If there's one universal rule that applies to all households, it's that the kitchen is where all the action happens. For most everybody, the kitchen is the heart of the home. Food and memories are made in the kitchen, but that also means that a tidy kitchen can turn into a disaster very quickly.
If you are struggling with a messy kitchen, it may not just be because it is a high-traffic area. The layout and organization of your kitchen can influence how quickly it becomes a mess and how difficult it is to clean up your kitchen.
In this post, we are going to cover some helpful tips that will not only help you clean your kitchen but also put some systems in place to make maintaining a tidy kitchen easier over time.
All About Tidy may earn a commission through these independently curated links, at no expense to you.
Creative Storage Solutions
If your kitchen is constantly cluttered and messy, it may be because you do not have enough storage space. Or, the storage space you have isn't being utilized in the best way. This can be easily remedied by getting creative with the storage solutions available to you.
There are a number of different ways that you can add more storage to your kitchen. One way is to install shelves or cabinets above your stove or sink for your coffee maker, measuring cups, pasta machine, or other small appliances. You can also use a pegboard to hang pots and pans, or attach baskets to the underside of your cabinets to store spices and other small items.
If you are short on counter space, you can install a kitchen island or rolling cart that will give you more storage and also function as a work space. Rolling carts work great for creating coffee stations and free up your kitchen counters. Look at your pantry storage in a different way and get creative by using stackable bins and canisters to organize your food.
Establish a System for Dirty Dishes
One of the best ways to keep your kitchen clean is to establish a dishwashing system. This can involve assigning a specific place for everything and making sure that everyone in the household knows where things go. If you don't have a double sink, there are other options to keep your countertops free from dishes--even after cooking a delicious and complex meal.
One way to do this is by using a dish rack. This helps keep your counters clear and makes it easy to know where everything goes. You can also designate a spot for dirty dishes and make sure that everyone knows to put them there when they are finished eating.
If you have a dishwasher, run it often! Not only will this help keep your kitchen clean, but it will also save you time and energy.
Deep Clean Regularly
Deep cleaning on a regular basis is vital to keeping your kitchen tidy. Take the time to clean all of the nooks and crannies that are difficult to reach and often overlooked.
Some of the areas you want to focus on include:
- Stovetop and oven
- Refrigerator and freezer
- Sink and drains
- Cabinets and countertops
- Dishwasher and dishwashing area
Schedule a regular deep clean of your kitchen to set a good foundation for keeping things tidy on a daily basis. It can be weekly or even monthly depending on how much you use your kitchen.
Clean As You Go
To maintain a clean kitchen, it is important to clean as you go. This means taking the time to wipe up spills when they happen and putting things away as soon as you are finished using them.
It may seem like a lot of work at the moment, but taking a few extra minutes to clean up as you go will save you a ton of time in the long run. To maintain a clean kitchen, it's essential to invest a bit of extra time in cleaning as you go.
Reduce Clutter
To reduce the clutter in your kitchen, start by getting rid of excess appliances, cookware, and utensils. If you don't use it, get rid of it. Not only will this declutter your kitchen, but it will also make it easier to prepare food and also to clean afterward.
Another way to reduce the amount of clutter in your kitchen is to sort like items together. For example, store all pots and pans in one area and all silverware in one drawer. This will help you find what you need when you need it and will also help to declutter your space.
Finally, keep your counters clear as much as possible. This may mean that you have to store some of your appliances in cabinets or a pantry when they are not in use. Designate a storage area or cabinet specifically for your small kitchen appliances. This will help keep your counters clear, organized, and ready for your next big meal.
Research Cleaning Products
Understanding the surfaces in your kitchen and using the right cleaning supplies for them is important for maintaining a tidy kitchen. Not all cleaning products are created equal, and some may be better suited for your kitchen surfaces.
I once made the big mistake of using a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser on cherry wood cabinets. It took the cherry finish right off, and I was left with a lighter smudge area.
Specific cleaners are formulated for specific surfaces. If your counters are granite, use a granite cleaner. Stainless steel surfaces require a different type of cleaner and consider your cabinet material and use an appropriate cleaning product for best results. We recommend using an environmentally friendly and non-toxic cleaning product line, like the Attitude brand.
Tidy Your Kitchen Today
Tidy your kitchen once and for all and enjoy the dozens of benefits, including the feeling of pride and satisfaction you feel when you walk into a sparkly clean and fresh smelling kitchen. The most important reason to keep a clean kitchen is that it helps keep your family safe and healthy. A clean and organized kitchen is a safe one.
Plus, it is so nice to be able to cook and hang out in a kitchen that is actually tidy. If your messy kitchen stresses you out, follow these tips to alleviate the negative impacts of a cluttered and chaotic kitchen.
Related: How to Organize a Side by Side Refrigerator the Right Way