Do you Make these 3 Kitchen Spring Cleaning & Organizing Mistakes?
No matter what the weather is at the beginning of March I inevitably start to get the itch to spring clean and organize! There’s just something about cleaning and organizing that makes it feel like you are getting a fresh start. I guess you can say it puts a spring in my step (sorry – couldn't help myself)!If you are the type of person who DREADS this job, it may be due to the fact that you're making some mistakes!
Mistake #1 - Not Having The Proper Tools
It is important to take note of your kitchen and assess the areas you are going to clean. If you are going to do a deep clean on your oven, then you will need to ensure that you have the proper tools. Do you need a scraper? Do you need a heavy-duty oven cleaner? Perhaps you’d like to focus on your kitchen cabinets. Do you need some microfiber cloths to wipe out the cabinets? Do you need a spare box to put in anything you no longer use so that it can go right to donation? Every time you have to stop to go get some supplies, you are slowing down the process of getting it done! You may even find that it has taken you away from the task at hand.
Mistake #2 – Not Purging
Throughout the years, we accumulate stuff. It’s inevitable. By simply removing items, wiping down the inside cupboards and cabinets, and putting everything back, you are missing a huge step! It is important to go through every cupboard and every drawer and assess whether you still use the items that are in those spaces. If you use something once a year (like for Thanksgiving or Christmas), then does it really need to take up a piece of your kitchen ‘real estate’ for the rest of the year? Probably not.
Mistake #3 Ignoring the Yuck
I have to say, I've been 100% guilty on this one before! I sometimes think,
“If I just look away maybe when I look back it will be clean.”
That never happens and the cleaning fairy never comes! Two areas that tend to be particular yucky areas: the dishwasher (um..yes....the dishwasher) and the garbage can.
Dishwasher
One of my favorite ways to clean the dishwasher: Use a water and vinegar solution and a good cleaning cloth. Wipe down the inside of the door as well as the top and bottom racks. It never hurts to run the empty machine on its highest temperature setting as well.
Here is a great article written by Joan, with Tips Bulletin, titled 8 Dishwasher Cleaning Tips and DIY Cleaning Solution Recipes – How to Clean a Dishwasher. There are some super helpful tips here!
Garbage Cans
Well they are just plain gross. Slap on your rubber gloves, sprinkle in some baking soda and water, mix that around, then scrub, rinse, wipe and dry. I’m not a huge fan of spray deodorizers, but our garbage can will get a shot of Lysol spray too!So when it comes to cleaning and organizing your kitchen this spring, try to avoid these three common mistakes. Start this spring with
- a ‘plan of attack’
- ensure you have the correct tools
- get rid of the things you no longer have a use for or no longer use, and
- make sure you get every area. Don’t ignore the yuck!
We tend to spend a lot of time in the kitchen as it tends to be a gathering place. Will your gathering place sparkle and shine this spring? I sure hope so.
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