The heart of every home beats most vibrantly in its kitchen – a haven of flavors, memories, and shared joys. However, with all its bustling activity, it’s also the one space that gets covered in mess faster than you can say “Bon Appétit!”
But what if I told you that with a sprinkle of strategy and a dash of determination, you can reclaim the sparkle and hygiene your kitchen deserves? Yes, it’s possible to clean your kitchen in 15 minutes! Whether it’s a surprise guest or just the satisfaction of a clutter-free cook space, let’s embark on a culinary cleanup that’s as swift as it is effective. Ready to stir up some tidying magic? Let’s cook up a storm, minus the chaos!
Set the Timer
Before you start, grab your speaker and put on your favorite playlist. Music will be your number one ally to clean your kitchen in 15 minutes! Now, set a timer on your phone for 5 minutes. Having a time limit will help you stay focused and avoid spending too much time on any one task.
The First Five Minutes: Declutter
During the first five minutes of this 15-minute kitchen cleaning guide, your goal is to clear away any clutter that’s accumulated on surfaces and create a more organized space.
Step 1. Place dishes that need to soak into the water
Start by gathering any dirty dishes that require soaking. Fill your sink with warm soapy water and place these dishes in it to soak. This will make cleaning them much easier later.
Step 2. Clear out trash from your floor and countertop
Grab a trash bag and quickly go around the kitchen to gather any trash lying on the floor or countertops. Dispose of it in the trash bin.
Step 3. Remove items that don’t belong in the kitchen
Scan the kitchen for items that don’t belong there, such as mail, toys, or random objects. Simply collect these items and put them in a basket.
Don’t get distracted and start putting them in their rightful places. If you want to clean your kitchen in 15 minutes, you have to be efficient and stay focused on the kitchen area only. You can organize random items after you’ve finished.
Step 4. Place kitchen items where they belong
If you see any kitchen tools or ingredients that are out of place, take a moment to put them back in their designated spots. This step will make your kitchen look instantly more organized.
The Middle Five Minutes: Clean
The second five minutes of this 15-minute kitchen cleaning guide will be devoted to cleaning surfaces and dishes.
Step 5. Load the dishwasher or wash by hand
If you have a dishwasher, quickly load it with the dishes that are ready to be washed. If not, start washing dishes by hand. Try to multitask by washing one dish while rinsing another.
Step 6. Wipe down your countertop, appliances, and sink
Grab a damp cloth or a cleaning wipe and swiftly wipe down your countertop, appliances, and sink. This will remove crumbs, spills, and any sticky residue.
The Last Five Minutes: Organize
In the final phase, you’ll put the finishing touches on your clean kitchen.
Step 7. Store the dishes in the kitchen cupboard
If you hand-washed dishes, let them air dry for a moment while you complete the rest of the tasks. Then, put them back in their proper places in the kitchen cupboards.
Step 8. Sweep the floor
Use a broom or a handheld vacuum to quickly sweep the kitchen floor. Focus on high-traffic areas and under tables and chairs – these are the most problematic areas!
Step 9. Take out the trash
Lastly, empty the trash bin you collected earlier. Make sure the trash bag is securely tied and replace it with a fresh one. And voilà! You’ve reached the end of this 15-minute kitchen cleaning guide.
Want a little help tidying up the rest of your house? Let our Cleveland house cleaners give you a hand.