Clean the Kitchen with Me!

You can listen to this episode here on the Refresh Her podcast.

Do you ever say, “I wish my home was organized and clean”? Or, “I would deep-clean, but…” I read a statement that said,

“Wishers and would-er’s don’t make very good housekeepers!”

It’s easy to make lots of excuses about our homes, but ultimately, we are responsible for their maintenance. That’s not to say that the other people that live there can’t help, but as I look at how God designed women with that nurturing kind of spirit, we are typically gifted at fostering the warm, inviting atmosphere connected to home and cooking. Even if you’re not a full-time homemaker, your influence is huge! If you have a roommate, or you’re alone in your home, you are also creating a space where you can invite others in and ultimately share the Gospel. Where does that kind of fellowship usually happen? In the kitchen! 

Life happens…and that includes busy schedules, activity abounding in every room, and messes…especially when we are speaking of the kitchen! I found this space was the neediest of any other room in my house! 

Because this is where we eat and prepare food, getting it really clean not only makes it more inviting, it’s also healthier. We are also creating a space where it will be easier to work and create meals. We need all the help we can get to accomplish that, so let’s get started! 

You will need: 

• Vinegar
• Lemons 
• Olive oil or Stainless Steel cleaner 
• Baking soda 
• Cloths for cleaning – dry and wet 
• Brillo pad 
• Broom and Mop 
• Yard stick, sock and rubber band! 
• If you have clutter on the counters, get your three bags – Throw-away, Give-away and keep. 

1. Clear off counters and anything above the cabinets. If there are lots of piles, get those bags out and put them to use!  
   Work from top to bottom and use a degreaser like Dawn to wipe off cabinets. Put any decor items in dishwasher that have sticky greasy residue. Clean off all cabinet fronts. Wipe down countertops. Try to leave as few items as possible. 

2. Clean Fridge –  

• Remove items, shelf by shelf. Throw away old condiments or leftovers. 

• Wipe down each drawer. Using vinyl shelf liners or placemats in drawers can help reduce messes. 

• Use one shelf for leftovers so you know where they are. 

• Remove beverages from packages and store them together 

• Use Stainless Steel Cleaner or Olive oil to wipe down a stainless steel fridge. It can help prevent and remove fingerprints, smudges, and other marks. Olive oil can also leave a protective film that helps keep stainless steel smudge-free 

• Vacuum the back of fridge and clean under it using the yardstick.

3. Clean Oven –  

• Remove racks. You can use this vinegar baking soda method –

• Wipe down inside. I like to replace racks and clean them in the oven. 

• Use a razor or box cutter to lift residue. 

• Clean top of stove. Remove all knobs. Wipe them and beneath them. 

• If you have a drawer under the stove, remove items and wipe it down. 

• Use that yardstick to clean UNDER the stove. 

4. Clean Microwave –  Put 2 cups of water and 2 lemon halves in microwave. Turn microwave on for 2-5 minutes. Leave door shut for 5 more minutes. Wipe out the steamy appliance with a rag. Clean the outside of the microwave with window cleaner.

5. Clean Dishwasher 

• Lift the filter from the bottom of the dishwasher and rinse it in the sink.
• Wipe inside dishwasher around the rim of the door and inside the washer. 
• Clean outside with cleaner – Either Stainless steel or window cleaner

6. Clean Garbage Disposal

• Put a couple slices of lemon and run for 30 seconds 

• Use baking soda and vinegar on sinks and drains 

• Put dish drainer in the dishwasher. 

7. Trash can – Wipe it down inside and out. Make your trash smell a little better by placing used dryer sheets on the bottom of the can to help absorb spills and mask odors. 

8. Coffee maker – Vinegar to clean Every three months, run a 50/50 solution of vinegar and water through the machine’s water reservoir to break down mineral deposits. Vinegar can also kill bacteria. Run one or two cycles of just water afterwards. 

9. Drawers – Straighten – Wipe out crumbs 

10. Floors – Sweep and mop.

You are done!! However, if you want to go the extra mile you could also:

• Polish silverware 

• Reorganize pantry or cupboards/ liners, bins, etc. 

• Clean pans – Use a Brillo pad to clean off the bottoms of your skillets and baking pans.

• Pull out your small appliances and give them a good cleaning! I’m referencing the blender, your food processor, the hand mixer, your stand mixer and crock pot.

One of the nicest things about life is the way we must regularly stop whatever we are doing and devote our attention to eating.

It’s so much nicer when we can do that in a kitchen that is clean and inviting! But the greatest purpose in having a space that is welcoming is so that we can share the Gospel in a casual setting over a cup of coffee. I pray that you are inspired to clean your kitchen, but then use it for the Gospel’s sake. Filling hearts with the love of Christ is the best thing we can serve at our tables!

Be sure to check out my Instagram for more pictures of my kitchen cleaning process before and after! Let me know if you’re cleaning your kitchen, too!