7 Steps to Spring-Clean Your Kitchen

Spring is here, which means it’s time for spring cleaning! The kitchen is the most daunting room to tackle in this annual ritual, so that’s why we suggest cleaning it first. To make your kitchen sparkle in no time, follow our handy tips and tricks.

1. Clear out using the KonMari method

Deep cleaning your kitchen will surely include a major clearing out. You should get rid of damaged dishes, unused items, inefficient utensils, and worn out dish towels.

The KonMari method, established by the Japanese author Marie Kondo, teaches the very special art of organizing your home harmoniously*. According to the method, each item in your home should be useful on a daily basis or bring you joy. To apply this method to your kitchen, ask yourself the 4 following questions:

1. Does this object bring me joy?

2. Is this object useful?

3. Does this object still work?

4. Does this object have a specific storage space?

A “yes” answer tells you that you can keep the object. A “no” means you should give it away or throw it out responsibly.

2. Thoroughly clean drawers and cabinets

Once you’ve finished clearing out, it’s time to start cleaning. Wash out the inside of cabinets and drawers with warm soapy water. You can leave the cleaning fluid rest a few minutes on the surface and wipe with a damp sponge if some areas are very dirty. Never use abrasive cleaners or sponges on handles and the exterior of kitchen cabinets. To remove tough grease stains, sprinkle with baking soda and wipe with a damp cloth. Replace everything back in their proper place (depending on the logical order of use).

3. Get rid of expired foods

Take out all products from your pantry for close examination. Verify the expiration date of each product. Throw out forgotten spices and dried herbs that have lost their color or aroma. Clean shelves as well as glass and plastic containers.

Tip: Make sure that all your containers are properly identified before putting them away. Why not use Mason-type jars and an old-fashioned label maker to make pretty, trendy containers? Then, replace all your food into your pantry in an orderly fashion.

4. Wash your stove and hood

Because you use it daily, it’s important to properly clean the inside of your stove. Start the self-cleaning cycle of your stove or apply an oven cleaning product, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Wash hot plates, brills, spiral burners, and the hood using soapy water to get rid of grease.

5. Organize your fridge and freezer

Just like you did for the pantry, empty out your refrigerator and freezer to take an inventory. Get rid of perishable and semi-perishable foods that have expired. To make things easy, check out

Wash out the inside of both the fridge and freezer using soapy water and replace foods in their appropriate section. Don’t forget to replace old containers of baking soda to neutralize unpleasant odors.

6. Wash out… your dishwasher

Wash the outside and scrub the edges of the dishwasher door and waterproofing seal with a sponge and soapy water. Run a wash cycle empty using baking soda in the soap dispenser or pour 1 cup of white vinegar into the bottom of the machine. You can also get a special dishwasher-washing soap from the supermarket.

7. Clean small appliances, the sink and countertops

Carefully wash all small appliances with soapy water, making sure to rinse and wipe them well. Boil 125 ml (1/2 cup) of lemon juice in the microwave to get it perfectly clean inside. Wash and disinfect garbage bins, walls, and countertops, making sure to move large appliances like the fridge and stove. Finish off by cleaning furniture and the sink.

A clean, uncluttered, tidy kitchen means you’ll be organized and efficient every single day. It’s time to start cleaning!

References

* Marie Kondo. The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing.