Spring Cleaning Your Kitchen
Ah, springtime! A season of renewal, rejuvenation and, of course, cleaning. While many people focus on decluttering closets and dusting seldom seen surfaces, don’t overlook one of the most important areas in a home: the kitchen. It's time to roll up those sleeves, put on your favorite playlist and give this space the love and attention it deserves.
Here are our tips to breathe new life into your kitchen.
1: Clear Out the Clutter
First things first: Tackle any clutter. It's time to channel your favorite organizational guru and declutter like a pro. Start by emptying each drawer and cabinet, then take stock of everything you see and keep only the genuinely useful items. Bid farewell to those novelty kitchen gadgets you never use and the spices that have been hiding in the back of the pantry since the Stone Age. We know some tools hold a sentimental value, but try to limit your feel-good keepers to three or fewer.
2: Inspect Expiration Dates
If you’ve ever uncovered a can of soup from the 90s or happened upon a boxed dinner purchased when you moved in 10 years ago, you know how quickly time flies and how easy it is to let your pantry pile high. To avoid these startling discoveries, check for expiration dates on all your items. Start with the pantry and go through each item one by one, searching for expired or soon-to-be expired items. If an item has expired, it’s best to throw it away immediately. If an item is close to expiration, consider using it soon or finding a recipe to make use of it before it goes bad.
When you’re finished with the pantry, move onto the fridge and check the same way. Look at expiration dates on all perishable items such as dairy products, meat and produce. If any item is past its expiration date, it’s best to throw it away as soon as possible to avoid foodborne illnesses.
Want to know the difference between best-by and expiration dates? Here’s a helpful primer.
3: Dig into the Deepfreeze
If your freezer is a graveyard of frozen goods, now's the perfect time to dig out the beef you stashed away for a rainy day. But remember, slow and steady wins the race when it comes to thawing meat. Read our tips for safely storing, thawing and heating food.
As you unearth your frozen treasures, take a moment to inspect each package for any sign of freezer burn. While freezer burn may not make your meat unsafe to eat, it can certainly impact the taste and texture. We encourage you to err on the side of caution and throw out anything you’re unsure about, but if you spot any packages with light freezer burn, consider using them in dishes where texture is less critical, like soups or stews. And don't forget to label and date your newly sorted packages to avoid future freezer mysteries.
4: Scrub Those Surfaces
Once you’ve cleared out the clutter, it's time to get down to the nitty-gritty business of cleaning. Start with the refrigerator and give those shelves a good wipe-down, toss out expired condiments and marvel at how much space you have to fill with fresh spring produce. Next, tackle the oven and stovetop. Say goodbye to those stubborn grease stains and mysterious food splatters. Your future self will thank you for the clean canvas.
5. Opt for Organization
We subscribe to the “a tidy kitchen is a happy kitchen” theory, so take this opportunity to reorganize your space to make cooking and meal prepping a breeze. For example, if you’re constantly wishing your utensils were closer to the stove, it’s time to rearrange. If your kitchen still feels cramped, consider investing in some handy organizers for your pantry staples, then clearly label those jars and designate specific areas for baking supplies, cooking utensils and serving pieces. A well-organized kitchen not only looks aesthetically pleasing but also saves you time and sanity when cooking.
6. Get Fresh and Green
Spring is all about fresh starts, so why not bring the freshness into your kitchen? Treat yourself to some vibrant greenery or a nice floral arrangement — you’ve earned it after tackling this task. Happy cleaning, and even happier cooking!
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