After that last Costco run or trip to the supermarket, you likely put things where they fit and not necessarily where they need to go. And when was the last time you paid as much attention to the pantry when cleaning as the rest of the house? It’s a space rarely seen by company and used only by a few people – why spend the time? Cleaning a pantry is actually just as important as any other room in the house, since that’s where you store food and food-related appliances or dishes. But with our 15-minute pantry cleaning tips, the pantry will be sparkling and ready to show off!
Empty and Clean
The pantry cleaning process is simple. Empty it out, clean it up, put everything back. Move your trash can or bag near the pantry, then empty all the shelves and place everything on your kitchen counters and table. If you haven’t done it already, separate your goods into everyday use and occasional use. With a bowl of warm water and a touch of dish soap, dip a sponge or rag into the bowl and wipe down any sticky packages.
Time to tackle the shelves. With a hand vac or damp cloth, rid the shelves of any dust, crumbs or debris. If there are any sticky spots, sprinkle with baking soda and cover with a wet paper towel for a few minutes. Then wipe away the loosened stain. Wipe down all the shelves with a dry towel.
Time to load everything back in. Put the occasional use item on the upper shelves and the everyday items on the eye level and below shelves. Heavy stuff like jugs of liquids go on the bottom shelves. Any loose items can go into a designated plastic bin.
Cleaning Out the Pantry
As you’re cleaning your pantry, considering cleaning it out. With everything out and stacked on the counters, this is a great time to look at expiration dates and toss things that are old and stale. Also look at supplies that are still good but maybe have been in there for months or years with no use in sight. Could you donate these shelf-stable items to your local food bank or shelter, where they would definitely get used?
Need a HouseMaids touch I your pantry? Call us at (941) 953-4300 to request a free estimate and schedule a cleaning. We can for a one-time cleaning or set up regular appointments. But rest assured, we deep clean every time we clean. Our cleaning is also backed by a 24-hour guarantee!
