We have to start somewhere, right?! I think the busiest room in the house, and one with the potential to get messy and need to be decluttered, organized, and cleaned most often, is the kitchen. Do you agree?
I’ve written about many of these cleaning challenges already so I will include links in case you want in-depth help. Some of us have OCD about cleaning, organizing, and decluttering, and we start too many projects at once. It can be overwhelming.
But if you start small and create routines, clean as you go, and put things away after using them, you might be able to start living the mantra, “A place for everything, and everything in its place.” By the way, that quote has been attributed to more than one person, including Ben Franklin.
I like The Pink Stuff cleaning products. I wrote about them here: https://livingwithdana.com/2024/03/amazon-spring-sale-part-2/
__ Counters: clear and clean as you go, daily
__ Microwave: wipe down after each use; clean monthly
__ Stove, oven: clean after each use by wiping surfaces; deep clean every six months including behind the stove. I wrote about cleaning the stove/oven: https://livingwithdana.com/2024/04/challenge-clean-your-oven/
__ Cabinets:
• Food: check expiration dates once a month in pantry and refrigerator. Here’s a post I wrote (with pictures) about organizing my pantry: https://livingwithdana.com/2024/01/challenge-2-food-storage-organizing-tips-for-the-win/
These can be checked every 3 months. First empty the cabinet, wipe and clean before returning items to the cabinet:
• Mugs, travel cups I have four of these racks and I suggest them to anyone who has a lot of insulated travel mugs. It’s so much easier to reach in the cupboard and grab your favorite color mug! #Amazon #affiliate link https://amzn.to/4aTWVJk
• Stemware, glasses Read how I organized mine! https://livingwithdana.com/2019/02/week-8-challenge-stemware-and-glasses/
• Under the sink Read about the under-the-sink organizer. I’ve learned that there are all kinds of organizers available and some of the ones that have sliding shelves for in the cabinets don’t even use screws, just sticky adhesive tape! https://livingwithdana.com/2024/02/my-favorite-home-organizing-hacks/
• Pots, pans
• Plastic food storage
__ Coffeemaker: wash and rinse after each use; descale as needed
__ Drawers: These can be checked every 3 months. First empty the drawer, wipe and clean before returning items.
• Silverware
• Towels, pot holders
• Junk drawers (we all have at least one, right?!)
__ Refrigerator, freezer: wipe spills as they happen; empty and deep clean once a month when checking expiration dates; preferably before getting groceries; reorganize food. I told you I have a lot of blog posts about decluttering, organizing, and cleaning! https://livingwithdana.com/2019/01/week-4-challenge-refrigerator-freezer/
__ Floor: sweep after each meal; wipe up spills as they happen; wash once a week; deep clean monthly
__ Trash: take it out daily; sanitize trash can weekly
__ Dishes: run the dishwasher when it’s full; handwash after each meal; put dishes away in the morning
__ Sink: rinse after each use; wash nightly; deep clean monthly including garbage disposal
__ Small appliances: such as the toaster, need to be wiped after each use and deeper cleaning once a month.
__ Range hood & filter: monthly to get rid of grease accumulation and odors
You can download and print a copy of this list (without all the links). Click here or on the image:
Thank you for reading my blog! Have a great day!
These tips brought to you by: www.LivingWithDana.com
