Things to Clean Out in the Kitchen

Things to Clean Out in the Kitchen!  As we put away our holiday decorations, it’s also a good time to clean out things in the kitchen. As we all know, so many things easily pile up around the house, and not only will a big purge make you feel more organized, it’s also great for our minds.

Each year I clean out my spice rack, vitamin cabinet, and even the medicine chest, purging items that have expired. Even the refrigerator gets an over-haul too but I do that often.  Here are some helpful tips for things to clean out in the kitchen!

Whether it’s the weekend or a few hours in the morning, I find some time to clean out things we have been putting off due to our busy schedules and holiday festivities. And the kitchen is the first place where I like to start. Starting with the easiest cabinet.

 

 The Spice Rack.

Funny, if you carefully look at the labels on your spices, you will not find an expiration date on most bottles. So how do you know when to throw them out?

Easy!  Open each bottle and take a close up sniff.  If the spice doesn’t have the scent of the actual spice itself, or if it has a dull scent to it – like paint?  Then it’s time to throw them out.

Next, make a list of your favorite spices you use often and need to buy, and forget the ones you hardly use.

 

 Next, tackle The Vitamin Cabinet.

 

If you’re like me, you probably buy vitamins for the whole family. Check each bottle for those expired. Throw vitamins into the trash and (if you recycle) place the empty bottles into the recycling bin. Then again, write down the vitamins you will need to replenish next time you’re out shopping.

 

My third favorite place, the FRIDGE and Freezer!

Go through every package and container in the freezer, and every bottle and jar in the refrigerator.  Examine each one, looking at the expiration dates and checking for mold or freezer burns.  Then purge!

•  Expired food and condiments

•  Frozen foods so old you don’t remember what it is

•  Ice trays or ice bucket need to be emptied and ready for new ice

•  Frozen herbs that have crystallized in zip-lock bags

•  Half filled ice cream containers

 

 Don’t forget, The Medicine Chest or Drawer.   It too needs to get a visit!

So many times, we forget about cold medicines and even prescription drugs from last year that have probably expired. As a reminder, I was told NEVER to throw medicines down the sink or toilet.

We’re suppose to throw all drugs into the trash, or place them into an empty coffee can, add some soil from outside, add a little water to create a muddy paste and then throw the entire thing into the trash. And it’s a good idea to remove the labels on prescription bottles before disposing them.

 

The Pantry.  This is an easy one!

Throw out boxes of old cereals, stale crackers and opened packages of leftover tortilla chips. You may even find some hidden left over Halloween candy like I did.

Go through every item, and reorganize your food pantry.  You’ll be amazed how much you’ll throw out and how much room you made for new items.

 

 And finally, the Kitchen Drawers and Cabinets.

These seem to fill up every year to the point, you can’t find anything….. it’s a good idea to go through those cluttered drawers and cabinets and throw out items such as:

• Plastic containers with missing lids

• Chipped coffee mugs

• Take-out menus

• Take-out condiments packets

• Papers you’ll never look at

• Extra utensils you never use

Refreshing your home, cleaning and purging clutter is healthy and should be done each year. It will calm your mind, give you a good feeling and help eliminate brain fog and even maybe some stress. And the kitchen is a good place to start!  Then you can take your time and tackle the other rooms in the house.

A clean home is a healthy home! 🙂

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Hello friends!  and Happy New Year again!

We want wish you the very best in 2019. The holidays are always special for us, as we hope it was special for you too! This is a new year for us as we love to share new recipes that will inspire you to get into the kitchen and whip up some delicious meals! … so stay tuned!

Warmly,
xo Anna and Liz

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