Clean & Organize Your Kitchen
Now that the new year is here, it’s out with the old and in with the new! It’s the perfect time to start fresh and tackle a few areas that might need a little tidying up. The kitchen is a great place to start. Break out those gloves and cleaning supplies, because we’re sharing different ways to organize and clean your kitchen this year. It’ll look and feel like a whole new kitchen!
Add Storage Containers
Storage containers are a great way to help organize all of your food. If you have a big family or love to use lots of ingredients when you cook, containers might be a great option for you. Labeled containers make it quick and easy to find everything you’re looking for all while taking up less space and looking nice in your pantry. In addition to storage containers, I would recommend purchasing a spice rack and a knife rack to keep things tidy. An organized pantry helps cut down time when finding what you need so you can get straight to cooking those tasty meals.
Clean & Organize Fridge & Freezer
Give your fridge and freezer a nice deep clean before you start organizing it. In addition to tidying up your pantry, make sure you’re reorganizing your fridge and freezer as well. Expired labels can sneak up on you (even spices expire!) so make sure you’re throwing out what isn’t good anymore in the new year. Refrigerator organizer bins are also very useful. I use different bins to separate my fresh fruit, veggies, meat, condiments, drinks and other items. A clean fridge will help you see all the items you have and avoid you from overspending on items you didn’t need.
Go Green with your Cookware
The new year can also bring about some healthy changes for a lot of people. Your cookware can contribute to a healthier lifestyle from the inside out. Some of my favorite pans to use are Greenpan, stainless steel and cast iron. It’s important to look for cookware that is non-toxic and free of PFAS, PFOA, lead and cadmium. This might also be the perfect time to stock up on a few items to make your time in the kitchen a little easier. I would recommend purchasing a Ninja processor, Kitchenaid mixer, Ninja blender, air fryer and an Instapot for quick meals. There are plenty of recipes on Pinterest where you can make all kinds of meals with these products.
Clean Sink, Countertops & Cabinets
You’re all organized and the fridge and freezer are cleaned, so it’s time to move on to some other areas! Start from the top and give the cabinets, countertops and sink a good cleaning. Wipe down the cabinets and use a mild soap and warm water on a dish rag for your quartz or granite countertops. Do not use any harsh chemicals or bleach. Don’t forget to change the water filter in your pitcher and give your kitchen a good cleaning. Wash your old kitchen scrub brush in the dishwasher, or swap out your cleaning sponge for a fresh new one. You can organize some more by removing excess clutter from your countertops and adding organizers within your drawers to separate kitchen tools and utensils. Finally, if you want to give your kitchen a little flare, add some undermount cabinet lighting for fun! These little tips will ensure that your kitchen is sanitized, organized, and ready for whatever meal you have in mind.
Clean & Organize Misc. Items
Just to make sure we clean everything, don’t forget to clean your utensils, dishwasher, garbage disposal, microwave, oven and stove vent fan filter. When it comes to your kitchen gadgets, make sure to wash those wooden knife handles, cutting boards and utensils by hand, towel dry and finish with a mineral oil. Run a dishwasher cycle with some vinegar to give it a good clean out. Clean your garbage disposal with a lemon, some ice cubes and a little bit of salt. Wash your microwave with a lemon, water and dish towel. The oven can be cleaned using a grill and oven cleaner, baking soda and vinegar or ammonia if needed. The stove vent fan filter can be cleaned with hot water, a dish brush and some soap. These different areas will make a big difference in how clean your kitchen is from the inside out.
Cleaning and organizing your kitchen is key to starting the new year off on the right track. I’ve always felt like a clear space makes for a clear mind. Tasks are easier to do when you have a tidy space to work at. This article is full of ways to organize, clean, and add a few helpful products to take your kitchen to the next level. Start small and clean one or two areas and work your way up from there. You’ll have a beautiful kitchen in no time that’s ready to take on all kinds of bakes in the new year.