Hey, cleaning besties! I dove into a 1950s guide to cleaning the kitchen, and it was a whole vibe. Whether you’re channeling your inner 1950s housewife, or just want an in depth guide to give you a step-by-step plan for cleaning your kitchen, this is for you. I\u2019ll be sharing what the 1950s housewives did, and how I\u2019ve adapted it for my home as a cleaning expert!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I also added my own modern-day tips alongside the vintage ones so you can mix and match what works for you. It\u2019s all about balance, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So, grab your coffee (or whatever\u2019s keeping you awake today), and let’s get into it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The very first thing on the list? Open a window. Yep, before you even touch a dish, crack that sucker open and invite some fresh air in. Not only does it give you great lighting to work by, it\u2019s a solid mood booster. Bonus points if there\u2019s a breeze that makes your kitchen curtains do their thing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What I do:<\/strong> I follow this step exactly. Fresh air while cleaning is a must! First, it airs out your home and keeps things feeling fresh. It\u2019s especially important if you\u2019re using any store-bought cleaners or cleaning chemicals. Remember, these are meant to be used in a ventilated area for your health, so go ahead and crack that window for your sake!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Next up, throw on an apron. And listen, if you don\u2019t have one, we need to talk. The apron is the<\/em> 1950s housewife accessory. Not only does it protect your outfit from soap suds and random grease splatters, but it also just makes you feel put-together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What I do:<\/strong> I seriously love this step. (No surprise here right?) I even have a link to my Amazon page with all my favorite aprons if you need to snag one. (I do make a little commission if you buy through these links) But if you\u2019re crafty, making your own apron is such a fun beginner sewing project! Trust me, it\u2019s worth it. I\u2019ve been obsessed with the Dainty Meadow line from Moda Fabrics lately, and plan to make a few myself!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Before anything else, fill your sink with hot, soapy water and let your dishes soak. This step reminds me so much of Summers in my Grandma\u2019s kitchen. She is a great homemaker, and was always on top of the dishes and chores.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What I do:<\/strong> I actually do this as a prep step before cooking each meal. I\u2019ll fill up one side of my sink (or use a tub now that I have a single-basin sink) with hot, soapy water so I can toss things in to soak while I cook. Then it goes straight into the dishwasher, or is washed immediately upon finishing the meal. It\u2019s such a game-changer and makes cleaning up after meals a breeze.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The guide says to grab a good ol\u2019 cloth and a spray bottle with water and vinegar. First up, wipe down your counters. But don\u2019t stop there. Tackle your fridge at the same time. If you\u2019re feeling ambitious, peek inside the fridge to see if there are any, um, science experiments hiding in the back. Get rid of any expired food, and give things a little wipe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What I do:<\/strong> Heads up, water and vinegar can clean they don\u2019t actually sanitize. For disinfecting, I prefer to use very strong vodka or rubbing alcohol. (You can grab my post on making a non-toxic disinfecting cleaner here<\/a><\/strong>!) If you\u2019ve got a stainless steel fridge, finish with a little baby oil to polish it up and make it look brand new. I clean out my fridge every Wednesday as part of my cleaning routine. (Click here for my post on my cleaning routine and cleaning schedule!)<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n By now, your dishes have soaked enough. Time to roll up your sleeves! The guide recommends washing in a specific order. Start with the glassware, move to silverware, then plates, and finish with the cooking utensils.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What I do:<\/strong> I totally agree with this order! But in general, wash clean to dirty, delicate to sturdy. And here\u2019s a pro tip for glassware or delicate dishes: place a towel at the bottom of your sink to prevent scratching or chipping during both soaking and washing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to the guide, it\u2019s time to soak your oven rack. The guide suggested using vinegar and water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What I do:<\/strong> Honestly, vinegar might not cut it alone. You can follow the video below for cleaning oven racks thoroughly. Big tip? I only keep one rack in my oven unless it\u2019s a holiday where I need two. That way, while I clean one, I always have a clean rack ready to swap in. If life interrupts my cleaning, no stress\u2013I can still use the oven. You can also purchase mats or foil for the bottom of your oven to make cleaning spills sooo much easier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nStep 2: Apron On<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nStep 3: Soak the Dishes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nStep 4: Wipe Counters & Fridge<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nStep 5: Wash the Dishes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nStep 6: The Oven<\/h2>\n\n\n\n