If you’ve invested in beautiful stone countertops, you’ll want to show them off. That’s hard to do if they’re covered in clutter or grime. This is particularly challenging given today’s open concept living spaces. The kitchen is more accessible than ever, which means it’s used more than ever. Not to mention you can’t even hide the mess behind closed doors, because there aren’t any! Today we’re going to go over a few hacks to keep your kitchen cleaner and show off those countertops.
Closing Time
That’s right, we recommend having open hours for your kitchen. Not only does this give you a break, but it also sets a clear time to reset your kitchen so it’s beautiful and functional for the next day. Let your family know that the kitchen is closing and get started with your closing duties. Clear off any papers that accumulated in the kitchen, do the dishes and wipe down your counters (more info on this below). Once the kitchen is closed it stays closed until morning. If anyone desperately needs a snack after hours they must make sure they clean up after themselves and return the kitchen to its clean state as soon as they’re done.
Rule of Three
There are so many amazing kitchen gadgets out there, and if you’re like us you love anything that can save you some time in the kitchen. Unfortunately, these small appliances take up a ton of counter space! We recommend limiting yourself to three critical appliances on your counter at any time. Choose things you use daily, or at least multiple times a week. In our home that’s the coffee maker, the toaster, and our pressure cooker. Everything else is tucked away in a pantry or appliance garage.
Create Drop Zones
It’s sometimes best to work with our natural habits rather than against them. If you notice clutter is constantly accumulating in certain areas of your kitchen, roll with it and turn it into a drop zone. Use small containers or organizers to catch that clutter so it can’t take over your entire countertop. This also works for frequently used items that end up sitting out on your counter all day. Decorative spice racks, hooks, and bins keep these items at your fingertips without covering up those gorgeous counters.
Wipe Right
As we mentioned above, wiping down your counters each night as part of your closing duties will keep them looking their best. It’s amazing how much dust, grease, and grime can build up in a kitchen. Be sure to clean up any acidic spills right away. This includes things like vinegar, lemon juice, or tomato sauce. At closing time, focus on the areas around the sink, stove, and small appliances. This way you can stay on top of grease splatter, soap scum build-up, and any hidden spills/crumbs hiding under your appliances.
These small hacks can make a world of difference in keeping your countertops clean and functional. Try them out and let us know if they work for you!
