If your kitchen is cluttered, messy, or just in general disarray, then you will be well aware of how difficult it can make mealtimes and cooking in general.
A clean and organized kitchen will not only make you feel better but will provide you with a functional space the whole family can enjoy.
Here are 8 cleaning and organizing tips for your kitchen.
Empty your kitchen drawers
If your drawers are full and you find yourself struggling to put anything away, the best way to resolve it is to start from scratch. Empty them all out and only put back the things you need.
We all typically have one drawer full of weird and random things, so it might take a bit longer to clear. Don’t forget to give them a quick vacuum and wipe down before you start to put things back in!
Kitchen cabinets
One of the issues many of us face is having too much stuff, so we invariable try and cram it all into our kitchen cabinets until we no longer have a clue what’s in them.
Donate any excess crockery you may have accumulated over the years, and if you have kitchen gadgets that haven’t seen the light of day since you moved in – it might be time to let them go.
Wipe down the inside of your cabinets with a good antibacterial cleaner and absorbent cloth, and do the same with doors and baseboards.
Fridge organization
If you have no proper system in your fridge, you may end up throwing away lots of food that has gone out of date. To combat this, buy lots of clear storage containers and organize your produce as you buy it.
Washing fruit and veg as soon as you return from the grocery store will save a lot of time, and you and your family will be far more likely to grab a healthy snack if the preparation has already been taken care of.
Herbs and spices
Herbs and spices can add a new dimension to your meals, but when they are all thrown haphazardly into cupboards, you may be less inclined to use them.
A spice rack can save loads of space and can look pretty sleek on your kitchen countertop, or if space is an issue, you can buy sealable silicone pouches. They are easily labeled and will save you lots of valuable cabinet space.
Wall shelving
If your kitchen is reasonably small and you struggle for space, why not have some shelving fitted? It will provide you with additional storage and is also very on-trend at the moment. From modern floating shelves to a more industrial look, there are loads to choose from, so you should have no trouble finding something that suits the style of your kitchen.
Pantry
If you have a pantry that requires some organization, you might want to invest in a label printer and a selection of boxes, baskets, and other great storage containers. They are perfect for organizing packets, condiments, and other kitchen essentials, and labeling will ensure that everything has its very own spot on a shelf.
When refilling, try to make sure that the newest item is placed at the back of the shelf. This will ensure that you use things in date order and will help to minimize waste.
Meal plan
One of the best ways to be organized in the kitchen is to meal plan. It should not only have a positive impact on your finances but can make your day-to-day life so much easier too. Once a week, write down the meals you intend to cook for the next 7 days and then make a list of anything you need to buy at the grocery store.
If you aren’t sure where to start, you can find loads of helpful resources and tips online. You may also want to read our article entitled ‘How to meal plan perfectly with no stress this holiday season’.
Floor cleaning
Your kitchen floor has to endure spills, crumbs, and high footfall regularly, so it will usually need to be cleaned in some form or another every day or two. Although you should see great success using a mop and bucket and some bleach, if you want to make things a little easier, a steam cleaner will help to keep your floors clean with far less effort.
Many families spend more time in the kitchen than any other room, so it’s worth spending a bit of time making sure that it’s clean and well organized.
