1 Hour to a Clutterfree Kitchen
This week’s Clutter Challenge is all about how to have a sparkling refrigerator in one hour or less. This is going to be the week to toss the leftovers before they can walk to the garbage themselves… Get ready by gathering all your supplies and place them in a plastic bin or caddy, that way you will have everything on hand. You won't want to waste any time running around looking for items like the sponges or black garbage bags. Terry clothes are a great cleaning product. I also highly recommend the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser! This is an amazing product that will clean in the grooves of the refrigerator handle as well as the wall as well as the floor and so on and so on. I haven't found anything it can't do! Wet it and use it until it is all gone, they last a long time. Be sure to make the process fun, play music you enjoy and have a good time. You'll also want to be sure you have a snack on hand and drink a lot of water. You'd be surprised how much better you work when you have energy, so keep a snack handy and drink water. Here are the 10 steps I like to follow when cleaning the refrigerator: 1. Grab your garbage can and turn the temperature-control knob inside the refrigerator to 'Off.' If you have a refrigerator with a drip pan underneath, remove it to clean. 2. Take everything out of the fridge, as you pull it out decide if it is something to keep or to toss. Check expiration dates carefully. 3. Fill your sink with soapy water and soak all the removable pieces, shelves etc.
4. While the pieces are soaking wipe out the fridge, including the bins. 5. Replace all the shelves and turn the refrigerator knob to the recommended setting. 6. Consider placing a box of baking soda on a back shelf (for freshness) instead of opening the box at the top perforation; consider poking holes in the box lid. That way if it tips, there is less chance of spilling. 7. Wipe down the outside of the fridge including the top, and handle. If it is stainless steel use the polishing cream. 8. Put back all the food items, wiping down any sticky or messy bottles. As you replace the items try to put like with like. For example, all drinks on one shelf, all condiments together and so on. Also, make a list of the items you need or want to use. Then you can make a menu for the week using the items before they spoil. 9. Take it a step further and place all the items used for one task in a bin that you can pull out at one time, for example, all the items used for making sandwiches. 10. Lastly, you might also consider placing a lazy susan on one of the shelves to easily reach little items. And place muffin cups under the bottles that tend to leak and cause a sticky spill, like ketchup. That's it! Remember the kitchen is the heart of the home, when your countertops and fridge are clear your home runs smoother. Plus for many of us who resolved to save money or eat healthier this year a clear kitchen helps, you don’t buy what you already own and you can find the good snacks before grabbing the junk. In future challenges we’ll address easy meal planning and pantry organization. Lastly, if you come across outdated coupons in the junk drawer save them because all military stores allow customers to use coupons up to 6 months after they expire donate to: Alison Thompson Hall
PSC 2 Box 10421
APO AE 09012 Navy Marine Corps
Family Service Center
MBC Camp Butler
Unit 35026
PO AP 96737-5026 That’s it for this weeks challenge. When your refrigerator is clean you feel more in control. PS Please pass this email along to friends, family and co-workers now. PPS If you or someone you know lives near North Brunswick NJ I hope to see you or them this Saturday. PPPS Don't forget to grab a copy of Woman's World this week and turn to page 34.
ASK JAMIE A QUESTION
Click here to ask Jamie a question! FEATURED PRODUCT OR SERVICE OF THE MONTH Click here to view past products of the month The first month of the New Year is the perfect time to start a new check register and start a new system for bills and receipts. A 13 slot accordion file allows you to label one slot per month. Use that pocket to place all the stuff from that month. At the end of the year write the date on the outside and store it away with your tax return. 13 Pocket Expanding Folder GET YOUR OWN CHALLENGE
If this tip was forwarded to you sign up for your own copy here Click Here to Subscribe or Change Your Email Address
|
