We often help customers with decluttering as well (we all know that kitchen cupboards are the favourite place to store all sorts of junk).
So, how to cope with decluttering?
Put together your plan
It would be silly to wipe the dust after you’ve just vacuumed, right?
Spending a minute to plan the process may save you a lot of headaches later. Picture it as a pyramid, the bottom being the last thing you need to do.
For some people, it’s easier to conjure a plan if they base it on areas that need cleaning and decluttering in the kitchen (start from left to right, top to bottom, from the door and inwards etc.)
Organisation saves you time in terms of unwanted back and forth trips.
Save more time from trips
Arm yourself with a plastic bin bag, laundry basket or cardboard boxes and do ONE trip around the kitchen putting everything that belongs to the rubbish in it on the go.
Same applies for the utensils and other things that you’d want to get rid of.
Adjust yourself for what’s coming
Don’t hesitate to start from the messiest place. The mindset that you’re done with the difficult part will actually make you more productive for what’s left.
Another right mindset hack would be to set a timer. And don’t be afraid to play your favourite music while doing the whole thing. The happy worker is always a better worker.
When you want to declutter your home and you’re wondering if you should really throw something away just ask yourself the following questions:
- Do I use this? – If you’ve never used the item or stopped using it, then you should get rid of it.
- Do I have more of this item? – If you’ve overstocked on a certain item and don’t use or need the extras, then dispose of them. Give them to someone who’d use them and actually needs them.
- Would I still buy this today? – If the item you’re pondering over is an impulse purchase and you’re not really using it, then it should go away.
Once you’ve figured out which items should leave your home, you’re ready to separate the clutter in groups – things that belong in the kitchen, things that belong in other parts of your home, things to donate/sell, and things to throw away.
It’s rather simple
Arm yourself with patience, a dishcloth and a bucket with soapy water and dive into the clutter!
Take your time, you don’t have to finish in a day. Just try not to get too emotional and attached to belongings.
Some things like tickets from your “first date”, or other things that have a special meaning to you, can be stored in a special memory box or a scrapbook.
How to say no to harmful bacteria in your kitchen from a pro cleaner
Some mistakes are obnoxious!
- Cutting board – raw meat bacteria can’t be simply washed away with hot water and a little dish soap. The safest way to get rid of it is bleaching the board. Mix a couple tablespoons of bleach with water. You can either scrub or leave the board to soak in for 15 minutes.
- Cleaning blades of blenders – blender blades should always be washed manually, after dismantling. Otherwise, food particles remain and harmful bacteria may form.
- Always scrub food debris off kitchenware before running them in your dishwasher. This may seriously clog the machine or even worse – create a breeding ground for unwanted bacteria. I have seen this too often in my cleaning career.
Don’t forget to check the fridge and pantry for foods past their expiration date. Throw away everything that’s open and you can’t remember how long has it been since you’ve opened it.
Freshen your oven
With Christmas and winter in the nearby past, ovens always need a loving hand. Here’s a list of tips by a Mathias Simons, a cleaning consultant at Fantastic Cleaners:
- Remove all oven racks and trays and soaking them in warm, soapy water.
- Create a paste by mixing baking soda and water, then apply it to the interior of the oven, avoiding the heating elements.
- Let the baking soda paste sit for a few hours or overnight to loosen grime and stains.
- Use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe away the baking soda paste, scrubbing gently to remove any stubborn spots.
- For tough, baked-on grease, use a non-abrasive scrubbing pad or a paste made from equal parts baking soda and salt.
- Wipe down the oven door, including the glass, using a mixture of vinegar and water or a specialized oven cleaner.
- Clean the oven racks by scrubbing them with a brush or sponge, rinse thoroughly, and dry before placing them back in the oven.
- Use a vacuum cleaner or a soft brush attachment to remove any loose debris from the bottom of the oven.
- To eliminate odors, place a bowl of white vinegar or a mixture of lemon juice and water in the oven and bake at a low temperature for 30 minutes.
- Finally, wipe down the exterior of the oven with a damp cloth or all-purpose cleaner to remove any grease or fingerprints.
Now, it’s you!
Spring cleaning is an invigorating opportunity to refresh our surroundings for a renewed sense of clarity and order. By taking the time to declutter, deep clean, and revitalize our surroundings, we create a harmonious environment that can positively impact our well-being.
So let’s embrace the spirit of spring cleaning, roll up our sleeves, and embark on a journey of transformation, knowing that the effort we invest will yield a home that is not only cleaner but also a sanctuary that nurtures and uplifts us.
