Spring Cleaning KITCHEN EDITION

We've got a huge THANK YOU to marketing department here at The Real Estate Group (TREG) for this great quick write up on everyone's FAVORITE topic.... Spring cleaning...! 

When it comes to spring cleaning, there’s no room that needs it more than the kitchen. With so many drawers and places for things to hide, it’s easy for the kitchen to accumulate build-up. If you’re anything like me, when you start to factor in the high-use the kitchen gets, you panic and the next thing you know you’re wearing a hazmat suit. Don’t worry, though - I’ve done extensive research on this topic and have a strategy for you! Here’s how to really tackle the kitchen:

Don’t let the microwave intimidate you. Remember, you’re the boss and you can’t live your life with tomato sauce stains - this trick will make cleaning them that much easier. Place large microwave-safe bowl with 1 cup of water and a chopped-up lemon, lime, or orange or several tablespoons of vinegar inside. Turn the appliance on high for several minutes or until the solution boils and the window is steamy, then let it sit to cool for 15 minutes before opening the door. Remove and wipe out the inside and outside with a sponge. Now you’re back in charge!

Say bye-bye to stained cutting boards. If you think that mark is permanent, think again. Run the cut side of a lemon over the board to remove food stains and smells. For extra cleaning power, sprinkle it with salt or baking soda first.

Give your junk drawer a makeover. Empty it out and give the drawer a good wipe down. Items that are no longer needed or simply do not belong either get tossed in the trash or put away. Everything else goes back, but this time in an organized manner. Repurpose pretty plates and bowls to store cords, stamps, and other odds and ends. Added tip: lay down a nonslip liner to keep the plates and bowls in place so they don’t shift every time you open the drawer.

Get in the [pantry] zone. After you pull out everything in your pantry, toss anything expired, and dust every nook and cranny, put things back into zones. Dividing your pantry this way will keep you organized and make meal prep that much easier. Designate an area for each of your cooking categories (baking, dry goods, etc.), keeping the most used zone in easy reach. Finally, label each zone and enjoy the success of your hard work.

I hope some of these tips made a difference in your spring cleaning this year. If you are feeling inspired, please send a picture of your hard work. I know how much times goes into maintaining a home and checking off the spring cleaning tasks is no small feat - it should be celebrated!