The Kitchen & A Printable

You don’t have to compromise on clean to be green.
Today I’m sharing my kitchen, some cleaning and organizational tips and a printable.

I have to tell you guys that I am a big fan of Clorox Greenworks. I first bought the all-purpose spray last spring for a campaign and have become a big fan. You really can get everything out of the bottle and it sprays so nicely. I use the all-purpose spray on EVERYTHING!

Countertops, quick cabinet rub-downs, appliances, blinds. The bathroom too! Read that here.

Surprisingly, even though we have a dishwasher–I use dish soap pretty frequently. I use it to wash my wine glasses–aka nightly. I also use warm soapy water to clean our kitchen floor. We have natural slate and that is what was recommended to us. When I am doing a deep cleaning, I fill the sink with warm soapy water and let it sit, before I give the sink a big scrub down. I usually rub down all the other surfaces while the sink soaks and then give the sink a rub down with the all-purpose spray.

I think it is really important to not keep anything decorative on your kitchen counters. The counter space is a work place, and the more that is there–the quicker it gets cluttered and messy. We have glass-front cabinets so I can see all my pretty Fiestaware.

This is a fun way to have eye candy while keeping your surfaces clear.

I do find that some things I am constantly reaching for get left out and add to the mess. Those are the things that I try to keep handy. My kids are constantly asking for Chocolate milk and I was so sick of looking at that stupid yellow bin.

Same with the goldfish and the dishtowels.

The dishtowels are in the wire bin and the pot holders are in the basket. That leaves me drawer space for some of the less cute stuff.

I use the all-purpose spray on the butcher block, stove and canisters. Like I said, everything.

I know another big kitchen problem is the paper. Amiright?

We keep this little sorter on the counter. I try to put papers and mail directly in the recycling. I use the file folder to store things like Quinn’s homework that needs to be done, etc.

I also slide the iPad in there to keep it out of the way, my planner from time to time, etc. It keeps the piles wrangled and minimized.

I also have the two clipboards hanging. That is where we clip up meal plans, calendars, art, etc. Basically, a mini drop zone in the kitchen.

Go ahead and grab this printable at the bottom of the post.

Ahh….dishes. I actually have a husband who is very good about loading the dishwasher after dinner. Keeping up with the dishes is a big one when it comes to keeping a clean or manageable kitchen. We run the dishwasher nightly. I try to unload it every morning. We try, keyword –TRY, to load dishes in as the day goes on.

So recap– Keep the decorative stuff and clutter to a minimum to start. Store things you use regularly in easy to access places–glass canisters, etc. Take care of paper as soon as it come in. If you, by habit, pile papers on your counter then consider making a drop space there like we did. We all know habits are hard to break. Handle dishes immediately. I think it is good to make a habit to clear off the counters, wipe them down and load the dishwasher nightly.

I would love to know how what your tricks are to keeping the kitchen clean.