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March 30, 2016

Kitchen Spring Cleaning

Kitchen Spring Cleaning with Seventh Generation on Shutterbean.com!

The most used room in our house is the kitchen. I bet you would have never guessed that, huh? I am CONSTANTLY cleaning my kitchen-sometimes 3-4 times a day. It never ends! I’m working with Seventh Generation (love their products!) to produce several organizing/cleaning posts, so I spent last weekend doing some intense Kitchen Spring Cleaning.  Now my kitchen sparkling clean!

Here, let me show you what I did. Let’s start with my TO DO TO LIST:

Kitchen Spring Cleaning with Seventh Generation on Shutterbean.com!

Here’s my dream clean team:

Kitchen Spring Cleaning with Seventh Generation on Shutterbean.com!

My Magic Cleaning Arsenal:

Kitchen Spring Cleaning with Seventh Generation on Shutterbean.com!

CLEANING ESSENTIALS:

  • sponge
  • steel sool
  • wash rags
  • microfiber cloths
  • dish towels

First things first. We’re going to clean out the fridge! I try to do this every week when I’m working on a meal prep. I do a DEEP clean every few months.  Spring is the perfect time to take everything out and start fresh.

This is what my fridge looks like after a 4 recipe day. It’s a “jam anything where it can fit” situation.  Time to change that!

Kitchen Spring Cleaning with Seventh Generation on Shutterbean.com! Kitchen Spring Cleaning with Seventh Generation on Shutterbean.com! Kitchen Spring Cleaning with Seventh Generation on Shutterbean.com! Kitchen Spring Cleaning with Seventh Generation on Shutterbean.com! Kitchen Spring Cleaning with Seventh Generation on Shutterbean.com! Kitchen Spring Cleaning with Seventh Generation on Shutterbean.com!

Kitchen Spring Cleaning with Seventh Generation on Shutterbean.com!

Kitchen Spring Cleaning with Seventh Generation on Shutterbean.com!

Kitchen Spring Cleaning with Seventh Generation on Shutterbean.com!

Clean Out Fridge & Freezer

When you have too many items in your fridge, it doesn’t run efficiently.  Like I said, I try to straighten up things every week and I’ll wipe down any big spots/spills with a soapy rag or a Seventh Generation Disinfecting Wipe.  This is what my process looks like:

-go through all items/toss expired food

-vacuum inside the fridge & freezer

-clear all items off shelves & in drawers and put on countertop

-remove drawers and shelves & wash in soapy water

-wipe down food containers & jars with soapy rag

-wipe down the inside of the fridge with a soapy rag

-wash out ice container

-add baking soda the fridge & freezer to deodorize

-put everything back neatly & organize

-spray a microfiber with Seventh Generation All Purpose Natural Cleaner Spray and wipe down the outside of the fridge and thoroughly clean the door handles (do this with all appliances!)

Kitchen Spring Cleaning with Seventh Generation on Shutterbean.com! Kitchen Spring Cleaning with Seventh Generation on Shutterbean.com!

Go Through Drawers, Cabinets & Pantry

-put everything back where it belongs (especially in silverware/utensil drawer)

-vacuum inside of drawers & cabinets

-toss old/expired food

-wipe down anything sticky

shutterbeanspringcleaning-20 Kitchen Spring Cleaning with Seventh Generation on Shutterbean.com! Kitchen Spring Cleaning with Seventh Generation on Shutterbean.com! Kitchen Spring Cleaning with Seventh Generation on Shutterbean.com! Kitchen Spring Cleaning with Seventh Generation on Shutterbean.com!

Clean/Oil Cutting Boards + Wooden Spoons

After a few months of wear & tear, the wood in my kitchen needs maintenance. I wash everything and oil it. Sometimes I’ll oil my salad bowls while I’m in the zone. Over time wood gets dull,  so let’s make things shine!

-clean & disinfect cutting boards (I add a little bit of bleach & water to sanitize)

– scrub surface with lemon + salt to pick up any bits & freshen

-rub a 1:1 ratio of coconut oil and olive oil onto wood to protect it/ wipe up excess

Kitchen Spring Cleaning with Seventh Generation on Shutterbean.com!

Kitchen Spring Cleaning with Seventh Generation on Shutterbean.com!

Freshen Garbage Disposal + Deep Clean Sink

-spray vinegar in garbage disposal to neutralize odor

-toss cut up lemons into the garbage disposal & run until the lemon is gone

-scrub sink with soapy sponge & steel wool

-finish with All Purpose Natural Cleaner  + wipe clean

Kitchen Spring Cleaning with Seventh Generation on Shutterbean.com!

Kitchen Spring Cleaning with Seventh Generation on Shutterbean.com!

Kitchen Spring Cleaning with Seventh Generation on Shutterbean.com!

Deep Clean Stove Top & Burners

-wipe down & dust stove top

-remove burner grates and knobs and soak in hot soapy water/scrub

-deep clean stovetop with soapy water and clean stubborn stains with All Purpose Natural Cleaner 

-get into the crevices with a toothpick

Kitchen Spring Cleaning with Seventh Generation on Shutterbean.com!

Kitchen Spring Cleaning with Seventh Generation on Shutterbean.com!

Kitchen Spring Cleaning with Seventh Generation on Shutterbean.com!

Clean Microwave 

-remove microwave plate & spray with All Purpose Natural Cleaner . Wipe clean.

-fill a bowl with water + lemon slices & microwave for 3 minutes

-let bowl of lemon steam the microwave- about 10 minutes

-wipe down the inside of microwave with a dish towel

-return plate to the microwave

-spray the outside of the microwave Glass & Surface Natural Cleaner & wipe clean

Kitchen Spring Cleaning with Seventh Generation on Shutterbean.com!

Clean Oven

-clean/sweep any crumbs

-pull out racks and wash in hot soapy water

-spray a microfiber towel with All Purpose Natural Cleaner  and wipe down the inside of the oven

-clean the inside of the oven window with and the outside with Glass & Surface Natural Cleaner 

-wipe the inside clean with a wet rag

 For tough stains, make a paste out of baking soda and water and scrub the inside of the oven. Clean off really well with wet rag. 

Kitchen Spring Cleaning with Seventh Generation on Shutterbean.com!

Clean Dishwasher

-clean out drain filter

-run a quick cycle (without any dish ware inside) with  Dishwasher Detergent Gel to clean inside

-pour vinegar into a measuring cup (about 1/2 cup) and nestle in the top rack of the dishwasher and run dishwasher through a regular cycle

-spray a microfiber towel with All Purpose Natural Cleaner  and clean the outside of the dishwasher, including the handles

 Kitchen Spring Cleaning with Seventh Generation on Shutterbean.com! Kitchen Spring Cleaning with Seventh Generation on Shutterbean.com!

Refill Oil, Salt & Pepper Containers

-go through containers and refill anything that’s running low

-refill dishwashing soap & hand soap if it’s empty

Kitchen Spring Cleaning with Seventh Generation on Shutterbean.com!

Sharpen Knives

-sharpen knives & wash in soapy water to remove any debris

-wipe down knife block and oil if necessary

Kitchen Spring Cleaning with Seventh Generation on Shutterbean.com!

Coffee Machine Clean Out

We have an espresso machine that requires regular maintenance. Casey just cleaned it last week. He had to remove & clean the group head screens and back flush with a detergent designed for specifically espresso machines.
If you have a coffee maker, I recommend filling your coffee maker’s water reservoir with equal parts white vinegar & water. Run the machine the through a regular cycle (without coffee). Rinse & wash coffee pot machine and run machine again with regular water.
Clean the outside of your coffee machine with & towel and All Purpose Natural Cleaner.

Kitchen Spring Cleaning with Seventh Generation on Shutterbean.com!

Wipe Cabinets & Hardware

-wipe down cabinets with a damp cloth & dry immediately to avoid water spots

-spray a microfiber cloth with All Purpose Natural Cleaner  and wipe down all of the handles & knobs

Kitchen Spring Cleaning with Seventh Generation on Shutterbean.com!

Wash Reusable Grocery Bags

Reusable grocery bags can harbor a lot of bacteria, so it’s really important to wash the periodically. Toss the reusable grocery bags in the washing machine & wash with Seventh Generation Free & Clear Laundry Detergent. Fold and reuse!

Kitchen Spring Cleaning with Seventh Generation on Shutterbean.com!

Kitchen Spring Cleaning with Seventh Generation on Shutterbean.com!

Final Touches

-add a new plant to the kitchen (I bought myself some cherry blossoms!)

-remove any clutter on the countertops

-light your favorite candle

-put an inspirational quote on the fridge

This is what my kitchen look looked like before:

Kitchen Spring Cleaning with Seventh Generation on Shutterbean.com!

And AFTER! Ahhhh. CLEAN!!

Kitchen Spring Cleaning with Seventh Generation on Shutterbean.com!

Hope this inspires you to do some Kitchen Spring Cleaning!

Kitchen Spring Cleaning with Seventh Generation on Shutterbean.com!

This Kitchen Spring Cleaning post was produced in partnership with Seventh Generation. As always, all opinions are my own.

  • Jenna

    Woah! That’s a mammoth effort! You’ve definitely inspired me to do some spring cleaning (although, technically, it will be autumn cleaning here in Australia. Haha). Everything looks amazing, you must have been so happy to have it all done! I find I feel so much more relaxed when I’m working in a tidy, uncluttered environment. I also get lots more done, as otherwise I procrastinate by doing things like cleaning the oven when I’m supposed to be doing admin work 😉

  • Denise

    Inspired!

  • Paula

    Now I have the motivation to begin spring cleaning my kitchen today! What kind of espresso machine do you have? My husband and I are debating getting our own but are worried about maintenance and if it is worth the money. Any tips for purchasing one would be very much appreciated!

    • Lesley

      I’m curious like Paula, and wonder what brand/model of espresso machine you have and if you’re in love it. Thanks!

    • Shawna

      It’s a Vivaldi 2 machine. It’s super serious espresso machine. Retails around $2k but it will last forever if you take care of it.

  • Christine

    Love this! Thanks for sharing. I’ve got a few new items on my to do list!

  • Kristen

    This was so, so soothing to read. 🙂 My OCD is calm today thanks to you.

  • Karen Maxwell

    Wow! I have a (long) lifetime of cleaning behind me, but you have given me inspiration and enthusiasm to tackle a somewhat thankless task. Thanks,Tracy!

  • todd wagner

    you’re my hero!

  • Gaby Dalkin

    You are the cleaning maven! This is an amazing spring cleaning guide.

  • Kate

    thanks for sharing! definitely more motivated than i was before! yours is my go-to blog. my ‘Playlist’ would have to include some old podcasts of yours and joy’s:)

  • Lucy

    Question about cleaning the wood boards/utensils- I thought you weren’t supposed to used olive oil because it can go rancid. That’s why you only use specific wood oil. Am I wrong?

    • Tracy

      Mineral oil is another way to clean boards/utensils. I’ve been doing the coconut oil / olive oil combination for awhile and nothing has turned rancid.

  • Sarah M.

    Thanks for sharing this– the voyeur in me loves seeing what you keep in your fridge and pantry (polenta logs!!) and I really appreciate a good kitchen deep-clean. So smart to remember to wash those grocery bags, which I never think to do (gross!). Thanks for all the reminders. Also the 7th generation dish soap is fantastic!

  • Teri

    I love that you labeled the bins in your refridgerator, What kind of tape do you use? Awesome post:)

  • Laura (A Beautiful Plate)

    Oh my gosh! This is such a fabulous resource. I secretly love to clean/organize – but you make me literally want to stop everything I’m doing and clean my fridge, haha!

  • Talia

    I want to go home right now and start spring cleaning my kitchen! You did an amazing job and now I am very inspired to make my kitchen squeaky clean.
    ps: I enjoyed seeing your refrigerator/pantry!

  • erica

    Tracy, I am beyond impressed with your cleaning/documenting/writing/organizing efforts. Gold stars to you and please enjoy your favorite cocktail as a reward! I swear you have way more than just one superpower ; )

  • Kari

    I clean all of the surfaces that food touches all of the time, but I need to get better about wiping down the cabinets. I forget about them until they are driving me crazy!
    Kari
    http://www.sweetteasweetie.com

  • Aimee @ Simple Bites

    You are my hero!!! Love this. Can’t wait to share it with my readers.

  • DessertForTwo

    Ok, you are totally inspiring me! It needs to happen! I have so many little bits of baby food, our food leftovers, dog treats (yuck) in my kitchen and fridge. Maybe I’ll attempt this on the weekend!

  • meg

    Hi Tracy! FYI, Onions and Potatoes rot each other! I learned that from my grandmother when she came to my home and remarked on it. If you store them far apart from each other, your potatoes and onions will both last for months, rather than a couple of weeks if housed together.

  • Lori H

    This. is. awesome!! I love Seventh Generation dish soap (the Clementine one is my favorite!). I am inspired to deep clean my kitchen this weekend!! Can I ask where you like to buy your wooden cutting boards? I am phasing out my plastic ones..

  • Samantha @ What's Up, USANA?

    Love it! thanks for all the helpful tips.

  • Michelle

    Is it wrong/super lame that this has now become my Saturdayplan? And, I’M LOOKING FORWARD TO IT. So inspired!

  • Jenna

    Goodness, I really needed this! I wish I could print this out as a guide. Do you have a printer-friendly option?

  • fariha

    This was quite literally one of my favorite posts of yours! I got the same sense of satisfaction I get on deep cleaning my kitchen just by watching yours get cleaned! haha You’ve totally inspired me to tackle my messes this weekend.

    Ps: your pantry is THE DREAM

  • HeatherChristo

    I am totally inspired Tracy- you are my cleaning and organizing guru!! I am obsessed over all the before and after shots- your kitchen look AMAZING!

  • Linda Renzulli

    Dear Tracy, your “before” pictures look better than my “afters”!
    Love from Casey’s Mom

  • Mary

    Beautiful! Thank you Tracy!

  • Baerbel

    What a wonderful post!! It makes me want to start with the cleaning right now ( 11p.m., bedtime, haha)

  • Lori

    This is amazing! My kitchen could use some serious cleaning. I especially love your idea of steaming the microwave with lemon and oiling the cutting boards. Thank you!

  • Tracy | Pale Yellow

    Now my kitchen feels disgusting, I guess it’s time for a major spring clean!

  • Sweetmaddy

    SO satisfying! Thank you for sharing!!

  • Jennifer

    Thank you for linking back to this at the start of the new year! I’ve got a shopping list and some big plans for my afternoon (and my kitchen!)

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  • Karen Bellart

    Just found this, and curious…. How long does this routine take you?

  • jack

    I love your office upgrade. You picked some really nice pieces. The art work, the clip boards, the wall color and that flip clock… so pretty.

  • lisa

    The pantry is definitely not the place that I clean really often but I use my herbs every day, so dirt also goes in the pantry. I am planning to do this in the weekend! Thanks for the inspiration!

  • lisa

    Thanks for the tips it is always helpful to have a list to follow so you don’t forget something before the guest arrive and you can’t fix it. Thanks for joining us at bloggers pit stop. Hope to see you next week.

  • HH

    I’ve tried the tape in the frig and find it’s either really tough to get off or falls off. What kind of tape have you had success with? THANKS.

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