Spring Cleaning: Kitchen Edition

Here in West Michigan the weather has been GORGEOUS! So I thought I would record our own Spring Cleaning, through a new series here on the Blog.

This week we will talk about cleaning a room that is used every single day in all of our homes: The Kitchen.

It can seem like a daunting task, but there are so many benefits to cleaning out the kitchen and there were quite a few things I learned and hope you find these tips helpful!

Pantry

We have a single pantry, but over the years have also used our overflow of cabinets as additional pantry storage as well.

I was tired of seeing the pantry cluttered and disorganized. So I took a page out of The Home Edit's book and got labels and baskets and clear glass storage containers!

Now everything has a home and will stay that way for a LONG time.

Fridge

The fridge is a great place to start, when deep cleaning the kitchen. No matter how hard we try, there always seems to be that one shelf that has collected gunk or spillage from some mystery item! Plus it helps keep your food fresh for longer.

I always start by getting rid of expired items. Then a full wipe down (Or wash down, depending on the state of the fridge).

I love categories so I grouped my shelves. The top houses our "hand-held" beverages: sodas + beer. I have a shelf for leftovers/meals that have been prepped, a shelf for refrigerated snacks, and then of course the meat and cheese and vegetable drawers.

The door of the fridge is also categorized. Spreads (butters, cream cheese) Bigger beverages (milk, wine, coffee creamer) Condiments, and a shelf for Cooking items (minced garlic, lemon juice, soy sauce etc.)

The final touch was adding labels, so that everyone can put away the groceries and it won't disrupt the organization!

Dishwasher

I am always cleaning the exterior of our stainless steel dishwasher. But here is something I never knew: You should be cleaning out your dishwasher's filter!

Maybe I am really new to homeownership, but I wasn't even aware that dishwashers had filters. (Please tell me I am NOT alone).

I went to YouTube and Google to figure out the best way to clean everything and though it was, at first glance, a lot to figure out, it ended up being super simple.

Take out the bottom rack, remove propeller, screen and filter. Wash the screen with dish soap. Inspect the drain, clean out excess water and then you can scrub everything with an old toothbrush and some vinegar.

Replace the components back into the washer.

Run a regular cycle (hottest setting) with only 1 cup of vinegar placed on the bottom rack. Sprinkle some baking soda and re-run the dishwasher on a quick cycle.

That's it! I highly recommend doing this if you notice your dishes aren't getting as clean or if your dishwasher smells and clean your filter weekly!

Oven

The oven is another one that we tend to forget about, and is a great one to tackle as you begin your Spring Cleaning duties!

It is very simple, but the waiting time is a bit lengthy. Take the racks out first, and be sure to do this when your oven is not hot. Mix a cup of baking soda and half cup of vinegar into a large bowl. Pour and spread the mixture all over the base of the oven. Wait for 6 hours.

After the time is up, wipe away solution with a damp sponge and your oven will shine like new!

During the time in which you will be waiting, you can tend to the other areas of the oven. Remove the knobs from the stove and get it good and clean. A lot of spatter happens when cooking and I always forget you can remove the knobs very easily!

While you're at it clean off the inside of your oven door! I found a mixture of water and baking soda worked for a simple clean. Mix the two together until you reach shaving cream consistency and slather it onto the door. Wait 15 minutes and wipe with a clean wash cloth or sponge.

Also, if you have a gas stovetop a wonderful tip is to throw these tops into the dishwasher. It helps to clean off any gunk or splatter that is caked on.

Now is also a great time to deep clean your coffee maker, tea kettle and don't forget your toaster! I also love using these cleaning pods for a deeper clean for the garbage disposal

It is truly amazing at how clean you can get those neglected kitchen spaces with just 2 ingredients! And ingredients you already have on hand!

Hope you found these tips useful and I wish you luck as you journey into your Spring Cleaning adventure!