An uncluttered and clean kitchen can enhance the aesthetics of the room. As a result, you will be able to use the area more effectively and experience less stress. Think of the huge kitchens of restaurants with many staff. How do they manage to clean and organize the kitchen? You can follow the same procedure for your home. Want to know how professionals do it?
This guide will show you how to keep your kitchen clean and organized. Whether you have a big open-concept kitchen or a small apartment kitchenette; achieving optimal cleanliness and functionality is all about good design and routine. Keep on reading for detailed information.
How to Keep Kitchen Clean and Organized: 15 Practical Tips That Work
1. Create efficient workstations
First, think about professional kitchens. These kitchens pump out hundreds of meals every night by using well-planned workstations. The same can be done in your own home. Split your kitchen into different zones.
For example, the prep zone, the cooking zone, and the cleaning zone. Keeping all of the needed tools within close proximity makes the flow of work much more efficient.
Extra Tips on creating functional work stations:
- Prep Zone: Cutting boards, knives, mixing bowls, and measuring tools.
- Cooking Zone: Spatulas, tongs, oils, spices, and pots.
- Cleaning Zone: Dish soap, sponges, towels, and trash bags.
2. Maintain a clear countertop
It is important to maintain an uncluttered countertop such that it makes the kitchen appear clean. Items like a coffee maker or toaster may be placed on the countertop, but everything else should be stored out of sight. As a result, cleanings become simpler and less stressful.
Bonus Tip:
- Store spices on your fridge with magnetic spice racks
- What about installing under-the-cabinet hooks for hanging mugs, utensils, or towels?
- Attach adhesive caddies to walls or cabinets for extra storage.
3. Optimize Your Storage with Smart Tools
Organizers that meet the requirements of your kitchen:
- Cabinet Shelves: Add extra storage space on the same shelf for plates and cups.
- Bamboo Plate Racks: Dishes can be stored in an organized manner so that they can be accessed easily vertically.
- Modular Drawer Organizers: Different types of utensils can be kept separately.
- Stackable Storage Shelves: Items in the pantry can be kept orderly and within reach.
Bonus tip: Invest in simple tools like a magnetic spice rack or an under-sink caddy. These tools can drastically improve your storage game.
4. Clean out your utensil drawer
No more digging through a jungle of forks and ladles. An organized drawer saves time. Additionally, it keeps the drawer neat and tidy. Manage utensils with modular containers by categorizing them.
5. Organize plastic bag storage more efficiently
Plastic bags can become a chaotic mess in your kitchen. So, instead of throwing plastic bags in a drawer, use a Stainless steel bag dispenser inside the cabinet or pantry door. This way, the bags remain hidden while still being easily accessible.
6. Maintain a clean and empty sink
One dirty fork in the sink often leads to a pile of dishes. A single dirty fork in the sink often leads to a mountain of dirty dishes. Make a rule to rinse off the dishes before putting them into the dishwasher, or washing them straight away if preferred. With a clean sink, you can reinforce this habit over time.
7. Run and empty the dishwasher on a daily basis
Run the dishwasher at night, and set a timer for the coffee to brew. You can unload the dishwasher in the morning. That way, all the dirty dishes accumulated throughout the day can be immediately loaded into the dishwasher. It helps keep your sink and counters tidy.
8. Sweep the counters every night
Make it part of your evening routine to stay clean. The mail and kitchen utensils pile up on the counters, along with paper clutter. Doing a quick nightly sweep aids in preventing accumulation and helps keep the kitchen fresh every morning.
9. Clean Kitchen Tools Right Away
Items like cheese graters, strainers, and knives are often covered in hard-to-empty food. It can be very difficult to clean them once the food has dried on them. If you wash them right after use, you can save a lot from unnecessary scrubbing later on.
10. Store items under the sink
The cabinet beneath your sink is a great place to store cleaning supplies. Use pull-out baskets, clear containers, and stackable bins to keep your sponges, cures, gloves, and paper towels organized. One way to avoid confusion is to label each container.
11. Create Kitchen Counter Zones
Assign specific counter locations for specific tasks. For example, your baking area could be in a corner with the stand mixer and measuring cups, while your chopping area is next to the trash or compost bin. Doing so helps to keep the mess contained and speed up the clean-up.
12. Limit what you allow in
Only put out items that need to be used the same day. Overfilled countertops provide a space for clutter to grow and flourish. The less you leave displaying, the less cleaning you will have to do.
13. Sweep or vacuum your kitchen floors every day
Bits of food and crumbs accumulate quickly, particularly under cabinets and near appliances. You can maintain a cleaner home by sweeping, vacuuming, or using a Swiffer during the evenings.
14. Gather All Ingredients and Tools Before Cooking
Before you start prepping a meal, “shop” your kitchen and gather everything you’ll need — ingredients, knives, pans, and cutting boards. This reduces back-and-forth trips and keeps messes contained to a single area.
15. Use Fewer Dishes When Cooking
Minimize the number of dishes you use by seasoning directly on baking sheets, reusing bowls when possible, and avoiding unnecessary prep containers. The fewer dishes you use, the easier the clean-up will be.
Final Thoughts
Hope you now know how to keep a kitchen clean and organized. Keeping your kitchen clean and organized doesn’t require a total makeover. The key to success is to develop consistent habits, use clever tools, and be thoughtful about planning. By creating smart zones, staying on top of clutter, and optimizing your storage, you can create a kitchen you’ll love, without the mess.