10 Step Kitchen Reset

During the festive season, our kitchens are getting a good workout. From hosting dinner parties, to preparing Thanksgiving and Christmas menus, and baking endless trays of Christmas cookies, it’s the time of year when the kitchen just needs to function well. So it’s only fair to prep and recover from the extra use with a thorough 10 Step Kitchen Reset, giving the heart of the home some needed TLC.

Let’s be honest! I’m writing this post because a thorough kitchen reset is on my to-do list. I keep adding things to my list and thought I’d share it with you in the hope of starting mine as a result of it. Take a full tour of my kitchen here.

So, let’s stop procrastinating and get through this list, shall we?

10 Step Kitchen Reset

1. Clean everything: I mean EVERYTHING. Do one drawer and cupboard a day. Take everything out, sort, and wipe. Keep a large rubbish bag and donate box ready. Take the extractor fan filters out and give them a clean. Get into those nooks and crannies. Wipe down the TOP of the cupboards. Create a clean slate!
2. Sharpen your knives: A sharp knife is a safe knife so get the sharpener of your choice out and give your essential tools a spruce up.
3. Oil your wood: Wooden spoons, chopping, and serving boards also deserve some love and care. I refresh mine with a beeswax paste a local woodworker gave to me but you can order some food safe wood oil online.
4. Soak your tea towels: Over time, tea towels and cloths start to smell, especially when onions are involved. Time to give them a solid soak in boiling water, 1/2 cup of white vinegar, and 1/2 cup of baking soda. Replace any tired towels and brushes that you can’t revive.
5. Check your stock: Fresh is best when it comes to most ingredients, including dry ingredients. Check your pantry including spices for stock levels and freshness and do a bulk order for ingredients you’ll use a lot of – butter, flour, and sugar in bulk to save some money.
6. Make room in the freezer: “It stores well for up to 3 months in the freezer”, or 8. Maybe not so much! How many items are lurking at the back or bottom of your freezer that are definite overstayers? It’s time to go through it and make room for all those delicious festive leftovers.
7. Get an apron: I know, it feels so 1950s but stained clothes are even worse. Get a cute or plain apron you love to wear – it doesn’t have to be a full one, a half apron is better than grubby pants and dresses.
8. Check your equipment: Make sure all your kitchen machines, aka stand mixer, Instant Pot, coffee machines are in good working order. Need another attachment, seal, insert, or replace a knob? With the Amazon Prime Day and Black Friday coming up on, make a list now with everything that might need replacing. Book in any services that are due.
9. Clean that oven: If you’re like me and don’t clean your oven on a regular basis, now is the time to do so. Buy that spray or clean you oven naturally, create a cleaning paste by mixing baking soda and water (1/2 cup of baking soda to 3 tablespoons of water). Spread this paste over the inside of your oven and let it sit overnight. The next day, spray the dried paste with white vinegar to make it fizz. Use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe away the fizzing mixture, which will remove all the grime and grease.
10. Season your cookware: If you love cooking with cast iron or steel pans, now is the time to give all pots and pans a thorough scrub and season for non-stick cooking during the festive season.
11. BONUS: Treat yourself to something nice for the busy season. A cute mug, new apron, fall candle, or a new appliance. You deserve it!