Tips for Organizing and Keeping Your Kitchen Clean: Products, Costs, and Where to Find Them
A well-organized and clean kitchen is not only more enjoyable to cook in, but it also adds to the overall appeal of your home—something that can be a great advantage if you're planning to sell. As someone who’s been in real estate for over 20 years, I know how important the little details are when showcasing a home. Today, I’ll share some practical tips on how to organize and keep your kitchen clean, along with product recommendations, their costs, and where to find them.
1. Declutter Your Countertops
One of the easiest ways to make your kitchen look and feel more spacious is by decluttering your countertops. A clutter-free kitchen not only looks better, but it’s also much easier to clean. Here’s how to achieve it:
What you need:
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Drawer organizers for utensils and cutlery: These are a great way to maximize drawer space and keep your tools neatly stored.
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Countertop organizers for things like spices, knives, and small appliances.
Product recommendations:
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OXO Good Grips Expandable Utensil Organizer – $15-$25. Available at stores like Bed Bath & Beyond or Amazon.
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SimpleHouseware Countertop Organizer for spices – $20. Available on Amazon.
2. Storage Solutions for Pots, Pans, and Baking Supplies
Keeping your cookware and baking supplies organized can be a challenge, but the right storage solutions can make a big difference. Consider installing shelves or using drawer dividers to keep everything in place.
What you need:
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Pan organizers to stack your pots and pans without damaging them.
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Shelf organizers or pull-out drawers to store baking sheets and pans.
Product recommendations:
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Lynk Professional Roll-Out Pan Organizer – $30. Available at The Container Store.
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Rubbermaid EasyFindLids for storing containers and lids – $15. Available at Target.
3. Clean as You Go
Cleaning as you cook is an effective way to avoid a big mess at the end of your meal prep. Wipe down surfaces and wash dishes while you wait for things to cook, and your kitchen will stay much cleaner.
What you need:
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Dish scrubbers and cleaning wipes for quick cleanup.
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Stainless steel cleaner for appliances.
Product recommendations:
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Scrub Daddy (the popular sponge) – $3. Available at Walmart and Target.
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Seventh Generation Disinfecting Wipes – $4. Available at Target.
4. Invest in a Good Cleaning Routine
If you have a high-traffic kitchen, it’s essential to clean frequently. Regularly wipe down surfaces, sweep the floor, and clean your appliances to keep everything looking pristine.
What you need:
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Multi-surface cleaner for countertops and tables.
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Floor cleaner for a quick mop after spills.
Product recommendations:
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Method All-Purpose Cleaner – $4. Available at Target or Amazon.
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Swiffer WetJet for quick floor cleaning – $20. Available at most grocery stores.
5. Organize Your Pantry
A well-organized pantry is one of the most effective ways to make your kitchen feel more organized overall. Group similar items together, label your bins, and ensure that everything has its place.
What you need:
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Airtight storage containers to keep food fresh and prevent spills.
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Labeling supplies for easy identification of pantry items.
Product recommendations:
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OXO Good Grips Pop Containers for dry goods – $10-$20. Available at Bed Bath & Beyond or Amazon.
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Mabel’s Labels for organizing your pantry – $10. Available at Mabel’s Labels website.
6. Keep Your Appliances Sparkling Clean
A kitchen’s appeal is heavily influenced by the condition of its appliances. Clean, shiny appliances can make a big impact, especially during home showings.
What you need:
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Stainless steel cleaner for appliances.
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Dishwasher cleaner to keep your dishwasher functioning at its best.
Product recommendations:
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Weiman Stainless Steel Cleaner – $5. Available at Walmart.
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Affresh Dishwasher Cleaner – $7. Available at Home Depot.
7. Regularly Take Out the Trash and Recycle
One of the simplest ways to keep your kitchen clean is by taking the trash out regularly and ensuring your recycling is sorted. This prevents odors and clutter from building up.
What you need:
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Trash can liners that fit your bins well.
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Recycling bins for an organized system.
Product recommendations:
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Glad ForceFlex Tall Kitchen Bags – $8. Available at most grocery stores.
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Simplehuman Recycling Bin – $30. Available at Bed Bath & Beyond.
Final Thoughts
An organized, clean kitchen not only looks better but also functions more efficiently. With the right products and some routine maintenance, you can keep your kitchen sparkling and ready for anything, whether you're cooking, hosting, or showing your home.
As a real estate expert with over 20 years of experience, I can tell you that a well-maintained kitchen can make all the difference when it comes to selling your home. If you're preparing to list your property, focusing on the kitchen can help increase its appeal and value.
For personalized advice on how to showcase your home, or if you're ready to buy or sell, don't hesitate to reach out to me. Let’s make your real estate journey a success!
Frank “Campo” Campobasso
Century 21 Circle
773-425-6265
