Devil or angel – your pantry can be both. Some days it’s a welcome sight of delightful snacks, interesting food opportunities, and relief from all aspects of hunger. Other times it’s an overbearing monster, stuffed to the edges with goods that seem unnecessary and inexplicable. Regardless of its current state, keeping your pantry clean and tidy is a constant battle. Here are 6 tips for cleaning your pantry:
- Don’t Over-Buy – Starting even before your pantry is loaded to the ceiling, a key way to keep your pantry clean is to not over-buy items for which you don’t have space. Just because cake frosting is 4 for $4 doesn’t mean you have to purchase it. Buy what you need and keep your pantry shelves navigable.
- Purge – If you’ve already gone all-in on the mega-buying, reconsider what you really need. You likely have items in your pantry that are expired or don’t serve any immediate need. If you can donate to a food pantry, do so; otherwise, toss it.
- Organize – Decide how you can best arrange the food in your pantry for optimal organization. If you develop a system, you’re less likely to buy random items that serve no purpose. You’ll also be able to keep track more accurately of what you have and what you may need going forward.
- Clean Regularly – Waiting to clean your pantry all at once can seem overwhelming. Begin with one shelf and proceed systematically. Doing so on a routine schedule will reduce the burden.
- Limit Cleaning Product Usage – For most pantries, all you need is water and a damp cloth. You can wipe away dust, crumbs, and any other food debris with these two simple tools. You don’t want a bunch of chemicals near your food anyway, which is why water is always a safe bet.
- Implement Containers – If you’re not already doing so, invest in a storage and container system that enables you to see what you have stocked in your pantry. Avoiding random bags and boxes, and focusing on simplification, will help you maintain a clean pantry and keep track of what you own.
Does your pantry, or other aspects of your Carmel, Fishers or Zionsville home need a comprehensive cleaning? Accent Maid Service can help!