6 Spring Cleaning Hacks For Your Pantry and Kitchen

It can be very difficult to find the motivation to begin the daunting task of ‘spring cleaning’. But don’t you worry, we’ve come up with a few tips for you to clean your pantry and your kitchen - and with help from the kiddos!

Let’s Set Aside Time and Be Realistic 

• Start by making a checklist of what you would like to accomplish.
• Let the kids help: kids can make checklists too. There are a few printable options you can use.
• After a quick evaluation of your pantry and kitchen, you may realize you are in for a 10-hour task of pantry organization and kitchen cleaning. Instead of doing it all in one go, we recommend you break it up into segments and dedicate an hour each day to complete a task. This will keep it manageable and fun for everyone.

We Begin The Cleaning!

• Set yourself up for success by gathering all of your cleaning supplies in one place. For example: keep a caddy full of the cleaning supplies under your sink and have your trash bin (and extra bags!) and broom easily accessible.
• Pro tip: don’t count out natural cleaners and items you already have in your household. You can remove stains with natural ingredients such as lemons, vinegar, and baking soda!
• By working in some kind of order or method, you will feel accomplished after each segment you complete.  For example: work from left to right vs. finding each different issue around the house. Working from top to bottom will allow any crumbs that may fall to all be swept up at the end of the day’s work.

On to Pantry Organization

By following these four simple steps on how to organize a pantry, yours will be looking brand new in no time, and your kids can be proud of it, too!

1. Clear the shelves. This will give you the opportunity to evaluate everything you have and clean your shelves before you put your necessities back in.
2. Check the dates and toss out the expired items. Have extra non-perishable items you won’t be using? Donate! Let the kids help - give your children the task of finding the dates, and determining if it needs to be tossed. For your excess non-perishable items, let them help choose the donation center. It will be a rewarding experience for the whole family. 
3. Label. Knowing where things are is key for you and the kiddos. Now you’ll be able to grab things in a pinch and they can snag their favorite snacks without yelling “Dad! Mom!” Let the kids help: kids can use labeling stickers and markers to write and decorate your labels.
4. Organize. Consider what you use most. Make these items most accessible. Use bins to organize and airtight containers or mason jars for loose items. 

Kitchen Cleaning Checklist

The kitchen is a staple in a household, so having a clean one to walk into first thing in the morning for that cup of joe and Bobo’s bar, can help set a positive mood for the rest of the day.

First, Let’s Tackle Appliances

• Wipe down the toaster, microwave, stove, and oven door. This can make a world of a difference to the aesthetics of your kitchen. If you are a coffee drinker, take a minute to clean the coffee maker. We guarantee it will have you waking up excited for your next fresh cup.
• Use the same steps you used to refresh your pantry to refresh your refrigerator. Toss, organize and label!
• The dishwasher is your friend. Moving the dishes from the sink to the dishwasher is the easiest way to quickly declutter your kitchen and you’ll have clean dishes by the end of the day.

Second, Head to the Cabinets

We put together a 3-question test to judge if you can donate the salvageable items to a good cause like Goodwill or Salvation Army! If you answer yes to any of the following, donate!

• Do you have 20 mugs but only rotate through your favorite two?
• Do you have a plethora of Tupperware containers from 10 years ago?
• Do you have a mini egg muffin maker because it was “cute” but it's never been touched?

Countertops, a Quick Sweep And Done!

Once everything is clean, all you have left is the countertops and the floor. A good scrub down and sweep of both and you’ll feel like you’re in a brand new kitchen!

Once you’ve completed our spring cleaning checklist and your pantry, kitchen and hands are wiped clean and you are feeling accomplished, relish in your accomplishment and enjoy a delicious Bobo’s Banana Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Crumble- but be sure to put your dishes in the dishwasher ;)