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Hate cleaning? Get it done faster! Today, I'm showing you how to clean your kitchen in 15 minutes flat!
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I recently read an article written by a women who tracked the hours she spent cleaning for three weeks. She ended up spending an average of 15 hours cleaning every week ... 15 hours!
That is crazy to me. I'm not a fan of cleaning, but of course, I love having a clean apartment. I just like to get it done fast.
If you are anything like me, you can probably think of a million things you'd rather do than clean. So I'm going to show you how to clean your kitchen in 15 minutes. You'll be done before you know it!
Plus, I created a cute free printable with all of my tips. It would make a great housewarming gift (add towels, sponges, and cleaner, too), especially for someone moving into their first apartment. Simply pop it into a cute 8.5 x 11 frame, and it's ready to gift. Scroll down to the end of the post for the free printable.
Okay, let's get cleaning. Before we start, I want mention that this is more of a maintenance cleaning, not a deep clean. So if you kitchen is a total disaster or you've got tons of dishes to do (I've been there), it will take a little longer.
How to Clean Your Kitchen Fast
If you use the right tools for each surface, cleaning your kitchen will be easier and faster (and maybe even FUN!). Here's what you'll need:
- all-purpose cleaner (Get my recipe below.)
- dish soap
- sink scrub (I'm sharing a recipe for this, too!)
- sponges (I use Scotch-Brite Brand sponges.)
- dishwand (I use a Scotch-Brite Heavy Duty Soap Dispensing Dishwand.)
1. Play upbeat Music.
To clean your kitchen in 15 minutes you need to move quickly and efficiently. You only want to spend a minute or two on each task. Music will get you moving, plus it makes housework more fun!
2. Clear your counters.
Put anything that doesn't belong in your kitchen on your dining table and sort through it later.
3. Spray your counters generously with an all-purpose cleaner.
Let it sit while you work on the rest of the kitchen.
I've been wanting to make my own cleaners for a while, and I finally did it! To make my All-Natural Disinfecting Spray, simply combine 3 cups water, ½ cup vinegar, and 15 drops lavender essential oil in a clean spray bottle. It's easy to make and effective!
4. Load the dishwasher and wash pots and pans.
After spraying down your counters, it's time to tackle the dishes. Quickly load your dishwasher, then hand wash any pots and pans.
I use my Scotch-Brite Heavy Duty Soap Dispensing Dishwand daily. It's so handy for cleaning dishes quickly, and the heavy duty scrubbing surface is perfect for cleaning pots, pans, and even oven racks.
Plus, the dispensing pump in the handle makes it easy to control the soap with no waste.
For tougher messes, I like to use the Scotch-Brite Heavy Duty Scrub Sponge. This is one tough sponge!
It removes stubborn, baked-on messes 50% faster than other sponges. I use mine in the kitchen, but it's perfect for cleaning up in the garage or outside, too!
Remember to wash those dishes quickly ... you want to be done in 15 minutes, right?
5. Wipe down your counters.
The cleaner you sprayed on earlier should have loosened up any tough messes.
Wipe off the cleaner with a damp sponge, adding a little extra cleaner, as needed.
I use a Scotch-Brite Non-Scratch Scrub Sponge (they're blue). It won't scratch your surfaces and is perfect for safely cleaning non-stick cookware, dishes, counters, and cook tops, as well as the bathroom.
I also used this Scotch-Brite Non-Scratch Scrub Sponge to clean my glass cook top. This is the first time I've had a flat top stove, and I was surprised by how difficult it is to clean. It gets dirty fast, and food quickly leaves a tough residue.
To clean my cook top, I started with my All-Natural Disinfecting Spray, but it didn't get all the buildup. I sprinkled on my All-Natural Sink Scrub (you don't need a lot), and then used my Scotch-Brite Non-Scratch Scrub Sponge to scrub it off.
It was the perfect cleaning combination, and I didn't scratch my glass cook top.
If you want to make your own All-Natural Sink Scrub, simply mix together 1 cup baking soda, ¼ cup salt (I recommend use kosher salt or coarse salt, not table salt which is really fine), 10 drops lemon essential oil, and 5 drops lavender essential oil. Store it in a mason jar or another airtight container. This scrub smells amazing, and it works great, too!
6. Clean your sink.
I like to do this near the end, because it allows me to use my sink while cleaning the rest of my kitchen.
I sprayed my sink with water, then I sprinkled on my All-Natural Sink Scrub and used my Scotch-Brite Non-Scratch Scrub Sponge to clean it quick.
For extra tough residue, grab the green Scotch-Brite Heavy Duty Scrub Sponge instead.
7. Finally, sweep the floor.
Once you've swept the floor, you're done. Didn't that go by fast?
I hope these tips helped you learn how to clean your kitchen in 15 minutes. Now you have extra time to do something fun!
Free Printable
Click anywhere on the image below (except the Pin Me! button) to get the free How to Clean You Kitchen in 15 Minutes printable. I recommend printing it on card stock for best results.
How much time do you spend cleaning every week?
Your tips are fantastic!! And I can't wait to make your scrub...I know my sink will smell fabulous. [client]
Thanks, Kristi! That scrub smells amazing!