A clean and organized kitchen isn’t just about aesthetics—it makes cooking more enjoyable, keeps your space sanitary, and helps reduce stress. Nobody wants to cook in a cluttered, messy environment, and small, consistent habits can make all the difference. You know how people say their bedroom feels so much cleaner once they make the bed? That’s exactly how I feel about my kitchen. If things are messy or out of place, it throws off my whole house.
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It may take a little time to turn these habits into second nature, but once you do, maintaining a fresh, functional, and frustration-free kitchen becomes effortless.
I know firsthand how overwhelming it can feel to tackle a messy space, but small daily efforts really do add up. And the best part? When your kitchen is clean and organized, cooking feels less like a chore and more like something you actually want to do.
Here are my top tips to help you get there.
1. Change Out Linens Daily
One of my must-dos when it comes to keeping a clean kitchen is frequently rotating out your linens. Kitchen towels and dishcloths collect bacteria fast, especially when they’re used to wipe down counters, dry hands, or clean up spills. Swapping them out daily helps keep your kitchen hygienic and prevents that musty smell from lingering. Keep a basket of clean towels handy, and toss used ones straight into the wash—no excuses.
If you’re in the market for some new kitchen linens, here are the two that I use the most.
Williams-Sonoma Classic Striped Towels
These may be on the pricier side, but I truly believe they’re worth every penny. It might sound odd to ‘invest’ in kitchen towels, but I’ve had mine for years, and not a single one has worn out. I mainly use these for bigger jobs—drying dishes, handling big spills, and even as makeshift pot holders or trivets when needed. If you go with a different brand, be sure to choose ones that are durable, thick, and made from 100% cotton—it makes all the difference in how well they last.
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Flour Sack Towels
These towels offer more bang for your buck. They’re incredibly versatile—perfect for drying hands, covering dishes and bread while proofing, or cleaning up spills. Their lightweight design means they dry quickly, making them a convenient option to keep on hand in the kitchen. Whether you’re in the middle of cooking or cleaning up afterward, they’re sure to be a reliable staple.
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2. Keep the Sink Empty (or at Least Manageable)
A sink full of dirty dishes makes the whole kitchen feel chaotic, and let’s be honest—it’s not fun to stare at. Washing dishes as you go, or at least rinsing them and loading the dishwasher, keeps things under control. A great dish soap should be effective at cutting through grease, while still being gentle on your hands. Look for formulas that rinse off easily without leaving any residue.
It’s important to replace your sponges regularly to keep germs at bay and prevent them from becoming a breeding ground for bacteria. To keep your sponges fresh and extend their life, you can also sanitize them by microwaving them for a few seconds or soaking them in a mixture of water and vinegar.
Don’t forget to give your sink some attention as well. It’s one of the germiest spots in your kitchen, so regular sanitizing is key. After washing dishes, spray down the sink with a disinfectant cleaner or a vinegar-water solution to kill off bacteria. Wipe down all surfaces thoroughly, paying special attention to the faucet and drain area. A clean, sanitized sink helps prevent the spread of germs and ensures your kitchen stays fresh and ready for your next meal prep.
3. Wipe Down Surfaces After Each Use
A few crumbs and a little grease might not seem like a big deal, but if you let them sit for a day, they can quickly turn into a sticky mess. Over time, that small buildup can become harder to clean, and what seemed like a minor issue now feels like a much bigger chore. Taking just a few minutes to wipe down your counters after cooking or eating can make a huge difference. Not only does it prevent sticky buildup, but it also makes deep cleaning sessions feel much less overwhelming.
For areas that have come into contact with raw meats, fish, or eggs, it’s important to use a disinfectant wipe or spray to kill any harmful bacteria. For everyday spills, a multipurpose cleaner works great to tackle grease, crumbs, or any other messes. Keeping a pack of microfiber cloths handy is a smart move—they’re highly absorbent, durable, and perfect for wiping up spills and cleaning surfaces without leaving streaks. Tip: Consider buying microfiber cloths in different colors and assigning each one to a separate room. This way, you can avoid cross-contamination and keep your cleaning routine organized.
Clorox Scentiva Disinfectant Spray and Wipes
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Mrs. Meyers Multi-Purpose Cleaner, Mint
Both this and the ‘Plum Berry’ scent are my favorite!
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Microfiber Cloths
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4. Declutter Your Pantry and Fridge Regularly
We’ve all been there—digging through the fridge only to find a forgotten container of something that should’ve been tossed weeks ago. Doing a quick weekly sweep to check expiration dates, wipe down shelves, and organize items helps prevent science experiments from forming and makes meal prep a breeze. A simple “first in, first out” rule ensures nothing gets wasted and makes it easier to keep track of what you have. This habit also helps you avoid overbuying ingredients and makes you more mindful of what’s already in your fridge. You’d be surprised by what meals you can create with what you already have on hand.
5. Store Items Where You Actually Use Them
Ever wonder why your most-used spices are shoved in a cabinet across the kitchen? Or why you have to dig through a cluttered drawer just to find the cutting board you use every day? A little reorganization can make a huge difference in how smoothly your kitchen runs. Keeping essentials—like knives, cutting boards, and cooking oils—right where you actually use them saves time and frustration. I even keep mine out on the counter for quick access because, let’s be real, I use them constantly.
The same goes for unloading the dishwasher—storing plates, bowls, and glasses nearby makes the process faster and easier. Reorganizing your cabinets might seem like a daunting task now, but it will save you so much time in the long run. While you’re at it, take this opportunity to purge anything you haven’t used in ages or don’t see yourself needing. Clearing out the clutter makes space for the things you actually use, making your kitchen feel more functional and less frustrating to work in. A few small changes now can make cooking and cleaning feel effortless later.
6. Do a Quick Nightly Reset
Spending five to ten minutes tidying up before bed (or before you are winding down for the night) is a game-changer. Wipe down counters, put away stray items, and give everything a final once-over. Waking up to a clean kitchen sets a positive tone for the day, and trust me—future you will be grateful.
I follow this list almost every night to make sure everything is ready for the next morning—and now you can too! Grab the printable checklist to make it even easier to stay on track.
Efficient Nighttime Kitchen Routine
- Clear the counters (put away any items and wipe down spills)
- Wash and dry any dishes in the sink (or put them in the dishwasher!)
- Wipe down all surfaces (counters, stove, and table)
- Put old linens in the wash and replace with fresh ones
- Take out the trash and replace the bag
- Store leftovers and any ingredients left out
- Check and restock supplies (paper towels, soap, dish detergent, etc.)
7. Be Ruthless About Kitchen Gadgets and Utensils
Do you really need that avocado slicer? How about the spiralizer you used once two years ago? Cluttered drawers and overstuffed cabinets make cooking frustrating. If an item doesn’t get regular use, donate it or store it elsewhere. Stick to the essentials, and your kitchen will feel twice as spacious.
To be honest, the only gadgets you truly need to start with are a good knife and a sturdy cutting board. As you add more tools to your kitchen, you’ll quickly realize that while some gadgets might save you a little time, many are bulky, hard to clean, or take up too much storage space. Sometimes, the simplest tools are the most reliable!
HENCKELS Knife Set
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Walnut Wood Cutting Board
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8. Make Clean-Up a Team Effort
If you share your kitchen with others, get everyone involved in the cleanup process. Whether it’s roommates, family, or a partner, dividing tasks can make it go much faster. Set clear expectations and keep things fair so that no one feels like they’re doing all the work. Even younger kids can help by putting dishes in the sink, wiping down surfaces, or clearing the table. The simple rule of “If you make the mess, you help clean it up” should apply to everyone! Not only does this make cleaning more manageable, but it also builds great habits that will last. Teamwork in the kitchen can create a sense of shared responsibility and help maintain a clutter-free space without anyone feeling overwhelmed.
By making these habits second nature, you’ll keep your kitchen looking great without feeling like you’re constantly scrubbing and organizing. A little effort every day means no more overwhelming deep cleans or chaotic meal preps. Got any kitchen organization hacks that work for you? Drop them in the comments—I’m always looking for new ideas!