The kitchen is an MIA (or, a Most Important Area) for me. I know that I struggle with keeping the kitchen clean, although I do love a clean kitchen because I spend so much time there. It’s been proven that a great way to effect change and make something a habit is to repeat it for 30 days straight. With this in mind, I’ve put together seven of my favorite kitchen cleaning habits—things that have really helped me over the years, and I hope will help you too!
There’s wanting a clean kitchen, and there’s working to have a clean kitchen. Now, I don’t particularly like cleaning, but the only way that I can maintain a clean kitchen is to have a kitchen cleaning routine—a manageable routine that works for me and meets my expectations of what a clean kitchen looks like. To be sure, everybody has a different level of what is meaningful and important to them, which is why you need to establish your own kitchen cleaning routine. Come up with a plan that works for you, and try to stick to it for a period of time so that it just becomes part of your day. Trust me, the more you do it, the easier it’ll get, and the more rewarding it will be over time.
Kitchen Counters
Kitchen counters really set the stage for the rest of your kitchen—if they’re cluttered and dirty everything else looks that way too. So, if you want your kitchen to look and feel clean, make sure that your counters look and feel clean too. First, make sure that there’s no visual clutter on your counter. Think about removing anything that doesn’t serve a very useful purpose. Secondly, check for stains and crumbs by using what we call the eye-level test. Basically, get right down to eye level and look straight at the counter surface. From this vantage
Declutter the Fridge
When it comes to the fridge, it’s so easy to just load it up with things you think you’re going to eat but you never quite get through. Case in point, we have leftovers from Chipotle from three nights ago that Chad told me he was going to eat… but for sure has not eaten. When you open up the fridge, even if it’s just to grab a snack or to put groceries away, always make sure that you’re pulling things out that you know are expired, or are just not going to be eaten.
Always Be Pruning
The area under the sink is what we call here at Clean
Deep Clean 1 Area Each Week
I know it can be overwhelming to set aside time each day to give your kitchen a good clean. Instead, what I like to do is deep clean one area of the kitchen each week. Pick something that you know can be a little bit overwhelming, heavy-duty, or time-consuming—and do just that single job! I’m talking about things like cleaning your oven racks, your overhead exhaust, your fridge, or those little secret pockets that can get really greasy and grimy (between the stove and counter, or cupboard doors). You’ll find that by tackling one tough cleaning job each week it makes daily maintenance much quicker and easier.
Garbage!
Here’s something that we can all universally agree on: we cannot stand the smell of garbage. If you have a garbage can—which I’m assuming you do—you probably notice that when you take out the garbage the can still has some lingering odors. Over time, these odors sink in and become tough to get rid of. A habit that I want you to get into doing is spraying the garbage can each time you empty it. I like to use full strength vinegar or a disinfectant, and then give it a quick wipe and re-bag it.
Sparkling Sinks
The sink is something that’s so easy to keep clean but it can be inconvenient, especially if you’re rushing around doing a bunch of other things in the kitchen. The good news about a sink is that it’s actually quite easy to clean, in fact, I have a whole video on how to clean a sink quickly and easily. If nothing else just some baking soda, a sponge, and 45 seconds of your life will get it polished up and pretty clean. Give it a good scrub, a rinse, then grab a microfiber cloth and polish it. That’s it! You’re done! Now your sink looks amazing.
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How do you disinfect granite countertops with out ruining them?
Great post.
Hi
Do you suggest using kitchen floor mats/rugs?
If you do what kind of floor mats do you suggest?
I have a schedule for cleaning the kitchen. Every day I try to maintain the schedule. But really, these seven practices will change many things that you already published. I will try to do it as well.
Which labels do you recommend for labeling your DIY cleaning recipes? I saw your recommendation in a video and now I can’t remember which video! Thank you!
Thanks for all the good information on cleaning and the spirit in which you impart it! I’ll start using your tips today! Especially useful is: 30 days repetition needed to change an unwanted habit. Thank you!
The woman who lived here before me had heavily waxed all the counter tops. When I try to wipe up spills etc. my cloth wants to grab on and not move smoothly. How do I get all that wax off?
Try using TSP (Tri-Sodium Phosphate). It’s available at most hardware stores or places that sell wall paint. Painters use it to clean walls and fixtures before cleaning. It’s a great kitchen cleaner when I have to get my grease & dust coated ceiling fan blades. I think it will take care of the wax buildup on your countertops. You might have to use a green scrubby pad to begin. As it gets through the layers, switch to a rag (but not a paper towel) that you will dispose of after this. You don’t want to scratch your counters.
“The only way that I can maintain a clean kitchen is to have a routine” Yes you make my day through this line. It is very essential to clean our kitchen every day and keep maintain hygiene. But most of the time it is a very cumbersome task. Of course when I have seen my whole kitchen full with garbage and oil mark. I have to confess, Melissa you did awesome post I have ever read from your blog. And of course, learned a lot from this post. Waiting for your next. Best wishes from Netherland.