Speed Cleaning Your Kitchen!

When I am feeling overwhelmed by an overload of housework, I always start in the kitchen.  Our kitchens are the hearts of our homes, and usually serve as "command central", so they see the most activity & traffic.  If my kitchen is neat and orderly, I always feel as though I have a better grasp on things.   Even if you don't have time for a full deep cleaning, sometime a quick run through can make all the difference.


Let's go over some tips for a 10-15 minute Kitchen Speed-Clean to get you on the right path...

1. Start with a clean sink.  

Deal with the dirty dishes.  Are you familiar with The Flylady?  She is the expert when it comes to getting a grip on organization and cleaning.  She teaches that the first step in the process is to shine your sink.   I adapted this practice a few years ago, and it's amazing the difference it makes!  Last thing I do at night... make sure the sink is shining!  It makes getting up so much easier when you don't have to face a dirty sink!  About once a week I sanitize with bleach, as our kitchen sinks are breeding grounds for bacteria.


      2.  Clear off the table & countertops.


If your table & countertops  are  free of dishes and clutter, you're well on your way!  Take any clutter and put it in its proper place,  put bills and mail in the office, or designated spot. and  clear all dirty dishes.  Wipe down the table, and add clean placemats, or a fresh tablecloth.  Remember, less is more when it comes to what is on your countertops.


       3.   Store any food or leftovers.


Put away pantry items, and put refrigerator foods away.  Make sure leftovers are stored properly for safe storage.  When you put the foods away, look for anything in the fridge that needs to be tossed.


       4.  Look for strays.


Take a look around and check for any items that don't belong in the kitchen.  Use a laundry basket to collect the items,  then take them and put the in their respective places right away.  It doesn't help to move items from one out of place location to another "wrong" spot!


      5.   Make a garbage run.


Be sure the garbage cans are emptied.  This eliminates any foul odors.  Be sure the outside of your waste-can gets a wipe down with anti-bacterial spray.


      6.  Floors.


Give the floors a good general sweeping, and then a quick run over with your mop or Swiffer.  (I use my Swiffer Wet Jet for these quick clean-ups, and a Shark Steam Vac for a thorough cleaning.)  Remember you're not deep cleaning or sanitizing your floors right now, just making sure that they are "clean" as for anyone can tell from glancing.


      7.  Don't get distracted.


This one can be hard for me sometimes.  I can intend to do a 10-15 minute speed-clean, and next thing I know I'm cleaning out the plastic wear, or alphabetizing soup cans!  Stay focused, and if need be, follow a check list.  It really can help!


Summertime is no time to be cooped up inside doing housework!  Use this simple guideline for a daily "speed-clean", then your rainy day deep-clean will be much easier, and take less time.


My love of cleaning supplies is similar to my love of office supplies!  A little weird, but fun!  Here are a couple of my favorite cleaning products...

Pine-Sol

This has been my favorite cleaner since I was a little girl.  I love to smell a house that has just been cleaned in Pine-Sol!  When I was pregnant with Princess #1, I literally craved to smell this stuff... I cleaned like a mad woman, but THAT story is another post!

J.R. Watkins All-urpose Lemon Cleaner

This product has great fresh smell, and does a good job with quick clean-ups.  I use it several times a day for quick clean-ups like wiping down cabinets, countertops, and light spills.  It's perfect for the kitchen because it's an all-natural product.

Greased Lightning

I used Greased Lightning for everything from a laundry stain-remover, to cleaning the microwave and grill!  Love this product!

Now, hit me up with some comments, and tell me your "can't-clean-without-it" products!  I may need to go shopping for some new cleaning supplies!  ;-)

Keep Shining!

The Woo-Hoo Gal

Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.