The kitchen is the heart of the home. For many, it is where we start the day and gather as a family!

Photo By: Pxhere

Taking care of it is an inevitable chore, but it doesn’t have to take a lot of effort. In this article, we will list what you should be cleaning every day, every season, and why.

The Benefits of a Clean Kitchen

Hygiene (and Mental Health!)

This one goes without saying, but it is often overlooked. The number one reason you should be cleaning the kitchen on a regular basis is to avoid illness. Kitchens are breeding grounds for dangerous bacteria. Leaving food out to spoil or using dirty dishes may result in food poisoning.

Not surprisingly, having a clean kitchen does wonders for your mental health. It frees the mind of clutter and makes cooking more enjoyable. You will save yourself the frustration of having to clean before you cook, and you will find what you need more easily.

Pest Control

Mice, ants, and cockroaches can smell your food from a mile away and they will come to the kitchen first. Kitchens are full of crumbs, grease, and moisture that we do not realize is attracting pests. Keeping the kitchen clean is therefore your first defense against a pest problem. You will be avoiding the damages of an advanced infestation and the costs of hiring a pest control company.

Savings

Staying organized means that you won’t let things spoil or buy foods you already have at home. You will know what you have in stock. Having a clean kitchen will also encourage you to make things yourself, saving on those pricey delivered meals. Your appliances will thank you, too. Regular maintenance means fewer repairs.

Daily Habits

Here are the things you should do every day. That’s right, every day! Getting in the habit of these things will make cleanup easier and save you stress.

Wash the Dishes

Washing the dishes frees up space and removes odours. Put dirty dishes in the dishwasher right away. Run it as soon as it is full. Anything that must be washed by hand should be done by the end of the day. Letting things sit for too long will make them harder to clean and they will spread germs.

Wipe the Countertops

Wipe surfaces clean whenever you do the dishes. Countertops, stovetops, and tables are covered in crumbs and spills that attract pests.

Clean the Sink

This should be done every time you do the dishes. Use a multipurpose cleaning product and scrub the sink down to remove grease. Don’t pour any oil down the drain and use a sink strainer to catch food.

Sweep the Floor

Like countertops, floors are covered in bits of food that will attract pests into the home. Sweep or vacuum the floor often. This will keep your floors in good shape.

Microwave

Don’t forget the microwave! Check if the microwave is dirty when you are doing the dishes. Remove the plate from the interior and be sure to wipes down every side.

Store Food Properly

Put food away as soon as you are done cooking or eating. Use sealed containers and organized them in a way that makes sense to you. This will help you keep track of what you have in stock.

Take out the Garbage

The kitchen garbage smells terrible and attracts pests. Use a lidded garbage can and keep it under the sink. Take it out every night or as soon as it is full. Clean the interior of the garbage can on a regular basis.

Seasonal Habits

Now for what you should do on a seasonal basis. The following lists what you should do every few months so that you avoid repairs and deep cleans that take hours to finish.

Clean the Oven

The cleanliness of your oven will affect your baking as the food inside will absorb fumes. Purchase an oven cleaner from the store and follow the directions closely. Cleaning the oven regularly will decrease the amount of time it takes.

Clean the Range Hood  

Wipe down the sides and the interior of your range hood to remove grease. Detach the filter, then soak it in soapy hot water for 15 to 20 minutes. Scrub it clean with water and baking soda, then rinse and dry. Mix equal parts water and white vinegar together and use it for a final clean.

Sweep Underneath Appliances

When is the last time you cleaned under the fridge? The undersides of kitchen appliances get very dirty with dust, food, and debris. Pull your appliances out every few months and clean these surfaces thoroughly.

Wipe the Inside of the Fridge

Take a good look inside your fridge and throw out all your expired items. Then, disinfect the interior from top to bottom. Clean every crisper and shelf.

Wash the Dishwasher Filter

There is a filter at the bottom of your dishwasher that collects food particles. Take this out and wash it thoroughly in dish soap and hot water. This will help prevent any blockages and keep your dishes coming out clean.

Organize the Pantry

Empty out the shelves in your pantry and wipe them clean. Throw out expired items and take note of what you could be using to cook. Put everything back in an organized fashion. Categorize your foods and use sealed containers for loose items.