Cleaning Supplies:
When you have to go looking for your cleaning tools, it adds minutes to the process. Instead, ensure everything is in its place and easy to get to. If you don’t have small children at home, keep a cleaning basket underneath the kitchen sink – or wherever you prefer depending on your lifestyle. Here’s what you should keep inside:
- Microfiber cleaning cloth – these are so much better than standard cloths
- Microfiber polishing cloth
- All purpose cleaning spray – keep it simple with a 50/50 combination of vinegar and water with a drop or two of lemon essential oil
- Dish soap and dishwasher detergent
- Scrub brush for dishes
- Toothbrush
- Vacuum or broom
As a general rule, work one end of the kitchen to the other. Clean from top to bottom as things are likely to spill from the counter onto the floor. Don’t wait until the end of the day; clean as messes are made. And teach your family the golden rule of whoever makes the mess, cleans the mess. This may take a bit of nagging in the beginning, but you’ll all win in the long term.
Cleaning Checklist:
Start by putting away food back in the pantry or fridge. Store leftovers in airtight containers, selecting the smallest container possible to keep plenty of room in the fridge.
Organize dirty dishes into one location on your countertop, to the side of the sink. Scrape off all food items into the garbage or garbage disposal. Soak pots and pans as necessary. Either clean dishes or place into the dishwasher.
Pick up all garbage and place in the kitchen trash or recycling center.
Put away any miscellaneous items still left on the countertops. This is where a miscellaneous drawer or community baskets can come in handy as a place to store things until they can be moved later.
Clean all surfaces by spraying them down with an all-purpose cleaner and wiping away with your microfiber cloth. Look for messes on cupboards or walls as you continue to wipe. Wipe down appliances in the process.
Clean the floor either with the broom or vacuum. Spot clean any spills if necessary.
Take one last stop to deposit dish cloths and towels into the laundry. It’s a good idea to wash after every use to ensure
See? That was easy. And once you develop your own routine, the process continues to be quick and painless.
How can we help you keep your house clean?