Kitchen know-how: spring cleaning

Now is as good a time as ever to clean out your kitchen. Here are our top tips for doing the best job possible.

Getting started

• Jobs like these always take longer than you expect. Set aside at least a few hours and get it all done at once. Put on some upbeat music to make it less of a chore!
• First, wash and dry any dishes to get them out of the way. Remove any clutter that doesn’t belong in the kitchen.
• Grab cleaning supplies, a large bin bag, and any spare jars or containers you have lying around.
• Dust the tops of the cabinets and remove any cobwebs.
• Start at one side of the cooker and work your way around the room, one cupboard or drawer at a time.
• When you start work on a cupboard or the fridge, pull everything out at once so you can see exactly what you’re working with.
• Sort items into three categories: rubbish, things for donation and keepers.
• Throw out any and all of the following:
  • Split or open packets
  • Dented tins
  • Anything past its use-by date
  • Unidentifiable back-of-fridge relics
  • Anything you’ve had for years and haven’t used — if it’s still in good condition and unopened, donate it to charity. Homeless shelters are always in need of dry, non-perishable goods.

TOP TIP: Make a list of everything approaching its use-by date or anything you have an abundance of, and plan meals to use them up in the next few days. Head to our recipe bank to find inspiration.

The basic clean-up

Brush out any crumbs from each cupboard. Give the shelves a good scrub with soapy water and dry thoroughly with a clean tea towel. Wipe out drawers and organise neatly. 

Seeing clearly

• Arrange your ingredients in whichever way will make them easiest to see and find.
• We like to store foods in groups of how they’re used: have one cupboard or shelf for baking essentials, for example, and one dedicated to tinned goods.
• Give small items, such as stock cubes, their own dedicated containers.
• Decant bags of flour or sugar into large plastic containers — cereal containers work well. Label everything clearly. 

Going for gold

• Empty out your countertop utensil jar. Wash and dry it thoroughly, then sort, clean and replace the utensils.
• Wipe down any small appliances on the countertop. Clean out the crumb tray of the toaster and descale your kettle.
• Clean the microwave inside and out. An easy way to clean the inside is to place some lemon slices in a bowl of water and microwave on high for one minute. Use balled kitchen paper to wipe it down.
• Wipe down your knife block and sharpen your knives.
• Clean out the fruit bowl.
• Wipe down counters and backsplash.
• Clean the inside of the oven and give the hob a good scrub.
• Replace your kitchen sponge if necessary. Otherwise, dampen it and microwave on high for one minute to kill lingering bacteria.
• Wash your windows, windowsills and light switches.
• Sweep and mop the floor. 

Relax and enjoy

There’s nothing better than the clear-headed feeling you get from a good spring clean. Sit down and enjoy a well-earned a pot of coffee or glass of wine!