How to Keep a Sparkling Clean Kitchen: Simple Tips for a Tidy, Efficient Space

If you've ever felt overwhelmed by the thought of cleaning up the kitchen before even starting to cook dinner, you're not alone. It’s all too easy to get caught in a cycle of mess—dishes piling up, spills left unnoticed, and counters cluttered with last night’s cooking aftermath. The good news is that with a few simple habits, you can keep your kitchen sparkling clean without the stress. Maintaining a tidy kitchen doesn’t have to be a big chore; by making small adjustments to your daily routine, you can ensure your space stays organised and ready to go, whether you're cooking a quick weeknight meal or preparing a more elaborate dinner.

1. Unload the Dishwasher First

One of the easiest and most effective tips for keeping a clean kitchen is to unload your dishwasher before you start creating more dishes. As soon as it has finished, pop the door open, let the dishes cool then get them put away. By doing so, you free up space to immediately load dirty dishes as you use them, rather than letting them pile up. This also prevents the kitchen from feeling cluttered, as you’ll always have a place for dirty dishes.

You’ll be surprised how much easier it is to stay on top of the mess when there’s an empty dishwasher ready to catch your dirty pots, plates, and utensils. Not only does it save time at the end of the meal, but it also avoids the stress of a messy kitchen.

2. Wipe Spills as They Happen

A simple habit that can make a big difference in maintaining a clean kitchen is wiping up spills as soon as they happen. Whether it’s a splash of oil on the bench, a drop of sauce on the cupboard door or floor, or flour dusting the countertop, cleaning up immediately prevents the mess from spreading or drying up and becoming harder to clean later.

If you wait too long, sticky spills like honey or syrup can harden, making them a nightmare to remove. Keep a cloth, paper towel or even those wet disinfectant wipes handy while cooking so you can quickly address spills before they get out of hand.

3. Use a Sink Strainer

Preventing food from clogging your sink is one of the easiest ways to keep your kitchen clean and fresh. A sink strainer catches food scraps before they can go down the drain and cause blockages. It’s a small investment, but it can save you from dealing with unpleasant odours and expensive plumbing bills.

Simply place a sink strainer in the drain and empty it out after each meal prep. This will prevent food from building up in the pipes, which can lead to unpleasant smells or slow drainage. It’s a quick and easy habit that helps keep your kitchen looking fresh.

4. Refresh Drains with Bicarb and Vinegar

Speaking of drains, if you've ever had a smelly or slow-draining sink, it’s time to give your pipes a bit of a refresh. A simple and natural way to clean drains is by using a combination of bicarbonate of soda (baking soda), vinegar, and boiling water. This powerful trio can help eliminate odours, break down grease, and keep your drains flowing smoothly.

Here’s how you do it:

• Pour half a cup of bicarbonate of soda into the drain, and sprinkle some around the sink as well.

• Follow it with a cup of vinegar.

• Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes.

• Put on a glove and give the sink and plug hole a quick scrub with a non-scratch scourer.

• If you have one of those push down plug-strainers, give the underside of it a quick scrub with the bicarb/vinegar paste.

• Pour boiling water down the drain to flush everything through.

• Rinse thoroughly and dry with a microfibre cloth for a fresh, sparkling sink.

The reaction between the bicarbonate of soda and vinegar will fizz and help loosen any grease or debris. This method is eco-friendly, non-toxic, and does wonders for keeping your drains clean and fresh.

5. Keep Your Fridge Smelling Fresh

A fresh-smelling fridge can make a huge difference to the overall feel of your kitchen. To keep unpleasant odours at bay, you can easily create a DIY deodoriser using ingredients you probably already have at home.

Simply place a small dish of bicarbonate of soda inside your fridge. You can also add a few drops of vanilla or lemon juice to the baking soda to give your fridge a lovely, fresh scent. Bicarbonate of soda absorbs smells, while the vanilla or lemon will leave a light, pleasant aroma.

Additionally, regularly check your fridge to dispose of any expired or spoiled food. This simple habit will help reduce unwanted smells and prevent any potential messes from spreading inside your fridge.

6. Wipe Down Surfaces Daily

Your benchtops, stove, splashbacks and other high-touch surfaces can accumulate grease, crumbs, and spills throughout the day. Wiping them down daily helps prevent build-up and ensures that your kitchen always looks clean and polished.

Use a non-toxic all-purpose cleaner or a natural alternative like a mixture of water, vinegar, and a few drops of dish liquid to wipe down surfaces. Pay special attention to areas around the stove, sink, fridge, and the wall behind your cooktop as these tend to collect grease and grime more quickly.

If you have granite or marble benchtops, make sure to use a cleaner that’s safe for these surface, as harsh chemicals or vinegar can cause damage over time.

7. Organise as You Go

Keeping a tidy kitchen isn’t just about cleaning, it’s also about staying organised. While cooking, take a moment to organise your ingredients, tools, and utensils as you go. For example, after you measure out a cup of flour, immediately put the flour bag away. Once you use a knife, wash it or place it in the dishwasher. Between stirring, put your stirring spoon into a cup or on a plate to keep your benchtops clean.

A clutter-free space makes the kitchen look cleaner and reduces the chances of things getting misplaced or spilled. You’ll also spend less time looking for things when everything has its own designated spot.

8. Clean Your Oven and Microwave Regularly

Ovens and microwaves are two appliances that can get dirty quickly due to splatters, spills, and food particles that get trapped. While it might seem like a big job, regular maintenance will keep these appliances looking as good as new.

For the oven, you can use an oven cleaner or a natural alternative like a baking soda paste to remove grease and food stains. For the microwave, try placing a bowl of water and lemon slices inside and microwaving it for a few minutes. The steam will loosen any grime, making it easier to wipe away.

Make it a habit to clean these appliances weekly, or even fortnightly to prevent build-up and keep them in top condition.

9. Empty the Rubbish Bins Regularly

It’s easy to forget about the rubbish bins until they’re overflowing, but regularly emptying them is essential to maintaining a clean kitchen. When food scraps sit for too long, they can start to smell, attract pests, and create a mess.

Set a reminder to empty your rubbish bins at least once a day, or more often after particularly large meals. If you want to keep odours at bay, consider lining your bins with a few sheets of newspaper or sprinkling a bit of bicarbonate of soda at the bottom of the bin.

Wipe over your bin storage area regularly. Keep disposable disinfectant wipes and give it a quick wipe over each time you empty the bin, this will help keep your bin looking and smelling fresh and clean.

10. Invest in a Good Dish Rack

A good-quality dish rack can make a big difference when it comes to maintaining a tidy kitchen. Instead of letting wet dishes pile up on the bench, use a dish rack to let them air-dry while keeping your kitchen looking neat. You can also place a drying mat underneath to absorb excess water and prevent water spots on your counters.

Keeping your kitchen sparkling clean doesn’t require hours of effort or expensive cleaning products. By adopting these simple habits like unloading the dishwasher before cooking, wiping up spills as they happen, and using natural cleaners for drains, you’ll keep your kitchen looking fresh and organised. Not only will these tips save you time and effort, but they’ll make cooking and cleaning up a more enjoyable experience. With a little consistency, your kitchen can remain a place of cleanliness and efficiency.