Weekend Project: Kitchen Cleanup

Your kitchen is one of the most frequently used rooms in your apartment, making it also one of the most likely to accumulate clutter and develop disorganization. Keeping your kitchen clean and organized will not only improve the look and of this space, it will also reduce the time and effort needed to prepare meals.

Tackle Your Countertops First

Your countertops are one of the first features you see when you walk into your kitchen. However, countertops are also one of the places where clutter and dust is most likely to accumulate. Clean countertops will enhance the look of your apartment’s kitchen and make this space feel even larger and more luxurious for a kitchen environment you’ll love to occupy. Quartz countertops are one of the easiest materials to clean—all you’ll need is a damp cloth to wipe away most dust and dirt, but mild dish soap and warm water can be used to address any stubborn stains. Once your countertops are clean, dry them with a second cloth to prevent water spots. Reducing the number of items you keep on your countertops will ensure that your kitchen always feels large, welcoming, and uncluttered. Pick two to three of the gadgets you use most frequently to set out, and keep any additional items stored inside your cabinets for a cleaner look. If you want to keep items such as utensils, cutting boards, and trivets handy, consider installing hooks to make use of your kitchen’s wall space and turn these necessities into a personalized display.

Organize Your Pantry and Cabinets for Convenience

Behind the doors of your pantry and cabinets, disorganization can easily take over. While your kitchen may look neat at first glance, overflowing or poorly-organized cabinets will increase the amount of time it takes to prepare meals and can even result in wasted food if you lose items in the back of your pantry and inadvertently let them expire. The best way to organize your pantry and cabinets is to remove everything and start from scratch. Before replacing any items, take some time to wipe down your shelves with a damp cloth to remove any dust or crumbs. For greater convenience, store pots, pans, and other bakeware near your stove and oven, and keep plates, glasses, and utensils near your meal preparation areas. Any dishes or glasses that are damaged should go into the trash, while lesser-used items such as party platters should be kept on upper shelves, leaving your lower and more accessible shelve open for everyday items. Placing cleaning supplies inside a bucket or caddy keeps these items together and contained so you’ll spend less time cleaning. As you replace food in your pantry, check each item’s expiration date; throw away all expired items, then replace foods with the longest shelf life at the back so you’ll pull out the items that expire first when cooking. Grouping like foods together in zones, such as spices, baking mixes, cereals, and snacks, will make it easier to find what you want when you open the pantry door.

Alta West End is pleased to offer luxury apartments in Houston, TX, with everything you need to enjoy a comfortable and modern lifestyle. Our apartment kitchens include quartz countertops, pendant lighting, custom cabinetry, and large under mount sinks to increase comfort and convenience every day. You can check out our full list of amenities or explore our one- and two-bedroom apartment floor plans on our website, where you’ll also find our online gallery and contact information.