The kitchen is arguably one of the hardest parts of the house to keep clean. Dishes pile up after preparing every meal, eating every meal - around three times a day. Water from the sink gets all over the place. Crumbs end up all over the floor. It can be really easy to get overwhelmed with cleaning your kitchen, especially if you are cooking and cleaning at the same time or if you just don’t like cleaning. You shouldn’t feel bad about it - many people struggle with keeping their kitchens clean as well! Additionally, we have ten tips to share on how to break down cleaning your kitchen into small tasks, rather than large daunting ones. 

Wipe Down Counters

If you’re looking for an easy way to make your kitchen feel new, try wiping down all surfaces. By taking five minutes to wipe down countertops and cabinets, you can give yourself a fresher space to work in, while also making sure that your dirty dishes have less chance of ending up on or around other surfaces. Wiping down counters is one of those small tasks that can make a big difference when it comes to cleaning your house quickly. It's not glamorous, but it's something everyone should do at least once per day.

Organize Cooking Utensils in Drawers

Try setting up separate containers or drawer organizers for every type of tool you use in your kitchen. For example, try storing all your spatulas in one container, forks and knives in another, and so on. This keeps everything from getting lost at the bottom of one big drawer. Not only does it keep them organized, but it keeps you from having to root around at night for that spatula you want to cook with. If you find there are lots of different items that can fit into any given category (spatulas fit either with cooking utensils or cutlery), just get as many separate containers as possible and label them clearly. Your life will be easier!

Keep Rugs and Mats Neat and Tidy

A useful trick to avoid having dirty floors is to put rugs in your kitchen. This not only helps with keeping spills contained and protects your floor, but it’s also super easy to clean rugs (assuming you’re keeping those rugs clean). In fact, if you have more time than money, you can even DIY some really cute rug patterns using things you find around your house. As an added bonus, most people will walk on rugs rather than directly on your floor. For under the sink and under the rug, consider placing a plastic mat down so that your floors stay protected for as long as possible. The plastic mats are a great alternative to rugs as they are less likely to hold dust and can even be easier to clean in the case of spills.

Keep Your Pantry Clean

If you're faced with an overstuffed pantry, take steps to clear out some old goods, and don't put back things you wouldn't use in 6 months. The same goes for your refrigerator. Dispose of perishables that are close to their expiration date, and make sure you have appropriate containers for leftovers. Invest in reusable containers and reusable food saver bags. This will save you both time and money in the long run, as well as help you stay organized to ensure leftovers are taken care of and food does not get wasted.

Use a Spice Rack

Spice racks are an easy way to keep your spices contained and organized. But organizing with spice racks doesn’t just make for easy-to-clean countertops, it also helps you eliminate clutter from other cupboards in your kitchen. You’ll be able to see exactly what spices you have at all times - and they'll always be within reach when you're cooking. Plus, if you invest in a nicer spice rack, it can double as decoration.

Put Cookie Trays on Cake Stands

Putting your cookie trays on cake stands will instantly add color and cheer to your kitchen! Cake stands are really affordable and look cute when they're stacked on top of each other. Make sure you have one that's taller than others, as it'll be used to hold your cookie trays; smaller ones can be used as little riser platforms for desserts. And if you have spare cookie cutters or decorations laying around, put them in your tray (or on it) so you can show off a bit when friends come over!

Take Out Trash Every Day

The biggest problem with keeping a kitchen clean is that it's generally not something people do every day. But, if you have trash sitting out all day, it's going to start smelling. The odor might seem mild at first, but as soon as people start walking by they're going to smell it. Don't wait until nightfall to take out your trash - get in good habits from day one and take your trash out before bed each night. Some more tips to minimize odor is purchasing a trash can with a lid and investing in air fresheners or candles. This way you don't wake up smelling the garbage and neither does anyone else.

Find What Works For You

Different people have different routines and different preferences. Some people prefer to clean as they go, while others like to clean all at once, at the end. Some people prefer to cook only what they need for the current meal, while others like to cook in bulk or meal prep. The main point of keeping a kitchen clean is keeping it functional. Use these tips and try new practices that work for you to do what is functional for you in your daily life.

Contact Us

Sponge & Sparkle values consistent, quality service and trustworthy business practices. You can have peace of mind that your kitchen and home will be well taken care of with us. Contact us today at (404) 633-9652 to sparkle up your cooking space and living space. Our cleaners will leave it dazzling! You will also feel dazzled after knowing you are set up for success this summer.