Challenge 2025 Week 1: Kitchen – Deep Clean

One weekend, I decided to tackle the kitchen with full force. I rolled up my sleeves, armed with cleaning supplies, and set out on the mission of a deep clean. First, I cleared the countertops, which had become a bit of a catch-all spot for random items. The stovetop was covered in crumbs and splatters from last night’s spaghetti dinner.

But after scrubbing away the grime, the shiny surface revealed itself again—almost like a new stovetop.

More of this story below, but first, this week’s tasks.

Week 1: Kitchen – Deep Clean

Clean and disinfect countertops, stovetops, and backsplash.
Wipe down appliances (fridge, microwave, oven, etc.).
Clean inside the microwave, oven, and refrigerator.
Clean pantry shelves and discard expired items.
Mop the floor.

Now back to my story.

Next up was the microwave, which was long overdue for a clean. I remembered the time my brother had used it to heat up leftovers, only for some sauce to spill over. That mess had stuck there for ages, and I had kept putting it off. But today, I was determined to wipe it down. A few rounds of cleaning later, and it looked as good as when we first bought it.

Then came the fridge—a daunting task. I opened the door, and there it was: an unholy collection of Tupperware containers that had been shoved to the back. I uncovered half-eaten takeout from months ago and suspiciously wilted vegetables that had been forgotten. As I tossed out expired items, it felt almost cathartic—like a mini reset for the entire kitchen.

But the real surprise came when I reached the pantry. I’d never realized how much expired stuff had accumulated in there over time! There were cans of soup that had been around so long, they practically had their own dust bunnies. After clearing them out and wiping down the shelves, the pantry was finally organized, and everything felt lighter.

To wrap it up, I mopped the floor, adding the finishing touch to the transformation. When I was done, it was as though the entire kitchen had been reborn. Every surface gleamed, and I couldn’t stop smiling every time I walked in. There’s something so satisfying about a clean, well-organized kitchen, and it was a reminder that sometimes, a little deep cleaning is all you need to make a space feel fresh again.

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Looking for the best cleaning and organizing products to simplify your life? My reviews dive deep into the most effective tools and solutions, helping you make informed decisions that save you time, effort, and money.

Whether you’re tackling clutter, streamlining your cleaning routine, or searching for eco-friendly options, my honest and detailed reviews have got you covered. Check them out and find the perfect products to bring order and freshness to your home!

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General Cleaning Products:

All-purpose cleaner (e.g., Mrs. Meyers, Method, Lysol). For most surfaces like countertops, appliances, and tables. These are my three product reviews in the all-purpose cleaner category:

1. Mrs. Meyers cleaning products: my Amazon creator ad link to a page of products https://amzn.to/4h4Wmj4

[a d] MRS. MEYER’S CLEAN DAY Multi-Surface Everyday Cleaner, Cruelty Free Formula, Lavender Scent, 16 oz- Pack of 3 Mrs. Meyer’s cleaner has an appealing scent and powerful cleaning power. It cleans well, works effectively on all surfaces, and provides good value for money. You might appreciate its chemical content, shine, and ease of use. Amazon creator ad link for this specific product https://amzn.to/4h8cwrE

2. Method cleaning products: my Amazon creator ad link to a page of Method products https://amzn.to/3QJEmjw

[a d] Method All-Purpose Cleaner Spray, French Lavender, Plant-Based and Biodegradable Formula Perfect for Most Counters, Tiles and More, 28 Fl Oz, (Pack of 4)

This Method cleaner has a pleasant scent, effective cleaning, and value for money. It cleans well on most surfaces, with a non-abrasive formula that doesn’t leave residue. The spray mechanism works smoothly, delivering an even mist without clogging. Many customers consider it a great buy and praise the quality ingredients used to produce it. They also like its ease of use, reliability, and how it makes their homes smell clean. Amazon creator ad link for this specific product https://amzn.to/4brsKuL

3. Lysol cleaning products: my Amazon creator ad link to a page of Lysol products https://amzn.to/4h8M5lE

[a d] Lysol Multi-Surface Cleaner, Sanitizing and Disinfecting Pour, to Clean and Deodorize, Sparkling Lemon and Sunflower Essence, 90 Fl Oz. This cleaner has a pleasant scent and effective cleaning power. It is a great value for the price, and it can be used for various surfaces like floors, walls, bathrooms, kitchens, and more. The bottle size and quality are also appreciated. Some customers preferred the smaller size bottle. Amazon creator ad link to this specific Lysol cleaner  https://amzn.to/41gdMDa

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Microfiber cloths (e.g., MagicFiber, AmazonBasics). Great for dusting and wiping down surfaces without streaks. These are my two product reviews in this category:

1. MagicFiber products Amazon creator ad link to a page of all MagicFiber products https://amzn.to/4hesIbe

[a d]  MagicFiber Microfiber Cleaning Cloth – 12 Pack, Large 13″ x13” Highly Absorbent Streak-Free Micro Fiber Cleaning Rags Towels for House, Car, Windows, Housekeeping, Household Dusting, Kitchen. I appreciate the cleaning power, quality, and size of the towels which are useful for cleaning glasses, TV screens, and touchscreens on laptops and PCs. The towels hold up well in the wash and are a good size for routine cleaning tasks. The towels are soft and absorbent, but if you need to wipe a lot of fluid then you might want thicker cloths.