“Anyone can cook!” Ika nga ni Chef Gusteau sa Ratatouille. However, not everyone can keep their kitchen clean. We make magic happen in the kitchen, but because it’s so busy every day, it tends to be messy. And, if you’re a #hater of kalat like we are, that’s a no-no. Plus, more kalat means more room for pests like cockroaches and mice. (Sorry, Remy, hanggang movies ka lang namin love.)
Keeping the kitchen tidy daily is a challenge, even for the best of us. Thankfully, our madiskarteng Kapitbahays are pros at ensuring that every part of the home is always in tip-top shape — the kitchen included, of course. Here are some tips on how to keep your kitchen clean and organized.
Follow a Cleaning Routine
Whether we like it or not, cleaning routines are mandatory. (And this applies to every part of your home, ha, not just the kitchen.) It’s a drag to get through an entire cleaning routine sometimes, but ultimately, you’re saving yourself from major headaches.
The more you leave grime and potential issues unattended, the more likely they’ll come back to bite you. Follow a garbage disposal routine, scrub the sink daily, and clean your utensils every after use to avoid contamination when you cook. If there’s a spill on the dining table or kitchen counter, wiping it off ASAP is better than waiting for it to stain. Remember, more maintenance = less repairs = tipid na tipid.
Get A+ Level Fixtures
Good things require a strong foundation, mapa-career man ‘yan o relationship. That’s also the case for your home. If your foundations and fixtures are functional and sturdy, you’re already winning half the battle.
It’s helpful to explore different kinds of options when you’re in the process of deciding which fixtures to install in your kitchen. Modular cabinets are popular in the community because they’re pre-made and customizable. They are also great for storage because you can easily use pull-out trays to access cooking items.
Alternatively, you can opt for custom-made fixtures, like the one below from Kapitbahay Rheena Adrias-Francisco. Initially, she intended to have modular cabinets, but these aluminum ones do the job just fine — and fit way more within her budget. Plus, as of her posting, they’ve been around for almost a year without any marks or fading. Talk about sulit!
Magpa-Budol sa Organizers
Organizers and storage boxes put the “fun” in function. They come in a bunch of different colors and styles. Ibig sabihin, not only will you be able to clean up — you’ll also be able to customize your kitchen decor!
Avoid a sabog-looking kitchen by investing in organizers and containers. Look for ones that match your interior decor. From Lazada and Shopee to Miniso or Muji, you will find a few that perfectly fit your kitchen’s aesthetics. Try these #TeamKahoy and #TeamPuti storage boxes for Nordic-style vibes.
Lagyan ng Label!
No, we don’t mean your previous situationships. Siguro naman, you’ve learned your lesson after all that mess, right? No more no-label lifestyles. This includes your abubots in the kitchen, too.
To avoid any further instances of kalat, label all your spices, powders, and condiments properly. Get creative with labels that match your kitchen's style — from chalkboard labels to minimalist tags, meron ‘yan sa Shopee and Lazada. (Check out stickers like these for variety.) This will make your kitchen look more organized and help you avoid nasty ingredient mix-ups when you’re cooking.
Segregate by “Zones”
As the famous saying goes: “A place for everything, and everything in its place.” This mantra might save you hours of looking for a kutsarita for the kitchen. Group cooking utensils, condiments, baking supplies, and dinnerware for efficiency.
Creating kitchen zones allows you to move more quickly and efficiently, so you can cook twice as fast. Install hooks for pots and pans, create a coffee station, and designate a baking corner. Before you know it, you’ll already have a working system. Oh, ‘di ba, parang restaurant lang.
Channel Mareng Kon-Mari
Remember Miss Marie Kondo during the pandemic? Now’s the time to harness her philosophy: “Say goodbye to the things that no longer spark joy.” The serotonin boost that shopping and hoarding give us is undeniable. But when all is said and done, and the impulse-buy adrenaline wears off, what are we left with? Regret — and lots of kalat.
When you no longer need something, don’t think twice — it’s time to declutter. Give them away para hindi sayang. You can also try to find ways to repurpose it around your home. Find the time to do this regularly to avoid more hours during deep cleaning.
Kitchen Mo, Style Mo
You heard it here first! Cleaning up doesn’t have to be a drab chore — you can make it fun. Because while you organize, you can rearrange and redecorate. Syempre, our Kapitbahays won’t miss any opportunity to turn something into a fun home project.
Tools like dish towels, canisters, or even decorative paper towels are functional pieces and accessories. Sabi nga nila, the kitchen is the heart of the home. So you can fill it with as much warmth as possible, para feel na feel ang pagka-homely.
Learn More Organizing Tips with Home Buddies
We use the kitchen daily — there’s no reason not to give it the special treatment it deserves—mas nakakaganang magluto in a neat, tidy, and organized kitchen. At least, this way, we can bring back the joy of cooking instead of seeing it as an everyday chore. Don’t you agree?
Find more cleaning hacks in the Home Buddies community! From the kitchen and beyond, we’ve got your back. (Plus, we’ve got you for budols, too.) Be a Kapitbahay and join our Facebook group for more can’t-miss tips on decorating and organizing.
