Fall Cleaning

Fall Cleaning

 

As far as Spring cleaning goes, it does not happen, but by the start of August, this girl is thinking, "Pumpkins, pumpkins, pumpkins!!" All of a sudden, school is about to begin, fall baking and decorating magazines are hitting shelves, and fall clothing is coming out, which means, the house needs a complete fall clean-up.

Organizing the Spices

When thinking of Autumn, the first two thoughts are decorating and baking. First and foremost, is baking. Autumn is the time for comfort food to come in to play and when one of the first major holidays occurs, Thanksgiving. Like many folks, the spice cabinet is full of spices, hot sauces, and even teas that have outlived their life and yet, sometimes used. So, the first area that gets some order to it, is usually the cabinets. Here are some tips:

• Designate a cabinet strictly for baking and spice supplies. This way, when cooking nearly anything, there is no digging through multiple cabinets looking for a spice or mix packet or for balsamic vinegar or olive oil or whatever else.
• Even if the flour and sugar is not on the counter, go ahead and place it in a container in the cabinet. This way it is sealed and there will be no open bags (usually more than one of each).
• If the item is out of date-toss it! Just get rid of it, it is ok because, start buying and preparing for the holidays now and by the time they hit, all items will be up-to-date and good to use.

The Junk Cabinet

Another area is the junk cabinet or drawer. Most folks have one, which is fine. The problem tends to be, everything from the mail to medicine and batteries (used and new) end up placed in it. If it stays, organize it using containers for batteries, tape, even an open container for mail (just remember to go through it), extra keys, and anything else being kept in there. After that, if here is still space, use the rest of the cabinet for any medicine and vitamins or move those into a medicine basket in the bathroom. Another way to reduce the mail clutter in the cabinet, place a mail holder next to the kitchen door and place mail in that, it will get cleaned out.

Dishes, Pots, and Pans!!

Sometimes, the dish cabinet turns into the dishes and container cabinet or the dishes, cups, and container cabinet. Then there is the problem with buying new cups or dishes and not getting rid of older ones, same goes for pots and pans. Here are some tips for these areas:

• Clean out the unwanted or messed up pots, pans, cooking items (processors, toasters, etc.), dishes, and cups.
• Place dishes in one cabinet, cups and glasses in another, and so on and so fourth. The pots and pans should probably be near the oven, dishes and glasses and cups, typically close to the sink.
• Try not to put any of these items under the sink. Leave that area for trash bags, maybe a tool box (which comes in very handy) and a container with rags used for cleaning.

As far as other cabinets or the pantry goes, place cans with similar canned items, Cereals in one spot, bread in one spot, junk food in one area, and so on. Something kind of neat to do, get a small chalk board for each, or a select few, cabinet:

• Use the adhesive picture hangers to place them on the cabinet
• Write the items in the cabinet (ex: Spices, Canned Goods)
• Get different colored chalk and draw a leaf or pumpkin on the side

Not only will this be a reminder as to where to find items, it is festive, and easily adds a personal touch to the kitchen.
 
Happy Fall!!