Eco-Friendly Ways to Spring Clean Your Kitchen

As you're decluttering your attic and garage this spring, don't forget to show your kitchen some love too. After all, cooking is a lot more enjoyable when you have a beautiful, organized space to do it in! Here's how to get it done.

First things first, target areas that need the most help. You know the places--that bottom cabinet with an inch-thick layer of crumbs, the crisper drawer in the fridge, or that corner of the pantry you studiously avoid. Make note of these places and tackle them right off the bat.

Use a clean, lint-free cloth to polish stainless steel. Since stainless steel is easily scratched, avoid using abrasive chemicals or fabrics. You can even use the same ingredients you would use to make a salad dressing--vinegar and oil. Spray your appliance generously with vinegar and wipe it off. Then, dip your soft cloth in a very small amount of oil and wipe the cloth in the direction of the grain. Stainless steel really should be cleaned every day (yes, we said every day!), so make it your goal to keep these appliances looking great.

Remove all the items from your pantry and give it a good cleaning by wiping down the shelves to get rid of dirt and debris. Then, go through the items and trash any dented cans, bags and boxes with rips or tears, spices older than one year, items that are expired, and any bulk food packs with unknown purchase dates. Use an organization system that is catered to your cooking style. The goal should be to make the cooking process easy, not hard.

A crowded, grimy fridge means bad odors and a lot of unused, moldy food. After getting rid of unwanted and inedible items, use natural methods to clean your fridge, as harsh chemicals may affect your precious food items. You can scrub all surfaces with half a cup of baking soda dissolved into a sink of warm water.

To tackle tough smells, mix half a cup of baking soda with a tablespoon of vanilla and leave it out in the open. Dried coffee grounds, white vinegar, charcoal briquettes, or even oats are great for banishing bad smells.

Replace those old dish towels and stock up on accessories. A few new linens or other items can go a long way in sprucing up the space!

Don’t be overwhelmed by the idea of spring cleaning your kitchen. Tackle the challenge head-on with these easy tips, and you'll definitely get a sense of accomplishment. Once you’re done, you can focus on the fun part again--cooking!