cleaning Your Kitchen After Supper a Non-negotiable
Before anyone goes anywhere make sure that you have everyone help you clean up the kitchen after supper. You will feel so much more accomplished, and who wants to wake up to a dirty pile of dishes to clean or a cluttered table to deal with anyway?
13. Keep Your Counters and Tables CLEAR
There is something that happens to our brains when we keep a surface clear of mail or clutter. We want and fight to keep it that way! It is something that is so pleasing to look at, so fight to put everything that is dropped off in its place. It’s a great system to set in place, even if you are the only one who enforces it!
Let’s Wrap This Up 🙂
By following these simple tips, you can keep your kitchen clean and organized, making it a more enjoyable space for cooking and gathering. With a little effort and consistency, you’ll create a kitchen that is both functional and inviting. I want to add something that is really important. Don’t expect your family to make the house look exactly how you want it. Yes, you can ask them to put their shoes away when they get home, or not drop things off on the table, but it might still happen. I also know that my husband’s version of a clean kitchen is nothing like my own.
Remind yourself in these moments when you may start to feel resentment that you are in control of being your own hero. You are giving a gift to yourself when you go above and beyond to clean your kitchen. Do what you can without having any expectation in return, that is the best way to live. At least that is what I was told in our bible study group the other day, and even though it will be so hard, I’m going to try to embrace this zero expectations thing as much as I can. The resentment isn’t worth it, so buckle up buttercup let’s go out and have a clean and organized kitchen!:)