how to spring clean your kitchen

Clean, Clear, & Ready to Cook: Your Spring Kitchen Overhaul

/19 Comments/in , , /by Mary Hunt

Spring is here, and that means it’s time for a fresh start—especially in the kitchen. If your cabinets are overflowing, your drawers are a mess, and your countertops have become a catch-all, this guide is for you. I’ll walk you through exactly how to spring clean your kitchen with a simple, no-fail method: declutter, deep clean, and reorganize. Plus, I’ve got some DIY cleaning recipes that will leave your kitchen sparkling!

how to spring clean your kitchen

Ever feel like your kitchen is working against you instead of for you? You’re not alone. Over time, cabinets fill up with mystery lids, appliances you swore you’d use, and a dozen mismatched coffee mugs. And let’s not even talk about the junk drawer. (Spoiler alert: You don’t need 27 takeout soy sauce packets or that lone corn cob holder.)

A decluttered and well-organized kitchen can make cooking and cleaning so much easier. I’ve revamped my annual kitchen decluttering challenge to make the process simple, efficient, and—dare I say—fun. Grab some boxes, roll up your sleeves, and let’s get to work!

Step 1: Empty Cabinets and Drawers Completely

I know, I know—this part feels like creating more chaos before the magic happens. But trust me on this one. If you really want to spring clean your kitchen the right way, you need to start with a blank slate. That means pulling everything out of your cabinets and drawers. Yes, even the questionable spice jars lurking in the back from who-knows-when.

Lay it all out on your counters or table so you can see exactly what you’re working with. This step is crucial because it forces you to take stock of what you actually have—spoiler alert: probably more duplicates and expired items than you think. (Looking at you, three half-used bottles of vanilla extract.)

And while you’re at it, maybe it’s finally time to part ways with that electric French-fry fryer you used once and the odd collection of sports bottles from every charity walk-a-thon you’ve ever participated in. We all have them. It’s okay.

Step 2: Sort and Declutter with Smart Categories

Now that your kitchen looks like a yard sale exploded, it’s time to sort and declutter. This is where we separate the “actually useful” from the “what was I thinking?” and give everything a proper place.

Start by creating four simple categories:

  1. Donate: The gadgets you swore you’d use (but never did) and the extra mugs multiplying in your cabinet like rabbits. If it’s still in good condition but not serving you, let someone else enjoy it.
  2. Sell: If you’ve got high-end cookware, small appliances, or trendy kitchen tools that are still valuable, list them online and make a little cash back.
  3. Trash: Anything broken, expired, or past its prime—yes, including that mystery spice jar with a faded label from a decade ago.
  4. Keep: This is the good stuff, the kitchen MVPs that earn their spot in your home. But before tossing everything back in, we’re going to get strategic.

As you sort, think about how you actually use your kitchen. Group similar items together and create zones that match your daily routines:

  • Coffee Station: Keep mugs, coffee pods, and sweeteners all in one spot.
  • Prep & Cooking Zone: Cutting boards, knives, and mixing bowls go near your prep space.
  • Everyday Essentials: Keep plates, glasses, and silverware within arm’s reach—and just as easy putting away once they’ve made their great escape from the dishwasher.

This method isn’t about just moving things around—it’s about creating a kitchen that works for you. And if you’ve been holding onto something “just in case,” ask yourself: Would I actually buy this again today? If not, it’s time to let it go!

Step 3: Deep Clean Every Surface

Now that your cabinets and drawers are empty, it’s time to give them a deep clean. You’ll be amazed at how much dust, crumbs, and mystery debris collect in these spaces—no judgment, it happens to all of us.

Start with the Insides

Before you reach for a cleaner, grab a handheld vacuum (or your vacuum’s hose attachment) and suck up all those stray crumbs and dust bunnies lurking in corners. Once the loose debris is gone, wipe down every surface using a microfiber cloth and an all-purpose cleaner (or our DIY All-Purpose Heavy Duty Cleaner.)

Now, Tackle the Outsides

If your wood cabinets have developed a sticky film of grease and grime, they need a little extra love. An orange oil wood polish will work wonders to cut through the buildup while nourishing the wood. Or, for a budget-friendly and just-as-effective alternative, try our DIY General Wood Cabinet Cleaner Recipe.

Don’t Forget the Countertops

Grease, spills, and daily wear can leave countertops looking dull and grimy. A kitchen surface degreaser (or our DIY Kitchen Surface Degreaser) will cut through the mess with ease—without harming your surfaces. This cleaner is safe for just about anything: granite, quartz, quartzite, slate, soapstone, Formica, stainless steel, porcelain, ceramic tile, finished wood, and even concrete. If your countertop isn’t on this list, chances are, it’s still safe—but maybe do a quick spot test to be sure.

Once everything is sparkling, step back and admire your work! A deep-cleaned kitchen just feels lighter, fresher, and way more inviting—and now you won’t cringe the next time you open a drawer.

Step 4: Strategically Organize for Efficiency

Now that your kitchen is clean, it’s time to put everything back. The goal? A setup that saves you time, frustration, and unnecessary digging through cluttered drawers when all you want is a measuring cup.

  1. Group Like Items Together: Keep baking supplies in one spot, cooking oils and spices near the stove, and everyday dishes within easy reach. Think about how you use your kitchen and arrange things accordingly. If you use your blender every morning, don’t stash it on a high shelf—give it a home where you can grab it without an upper-body workout.
  2. Use Bins, Dividers, and Lazy Susans: Deep cabinets and pantries are notorious for swallowing items into the abyss. Clear bins keep small items from getting lost, drawer dividers prevent utensil chaos, and a lazy Susan is a game-changer for spices, condiments, or under-sink supplies.
  3. Maximize Vertical Space: If you’re short on storage, think up. Stackable shelf organizers, hanging hooks for mugs, and even adhesive storage solutions on cabinet doors can double your storage without taking up extra room.
  4. Label It (If That’s Your Thing): If you love a Pinterest-worthy pantry, go for it. Labels keep everyone in the house on the same page—so no more “Where does the coffee go?” debates.
  5. Make It Functional, Not Just Aesthetic: A beautifully organized kitchen is great, but if it doesn’t make your life easier, what’s the point? Store everyday essentials in prime real estate and rarely used items like holiday cookie cutters up high or in less accessible spots.

Once you’ve placed everything with intention, take a step back and admire your work. Doesn’t it just feel lighter and more efficient? Now, the next time you cook, you’ll spend less time hunting for things and more time enjoying your beautifully organized space!

Creative Storage Solutions to Maximize Your Kitchen Space

Here are some ideas that’ll free up space and make your kitchen function more smoothly.

1. Towel Racks with S-Hooks

hanging utensils towel rack with s-hook in kitchen

A basic towel rack with S-hooks is a genius way to store your cooking tools and keep them within arm’s reach. It’s simple to set up, and it adds a bit of flair to your kitchen without taking up valuable counter space.

S-hooks and towel bars come in various finishes and sizes, so you can easily pick the style that complements your kitchen’s vibe.

2. Pegboard: Not Just for the Garage

kitchen pegboard utensils julia child inspired rolling pin

When you think of pegboards, you probably picture a cluttered garage or tool shed. But Julia Child’s famous kitchen pegboard proves this idea belongs in the heart of the home too. Imagine using a small pegboard above your stovetop or near your fridge to store utensils, pots, or measuring cups. It’s not just functional—it’s a great way to showcase your kitchen tools, too.

Wooden Pegboard Organizer
Wooden Pegboard Organizer
    Buy on Amazon

    3. Command Hooks

    Believe it or not, there was a time before Command hooks. Introduced in 1996, the idea was awesome but the look left a bit to be desired. But now—so many years later? Wow. It’s hard to remember what we did without them. Command hooks have been perfected. And they come in so many options—some able to hold up to 7.5 pounds. Perfect for hanging measuring cups, dish towels, or even your favorite kitchen gadgets. I use them in my bathrooms, but trust me, they’re equally great in the kitchen for keeping things tidy and off the counters.

    Command Medium Designer Hooks
    Command Medium Designer Hooks
      $15.79
      Buy on Amazon

      No More Procrastinating

      Alright, it’s time to stop putting this off. My kitchen isn’t going to organize itself, as much as I’d like it to. And let’s be real, that pile of mismatched Tupperware and the mysteriously warped pan that hasn’t seen daylight in years? They’re not going anywhere unless I take action.

      Here’s my rule: If I’ve used it in the last month, it gets a chance to stay. If it’s been languishing in the back of the cabinet, collecting dust and lost hopes, it’s officially on the chopping block.

      I’m committed. I’m determined. I will box it up, donate it, and maybe even pawn some of it off on unsuspecting friends and family. No mercy for the kitchen clutter that’s too “good” to throw away but never gets used. (Spoiler: It’s all gotta go.)

      I’ll go shelf by shelf, drawer by drawer, until every corner is clean, organized, and functional. And when it’s all done, I’ll sit back, sip my coffee, and admire the kitchen of my dreams—until it’s time to cook dinner and start all over again.

      Are You In?

      Because I have a feeling I may not be alone in this need for kitchen organization, I’m inviting all who dare to join me in this marathon event! I could use the company.

      Somehow knowing others are participating in the same task will keep me on track and moving forward.

      Question: Be honest—What’s the weirdest (or most useless) thing you’ve ever found hiding in your kitchen cabinets? I once found a jello mold shaped like Mount Rushmore—I wish I were joking.

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      19 replies
      1. Peach McComb says:

        EXCELLENT and very practical advice! I got immediately to work and it was a total refresh for my kitchen cupboards and the pantry closet. Once I was done I felt so much better! I discovered that I had THREE containers of vanilla! How silly is that? Now I am using your Spring cleaning advice to clean my art studio. A far more daunting task, but I know I will get there. Thank you Mary for your wonderful articles. I read them religiously!

        Reply
      2. Gail Forsberg says:

        Thank you Mary! I’ve just been thinking the last couple weeks about doing my drawers in the kitchen, I have many! You know, you really do light up my life! Thank you for being you!!! Have a beautiful wonderful spring!

        Reply
      3. linda says:

        the oddest thing? three packs of instant oatmeal. my sons refuse to eat oatmeal at all and i only eat the old fashioned oats. i have no idea where these came from. while my kitchen isn’t that big, physically i am not able to do the deep cleaning mary suggests. i break it down into sections and do one section a day.

        Reply
      6. Barb says:

        I have a good sized kitchen but not a lot of storage and a daughter whose main joy in life is cooking and baking. She uses all her stuff and there’s a lot of it. We have no choice but to hang things on the walls, including a bar that hangs in an alcove with pots and pans hanging from it. The pegboard would work so much better than the random nails and command hooks I have on the wall. That may be in my future.

        Reply
      7. Dayle says:

        I am 103% in ‍♀️ Why do we have the very top shelves in our cupboards? I’m sure I am not the only one who puts the “items that I use very rarely” up there and then never use them ‍♀️ This is the perfect time to seriously declutter and the kitchen is a great place to start. Thank you so much for sharing all of your great tips and tricks and wisdom over the years. I use your website everydaycheapskate.com often as I know I can find a solution for pretty much any challenge I am facing around the house or any recipe I might need for making my own cleaning products or baking a delicious creation. Thank you from the bottom of my heart❤️

        Reply
      8. Karla Bergen says:

        Oh wow. Some of you ladies are really into the perfectly organized house.I haven’t done spring cleaning in 30 years! We get Ling just fine and I’ve used my time to read 17 books since January 1. My cupboards may be overflowing, but so is my mind, overflowing with new knowledge, insight into humanity, history, travel, and much more. What a narrow, boring life to focus on the perfectly kept house.

        Reply
      9. Judi says:

        I have to start somewhere. It won’t be spring cleaning though it will be putting the house on the market cleaning, I think.

        Reply
      10. Linda Radosevich says:

        Just a thanks to you, Mary, for keeping us calm and feeling normal in this suddenly crazy world! Hurray for you!

        Reply
      11. GLenda says:

        I’m with Ruth. Things outside on a peg board over time is subject to a few elements and the stuff hanging would bother me…. I like everything inside a drawer or behind door. Of course….. will I really be able to get it all in there?! Lol I also have a fairly new kitchen but it sure doesn’t take long to get it cluttered. I’m in, Mary!! Love your site!! Been with ya since cheapskate monthly newsletter!!!!

        Reply
      12. Faith says:

        I’m with you Mary! I hate clutter and I try to reorganize my storage areas yearly. I really must have a yard sale this summer!

        Reply
      13. Ruth says:

        Looks great, but like outside of cabinets, over time your utensils are open to sneezing, kitchen air and smoke, heat, etc. It is more hygienic to store these inside a cabinet door or in a drawer!!

        Reply
      14. Heidi Reed says:

        I’m in!! My adult granddaughter just moved in and I need this house organized. The kitchen is a great place to start! Thank you…

        Reply
      16. dsb says:

        Yes, sounds like a plan, I do have a little extra time these days. My husband loves kitchen gadgets, he would like to have a special tool for each kitchen task, so we have drawers of barely used (useless) things. Drives me nuts. I will put them all in a box in the pantry and bet we don’t reach in it for a month (or ever, in my opinion). Thanks for the inspiration!

        Reply
      17. TJW says:

        Well, I STARTED a couple of days ago. I’ve only done one drawer… but I love it! I have a whole house to do, but I’ll shoot for one space in the kitchen each day. I have at least 5 more weeks, after all… lots of time! Today, I’ll tackle a second drawer.

        Reply
      18. Pat vincent says:

        I beat you to it. Just finished the kitchen yesterday in my start of Spring cleaning. Helping me to feel productive in this time of temporary distancing.

        Can’t imagine you really need to do this though with your new kitchen!

        Reply

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