Spring is here, and it's time to give your home a thorough cleaning! One area that often gets neglected during regular cleaning is the kitchen. The kitchen is the heart of the home and where we spend a significant amount of our time cooking and eating. We've gathered our favorite methods that we use in our own kitchens so that we can inspire you during your spring cleaning journey!
Start by decluttering
The first step in spring cleaning your kitchen is to declutter. This does not mean you should throw away kitchen tools! I guarantee the second you toss that old cake pan, you're going to need it. Instead, go through your pantry, fridge, and cabinets and throw away anything that has expired or is no longer needed. This year we discovered my husband has a gluten allergy, spring cleaning was the perfect time to go through and remove anything that no longer fits into our dietary routine. Have things that aren't expired, but you don't want anymore? Consider donating them to a local food pantry like Second Harvest or the FSU student food pantry! Cleaning out the items you no longer want or need will make it easier to organize your space and keep things clean moving forward.
Deep clean your appliances
Next, it's time to deep clean your appliances. This includes your oven, microwave, refrigerator, and dishwasher. If your oven has a self cleaning feature, turn it on while you work on the other appliances. We like to run the microwave plate through the dishwasher and wash the fridge shelves in the sink. Don't forget to clean the outside of your appliances as well, including the handles and buttons. If you're looking for an eco friendly alternative to cleaning with paper towels, we suggest using Geometry Not Paper Towels! They're great for wiping down counters, scrubbing tough spots, and absorbing spills. The best part is when you're done cleaning, you can toss them in the washing machine!
Clean the cabinets and drawers
The inside of your cabinets and drawers can accumulate dirt and grime over time. Use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe down the interior of each cabinet and drawer, and remove any crumbs or debris. If you notice any damage, such as a loose hinge, now is the time to fix it. If you're not happy with your current drawer organization, check out these fantastic options from Joseph Joseph. I have converted my whole kitchen to their organizers and it feels like I have so much more space!
Polish your cookware
Over time, grease residue can build up on your pots and pans. This is a great time to clean up any discoloration or build up on your cookware! We are constantly amazed by how well the Le Creuset Cleaner removes stains from enamel. We use it in our kitchen at work and at home, and it keeps our Le Creuset pieces looking factory fresh! If your stainless steel pans have burn marks on the bottom, you can always polish them up with a little Bar Keepers Friend!
Organize your pantry and fridge
Finally, it's time to organize your pantry and fridge. Group similar items together and use storage containers to keep things organized. Our favorite organizers for dry goods are the ProKeeper containers! Make sure to label everything, so you know what's inside each container and when it was put there. If you're addicted to Tiktok, like me, you've probably heard the term "FIFO". "FIFO" or First In, First Out, is the method of using the oldest product in your pantry before opening a newer one. This will make it easier reduce waste by preventing items from going bad.
Make room for the new
Lastly, let's talk about the things you should consider replacing or upgrading. Things like cutting boards, vegetable peelers, and nonstick cookware all have limited lifespans. Obviously, these lifespans vary depending on the quality of them, but eventually, they will all need to be replaced. To find out if your cutting boards are ready to retire, look at the knife grooves in them. If they're just surface level cuts, your board still has some life left to it. If they're deeper grooves, it might be time to consider replacing them. These deep cuts can gather debris and allow unwanted bacteria to grow. If your vegetable peeler isn't peeling like it used to, it may be time to trade it in for a fresh, sharp peeler like the Kuhn Rikon Carbon Steel Peeler. And finally, if your nonstick pan is flaking, please, for your health, replace it with a new pan that will not leave potentially harmful pieces in your food!
We know spring cleaning your kitchen can be a daunting task, but if you break it down into smaller tasks, you'll be amazed at how quickly you can accomplish everything! By following these tips, you can spend less time cleaning and more time cooking in your kitchen.