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17
Clear Kitchen Clutter Before Holiday Guests Arrive
If you're getting your current home ready to host or moving into one of the great houses on the market in South Bend or homes for sale in St. Joseph, a clean kitchen makes holiday get-togethers even more special. Our real estate agents at Cressy & Everett share how a thorough deep clean ensures your cooking area looks great and functions well when guests arrive.
Start Your Holiday Kitchen Prep With a Clear Plan
Before you start scrubbing, clear your countertops and think about what needs to stay in your kitchen. Throw out old pantry items, give away extra utensils, and store appliances you don't use often. This process provides you with more space to work and makes the actual cleaning process much easier. Try to set up clear areas for making food, cooking, and serving so your kitchen works well when you're getting ready for holiday meals.
Clear These Areas First
- Countertops and spots where small appliances sit
- Inside cabinets and drawers with old or unused items
- Shelf space in the refrigerator
Clean Your Appliances Inside and Out
Your large kitchen appliances require some attention before you begin holiday cooking. Begin with your oven. Remove the racks and use a store-bought cleaner or a baking soda paste. Let it sit overnight if there's tough baked-on gunk. Give your fridge a top-to-bottom scrub, taking out all shelves and drawers to wash them in warm, soapy water. Don't skip the microwave inside. You can clean it by heating a bowl of water with lemon slices for five minutes, then wiping off the loose food bits.
Checklist to Clean Appliances
- Oven inside, racks, and glass door
- Fridge shelves, drawers, and door seals
- Dishwasher filter, spray arms, and door edges
- Microwave inside, turntable, and outside
- Range hood filters and outer surfaces
Clean Cabinets and Hidden Areas
Kitchen cabinets collect grease, dust, and food splatters that you might miss at first glance. Mix warm water and dish soap to clean cabinet fronts, focusing on handles and areas near the stove. Don't forget to clean the tops of cabinets, light fixtures, and the sides of appliances, where dust and grease tend to build up. These small touches can significantly enhance the appearance of your kitchen.
Don't Skip These Spots
- Cabinet tops and crown molding
- Baseboards and toe kicks under cabinets
- Light covers and ceiling fan blades
- Window sills and tracks above the sink
Clean Your Sink and Countertops
Your sink is the kitchen's workhorse and needs careful cleaning. Use baking soda to scrub away stains in the basin. Then, clean the drain by pouring boiling water, followed by a mixture of baking soda and vinegar. Make your faucet and handles sparkle by polishing them and removing water spots or mineral buildup with white vinegar. Clean countertops based on material, using the right cleaners for granite, quartz, or laminate to keep them looking good and germ-free.
Perfect Your Floors and Final Touches
Finish your kitchen makeover by tackling the floors, which face daily foot traffic and spills. First, sweep or vacuum well, then mop using a cleaner that suits your floor type. Start from the farthest corner and work your way to the door. After the floors dry, swap out cabinet liners if needed, tidy up your pantry with matching containers, and put out fresh dish towels and hand soap. These final details set a welcoming mood that gets your kitchen ready for guests.
Get Ready to Welcome Guests With a Spotless Kitchen
A spotless kitchen sets the stage for holiday gatherings and showcases what your home can be. If you want to find the perfect space for entertaining, contact us at Cressy & Everett Real Estate. We can help you discover homes with kitchens built for making lasting memories with loved ones.
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