Kitchen Ready

It is that time of year when you here the term "Spring Cleaning" being tossed around. I am not sure how many people actually follow this seasonal tradition, but I think that it is a wise thing to do. It goes along great with the Renewed Feeling that comes along with spring and gets you off to a Fresh Start. So I have decided to do a Spring Cleaning Tidbit Series. I am going to go through all of the typical rooms in your home and give you some Tidbits on where to begin your cleaning quest. I am going to start with the Heart of the Home, the Kitchen.


Everyone seems to gather in the kitchen, and because of this, it is one of the rooms that we should pay close attention to when Spring Cleaning. It has so many components to it and has become such a multi-functional room in every ones home. So here are some Tidbits on how to begin this seasonal tradition and get your Kitchen Ready!

Cleaning Tidbit - Be Wise, Organize and Sanitize.

Counter top - Clear all of your counters of appliances and such, and clean them using a sanitizing solution of 1 cup white vinegar and 1 cup water. Put the non hazardous solution in an clear spray bottle (found at any hardware or dollar store) label and keep on hand for cleaning sinks, tiles and soap scum.

Cabinets - Clean cabinets with a cleaning solution of 1 tsp of a mild dish soap combined with 1 quart of water. If you have wood cabinets, finish off with rubbing some olive oil on the wood to bring back the luster.

Cabinet Tops - Cabinet tops get very dusty. Be careful, get up on a chair and check out the dust factor on top of the cabinets. The best way to clean this area is with a hand held vacuum. If you don't have one, then just dust it the old fashioned way with a damp cloth.

Inside the Cabinets - Replenish your Spice Cabinet (Buy and Save at Christmas Tree Shop, CVS, Walmart Super Store or The Dollar Store) Take out your goods, wipe down the shelves, toss old stuff and reorganize when you are placing them back.

Drawers - Clean and Organize your Utensil drawers, Bread Drawer and Junk Drawer.

Use a Utensil Divider in your Junk Drawer to keep things organized.

If you have a large drawer in your kitchen, near your stove, use it for your cooking utensils. Place a small piece of rug pad (found at any Large Chain Store) in the drawer and line up your cooking tools. The rug pad will hold them in place and keep them organized so you don't have to go fishing for them every time you need them.

Floor - If you have Ceramic Tile, Clean your Grout!

Table and Chairs - Wipe down chair legs and arms with a warm damp cloth. Look under the rim of your table for any food scum and clean it. If you have a wooden set, then replenish your set with some Wood Cream or Oil.

Clean Your Appliances

Refrigerator - While you have your chair out, check out the top of your fridge. If your fridge is not under a cabinet, then chances are it needs to be dusted. Clear off the stuff and clean it with a damp cloth.

Also, the inside of fridge should be cleared and cleaned. Remove all items and check the expiration on your dressings and condiments. Toss any that are out dated. Clean using the White Vinegar Spray. Take out any drawers and wash with warm water and soap.

Take a look at your Freezer Items also and toss any freezer burned items. Clean with a Hot damp cloth.

If you can move your fridge, clean under it and vacuum the coils behind it.

Be sure to add your dated Baking Soda to keep your fridge smelling Fresh and Clean.


Toaster - Open the bottom latch and empty out any crumbs over the sink. Take a small paint brush and brush of any crumbs from the inside. Take a damp cloth and clean the outside of the toaster.

Coffee Maker - Add 1 Cup White Vinegar to the water reservoir and then fill with water. Run your coffee maker, shut it off and let it cool, then Repeat. Finish off the process by running a carafe of clean water through.

Microwave - Clean the inside with Warm Lemon Water. Just squeeze some lemon juice into a cup of warm water and damp a cloth with it. Vacuum the back of the microwave and any vented areas. Unplug and wipe sides with a damp cloth.

Food Disposal - Throw that Lemon into the disposal to clean and sharpen blades.

Oven - Clean your oven, using the automatic cleaner, before it gets too Hot! Use Baking Soda paste (1 Tbsp Baking Soda and 2 Tbsp Water) to clean the oven's inside window, then wipe clean with a damp cloth. Take a slim duster and clean under the oven. (When it's off of course)

Creative Tidbit - Turn the inside of your cabinets into Note Stations. Paint the inside of selected cabinets with two coats of Magnetic Paint and then paint one coat of Chalk Board Paint. Use this new secret station to hang and jot down notes to self.

I know it sounds like a lot, but it's only once a year, Right? Take a week and do it in stages. It will make you feel good, I Promise :) Let's Go Ladies (and Gents) get those Rubber Gloves on, Be Wise, Organize, Sanitize and get your Kitchen Ready!

Freshen Up For Spring

Spring is right around the corner and we are all coming down with a little Spring Fever. Spring is all about lightening things up, letting in the fresh air and coming out of hibernation. With one month still officially left of winter, I have some Tidbits to help you Freshen Up For Spring!

Tidbit - Freshen up your home by adding some splashes of spring color and elements through out your home. Think Pale Yellow, Earthy Green, Lavender, Creamy Orange, Sky Blue and Soft Pink.

Treat yourself to some pretty inexpensive Throw Pillows and lighten up those cozy couches and chairs. While your at it, get some to brighten up your bedroom as well.

Change up your window treatments with some airy Bamboo Shades. They add a little Tropical Feel to any room for an affordable price.

Bring in some freshness with a new Tropical Plant or two. They will add that outdoor feeling to your living space and when the warm weather arrives you can use them to decorate your outdoor patio or deck. Your kid's will also enjoy helping you water the plant.

Look for some Potted Pansies at your local Loews or Home Depot. They come in a variety of spring colors and are extremely hardy. Put them in some decorative planters and add them through out your home for an early homemade Spring . Then you can plant them outdoors when the warm weather arrives. They will continue to bloom throughout the Spring and Summer.

Grow your own Wheat Grass in a pretty outdoor planter. Wheat Grass seed is available at any health food store and is very easy to grow. The grass will grow in about 6-10 days. If you plan it correctly, you can create a nice base for a Beautiful Easter Centerpiece to show off at your Sunday dinner. You can add decorated eggs, artificial chicks and butterflies(found at any craft store). It's a great project to do with the Kids. They will really enjoy helping and they will be able to feel a sense of gratification by watching how quickly it grows.

Spring is almost here, I hope that these Tidbit's help you to hang in there and Freshen Up For Spring!