9 Simple Tricks to Always Have a Clean Kitchen

If you’ve ever watched a cooking show and wondered how in the world they manage to keep the space so clean, it’s easier (and more realistic) than you might think. All you need is a cup of consistency, a dash of attention to detail, and a tablespoon of organization. Here are nine ways to keep your kitchen as tidy as what you see onscreen. 

1. Tidy Up As You Cook

Maintaining a clean kitchen while cooking can help you avoid an enormous mess after mealtime. Prepare a clean working area, get out everything you need, and put things away as you go. Take care of any rinsing, chopping, and other prep work all at once so you only have one mess to clean. 

Pro tip: Measure out ingredients over the sink to minimize crumbs and spills.

2. Maintain a Cleaning Routine

Don’t wait until your kitchen is so far gone that you don’t even want to start cleaning it—maintain a kitchen cleaning checklist to keep things under control. Develop a list of daily, weekly, and monthly chores to get done, whether or not there’s a mess. Staying consistent will help build good habits and ensure your kitchen always stays clean.

3. Wipe Up Spills ASAP

If you want to keep your kitchen constantly clean, spills are your biggest enemy. Not only do they dirty up a sparkling-clean kitchen, but they also turn into stuck-on goop that’s even harder to clean once you do get to it. 

This tip might sound like a no-brainer, but it’s easy to skip when you’re in a rush. Always perform a quick scan before moving on with your day or heading out the door. 

4. Wash Your Kitchen Sink Daily

You’ve probably heard how your kitchen sink is the germiest spot in your home—with that in mind, cleaning it daily is a must. After washing the evening’s dishes, clean your kitchen sink too. Be sure to use the cleaning products best suited for your sink’s material. Beware of harsh scrubbing tools like steel wool, which can scratch most sinks.

5. Keep Lesser-Used Dishes and Appliances Out of the Way

Unless you drink multiple smoothies throughout the day, that clunky blender shouldn’t be taking up valuable countertop real estate. Designate out-of-the-way storage spots for the items you don’t reach for every day. This step will help you maintain a clutter-free kitchen with fewer crevices to clean and items to dig through.

6. Purge Food Regularly

Don’t let your fridge become a science project. Create a habit of purging uneaten leftovers and expired foods the night before trash pickup each week. This way, you will keep your refrigerator clear of unnecessary and potentially hazardous items. Getting the timing right will also prevent gag-inducing odors in your home from expired foods fermenting in the kitchen trash can.

7. Store Food Items in Containers

While you don’t have to go as hard as the fridge-stocking influencers on social media, a few containers can go a long way towards keeping a tidy fridge and pantry. Bins and containers make food items easier to find than piles of packages, meaning you’ll likely waste less. Stackable options also save tons of space on top of keeping things organized.

8. Consider Labels for Your Pantry

If you’re constantly fighting a losing battle with misplaced mac and cheese, potato chips, and spices in your pantry, consider labels to help your family know where things go. Your inherent organization methods aren’t always apparent to others, so defining these spots with labels can help keep things in order with every snack.

9. Close the Kitchen at the End of the Night

Anyone who’s worked at a restaurant knows the ritual of closing the kitchen before lights out. A list of closing tasks guides employees in making the kitchen sparkling clean and ready for the morning crew. 

To keep your kitchen orderly and clean in time for your morning cup of coffee, develop your own list of closing tasks as if your kitchen were a restaurant kitchen. Take care of dirty dishes, pots, and pans; wipe down countertops; sweep, then give it a pass with your mop. Before turning in for the night, ensure you complete all your tasks. After all, you may sleep a lot more soundly knowing your kitchen is sparkling clean and ready for breakfast.