The kitchen is the one room in the house that can get two-, three-, or more-times a day cleaning. Because it's the "heart" of every home, the kitchen gets more traffic, too. That means more dust and debris on the floor. And since meal preparation takes place here, that means more messes and spills and dishes to clean up. Cleaning the kitchen is such a frequent job, it pays to take steps to make cleaning easier and better. Here are some tips to help you make kitchen cleaning quicker -- so you can get out of the kitchen faster!
Tip. No. 1: Clear the counters
Although it might look nice to have lots of little knick knacks on the countertops, all that stuff just makes more work because you have to move it all just to wipe down the counters. Make your counters as spare as possible.
Tip No. 2: Keep a bowl of sudsy water in the sink
Don't spend time scraping out that microwaved egg stuck to the bowl. Instead, keep a large plastic bowl with sudsy water in the sink at all times. Change the bowl water every day and add dirty dishes to it as the day goes on. This way, dishes have a chance to soak, making clean up that much easier. And, even though dishwashers are really good at cleaning these days, silverware that's been left in soapy water will get cleaner once its loaded into the dishwasher.
Tip No. 3: Clean out the plastic cabinet
One of the biggest problems in kitchens is the lack of space -- and much of that space is taken up by all that plastic. I bought one nice set of perfectly clear plasticware and that's all I really need. All the other plastic bowls went into a garage sale (or the trash) and a few really large pieces went into tall cabinets since they aren't used very often. A whole cabinet opened up.
Tip No. 4: Keep a broom nearby
The kitchen needs to be swept daily because of traffic in the room and because crumbs and food particles often land on the floor. Keeping a broom nearby will help encourage you to keep the floor swept more often -- and will reduce the attraction for insects.
Tip No. 5: Be sanitary with sponges and paper towels
Sponges trap bacteria and should not be used to clean up blood from meat or even spilled egg which carries salmonella. Use paper towels instead to clean up bacteria-laden messes. Use your sponge to clean dishes and put it in the dishwasher at least once a week to clean it. Keep a "cleaning sponge" under the sink for routine cleaning in the kitchen (wiping counters, etc.)
Tip No. 6: Edit and organize the pantry and refrigerator regularly
The pantry and the refrigerator are two busy places in the kitchen, so make sure each trip you make is an opportunity to clear out and clean up. Looking for pasta? Take a moment to straighten the pantry and organize while you're looking. Try to section refrigerator shelves and make "areas" for dairy, leftovers, vegetables, etc. The more organized you are, the less likely you'll find science experiments growing in the cabinets and fridge.
Tip No. 7: Put a wire holder on your sink cabinet door
These wire holders can hold the cleaning products you use most often, such as all-purpose cleaning spray and scouring powder for the sink. When they are conveniently placed, you'll use them more often. But, if you have to bend down and dive under the sink to find your cleaner, you won't be as enthusiastic about cleaning.
Be sure to check out the Bellaonline Cleaning Shop! Click here for Kathryn's favorite cleaning products and resources.
DON'T FORGET: Join this newsletter to have cleaning ideas delivered right to your email in box!
Kathryn Weber is the publisher of the Everydayclean.com Calender -- the calendar that helps you end the power struggle with your house. Keeping a clean home is about knowing what to clean when. Virtually everything that needs to be cleaned is on this calendar in a year-round cleaning schedule that helps you keep your house clean easier and faster. Click here for more information.