Spring It On: Your Ultimate Kitchen Cleanse

LET'S FACE IT — kitchens get real messy, real fast. Between chaotic spice drawers and Tupperware avalanches, your culinary sanctuary might be crying out for a deep refresh. But don’t worry, we’re not about to Marie Kondo your soul. This isn’t about perfection — it’s about reclaiming your space, one shelf, drawer, and stubborn microwave stain at a time. Whether you’re hoarding expired capers (guilty) or haven’t seen the back of your freezer since Diwali, our spring cleaning guide is your go-to checklist for a cleaner, calmer, and dare we say, cuter kitchen.

I. Food Storage Areas

• Take everything out. Toss expired items and set aside food you won't use but is still good enough to donate.
• Wipe down shelves and use airtight containers to corral chaos.
• Group similar items together: baking supplies, grains, snacks, sauces, etc.
• Create intuitive 'zones' like breakfast items, lunchbox supplies, and baking essentials.
• Put the newest items at the back so older ones are used first.

B. Fridge & Freezer

• Empty it all out and bin any mystery leftovers.
• Clean shelves and drawers using an all-purpose cleaner or baking soda for stains.
• Wash removable parts in warm, soapy water. Dry thoroughly.
• Store fruit in the low-humidity drawer, veggies in the high-humidity drawer.
• Milk and eggs belong in the back (coldest spot), not the door.
• Keep raw meat separate from fresh produce.
• Bring foods that need to be used soon to the front.
• Add staples you’re running low on to your shopping list.
• Pop a bowl of baking soda inside to banish bad smells.

II. Cooking Appliances

 A. Hob, Oven, and Stove

• Remove oven racks and soak them in warm, soapy water.
• For stovetops, soak burner grates and knobs, and use a toothpick to clean crevices.
• Use baking soda paste or oven cleaner for the inside.
• Don’t forget the top-of-the-range hood — a known grease trap.

B. Microwave

• Microwave a mug of water (add lemon slices for extra freshness) for two minutes.
• Wipe the interior clean.
• Wipe down the outside — it gets grimey too.

C. Coffee Maker & Kettle

• Run a 1:1 mix of white vinegar and water through the coffee maker.
• Follow with two cycles of plain water to rinse.
• For kettles, boil the same mix, let sit for 20 minutes, then rinse.

III. Sink & Drains

• Scrub the sink with baking soda and dish soap.
• Clean drains by pouring boiling water, followed by baking soda and vinegar, then more boiling water.
• Use lemon rinds or vinegar to freshen up garbage disposals.
• Use a toothbrush to clean taps and tight corners.

IV. Surfaces & Cabinets

• Clear your worktops and clean them with a food-safe cleaner.
• Wipe with clean water after.
• Clean knobs, handles, and cabinet doors — they collect sneaky grime.
• Don't forget the floors and baseboards, especially behind the bin.
• Use warm, soapy water and a soft cloth to avoid damage.

V. General Kitchen Care

• Group everyday items together (e.g., mugs, coffee, and the kettle).
• Set a regular routine to avoid grime build-up.
• Freshen your bin with baking soda or essential oil-soaked cotton balls.
• Declutter duplicates — if it hasn't been used in a year, out it goes.
• Invest in organisers and labels.
• Try the "one-in, one-out" rule to control clutter.

VI. Food Waste & Fresh Starts

• Check expiry dates and bin anything that’s gone bad.
• Compost rotting produce.
• Donate good food you no longer want.
• Be realistic: if you’ve never used it, you likely won’t.
• Swap out single-use plastics for reusable containers.
• Fill your kitchen with foods you actually enjoy eating.
• Store ripe or overripe fruit (like avocados or bananas) in the fridge to slow ripening.

Happy scrubbing!