I think I’ve said it before 😉 but I absolutely adore the holidays! The coziness, the tree, the twinkle lights, the Hope…all of it.
But I’ll also be honest, once the celebrations are over, my kitchen always feels like a complete disaster. Between baking marathons (mostly my girls), holiday feasts (me), and all the endless snacks (everyone), it’s like chaos took over.
That’s why I’ve picked up a few tricks to restore my kitchen after the holidays quickly and with less stress.
If your kitchen is in need of some post-holiday TLC, don’t worry—I’ve got you.
How to Get Your Kitchen Back in Shape After the Holidays
Here’s my step-by-step plan to clean and restore your kitchen after the holidays so it feels fresh, functional, and ready for the new year (and all those resolutions 🤭).
Step 1: Start with a Clean Slate
First things first: clear the counters and sink.
- Unload the Dishwasher: If it’s full of clean dishes, put them away.
- Wash or Load Dirty Dishes: Get them out of the sink and off the counters.
- Remove Non-Kitchen Items: Holiday decorations, stray mail, or anything else that doesn’t belong in the kitchen can go back to its proper place.
Clearing the surfaces gives you room to work and instantly makes the kitchen feel less chaotic.
Step 2: Declutter the Leftovers
Holiday leftovers are great, but they don’t last forever. Check your fridge for:
- Expired or spoiled food. (Yup, I’m looking at that congealed gravy way in the back!)
- Half-empty containers of dips, sauces, or anything that’s past its prime.
- Leftover cookies or treats no one is going to eat (it’s okay to let them go!).
Wipe down shelves and organize what’s left so you can see everything at a glance.
Step 3: Deep Clean Appliances
The holidays can leave your appliances working overtime. Give them some deep cleaning love:
- Microwave: Wipe down the inside with a damp cloth or heat up a bowl of water and lemon juice to steam-clean it.
- Oven: Remove any baked-on spills or splatters. If your oven has a self-cleaning function, now’s the time to use it.
- Stovetop: Clean burners or grates and wipe down surfaces.
- Refrigerator: After decluttering, wipe down shelves, drawers, and handles.
- Dishwasher: Run a cleaning cycle with a dishwasher-safe cleaner or a cup of white vinegar on the top rack.
Step 4: Wipe Down Surfaces
Holiday cooking can leave grease and grime in places you don’t always notice. Pay extra attention to:
- Appliance fronts and glass doors
- Cabinet doors and handles
- Backsplash tiles
- Light switches and doorknobs
I like to use a gentle, all-purpose cleaner or a DIY mix of vinegar and water for most surfaces.
Step 5: Tackle the Floors
With all the extra foot traffic during the holidays, the floors probably need a little extra attention.
- Sweep or vacuum to pick up crumbs and debris.
- Mop with a cleaner that’s safe for your floor type.
- Spot-clean any stubborn stains or sticky spots.
- Sweep or mop again if needed.
Step 6: Restock the Essentials
The holidays can deplete your pantry and cleaning supplies. Take a quick inventory and restock any basics like:
- Paper towels or dishcloths
- Dish soap or dishwasher detergent
- Pantry staples (flour, sugar, spices, rice, pasta, etc.)
It’s also a great time to sort and quickly reorganize your pantry or cabinets if they’ve become cluttered.
Step 7: Add a Fresh Touch
Once the cleaning is done, add a little something to make the kitchen feel refreshed and welcoming:
- A vase of fresh greenery or blooms (real or faux!)
- A new candle or diffuser with a clean, crisp scent
- A freshly washed dish towel or cute hand towel
These small touches make the kitchen feel like a space you want to spend time in again.
Step 8: Set Up a Maintenance Plan
After putting in all that effort, keep the kitchen running smoothly with a few simple habits:
- Wipe down counters and sink daily/after each cooking session.
- Do a quick sweep or vacuum of the floor every night (less necessary if you have a wee doggie who eats all the crumbs – although it’s still a good idea).
- Stay on top of dishes by unloading the dishwasher first thing in the morning.
A little daily maintenance can prevent future chaos and keep the space feeling fresh.
FAQs
Start small and focus on one area at a time. Begin with clearing the countertops and loading the dishwasher or handwashing dishes. Breaking tasks into smaller steps can make the process feel more manageable.
1. Remove all items and group them by type (e.g., condiments, dairy, leftovers).
2. Toss expired or questionable items.
3. Wipe down shelves and drawers with a mixture of warm water and a little dish soap. For sticky messes, let a damp cloth sit on the spot for a few minutes before wiping.
4. Replace items in an organized way, using bins or clear containers if needed.
Focus on returning items to their proper places first. Group similar items together (e.g., baking supplies, pots and pans). If you find items that don’t belong in the kitchen, move them to the appropriate room. Consider donating or storing things you didn’t use during the holidays to free up space.
– Simmer a pot of water with citrus slices and cinnamon sticks on the stove for a natural air freshener.
– Place a bowl of baking soda or coffee grounds on the counter overnight to absorb odors.
– Open windows for a few minutes to let fresh air circulate.
The holidays might have left my kitchen in more than the normal disarray. But with a little effort, I can always make it feel fresh and inviting again. Once the hard work is done, I like to take a moment to appreciate the clean, pour myself a cup of coffee, and enjoy the calm after the holiday chaos. You can do it too!
What’s your biggest post-holiday kitchen challenge? Let me know in the comments. I’d love to help!
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