Photo: Good Housekeeping
Spring is right around the corner, and after a long, dreary winter, we’re all ready to begin our very necessary (and oh-so-satisfying) annual spring cleaning spree! Nothing feels better than giving your home a deep clean and getting everything organized for the start of the new season. The trick with big projects like spring cleaning is to always start with the largest areas (or the ones that require the most work), so let’s get started with the kitchen!
Declutter
Start your cleaning spree by washing any dirty dishes with a natural dish detergent and getting rid of any clutter on your countertops and tables.
Clean Linens
Next, take all dish towels, tablecloths, and curtains and wash them in a gentle, unscented detergent. For kitchen linens, it’s generally best to use warm to hot water on a gentle cycle.
Don’t Forget the Nooks & Crannies
Once your space is a little more tidy, you can really get down to business. Start by dusting from top of the room to bottom (ceiling fan down to baseboards). Wipe down windows with a natural glass cleaner, and last but not least, mop! Always make sure to take extra care in mopping the floor around and behind appliances to finally get rid of all of that hard-to-reach dust and dirt!
Refrigerator Refresh
The best way to fully clean out your fridge and freezer is to start by taking everything (and we mean everything!) out and wiping down the shelves and drawers. Only replace the items that are in date and organize shelves with the most frequently used products in the front for easy access. For easier organization, try using extra storage bins to keep everything in its place!
Appliance Wipedown
One of the most important steps to take is deep cleaning your appliances. Apply oven cleaner and let it work its magic while you wipe down other appliances like the stovetop (remember to remove and wash burner covers and knobs!), microwave, and toaster oven.
Deodorize Your Garbage Disposal
Photo: Stilettos and Diaper Bags
Last but not least, make sure your kitchen continues to have that fresh spring scent! Pour a little bit of baking soda, half a lemon or orange, and water into the disposal and let it run to remove and deodorize any leftover food particles. Add a few ice cubes to sharpen the blades.