Christmas Kitchen Reset: Keeping Your Kitchen Sparkling Through Holiday Cooking
The holidays are a magical time filled with festive smells, family gatherings, and—let’s be honest—a LOT of kitchen mess. From flour-dusted countertops to sticky spills and stubborn grease, it’s easy for your kitchen to get overwhelmed during holiday cooking. But don’t let the mess steal your holiday cheer! With a few simple strategies, you can keep your kitchen sparkling from prep to cleanup.
1. Tackle Grease Before It Sets
Holiday meals often involve roasting, frying, and sautéing, leaving behind greasy surfaces that are harder to clean the longer they sit. Combat grease quickly:
Wipe as you go: Keep a microfiber cloth or paper towels handy and wipe down splatters immediately.
Use the right cleaner: A degreasing spray or a mix of vinegar and warm water works wonders on stovetops, range hoods, and counters.
2. Keep Counters Sticky-Free
Cookie dough, syrup, and holiday jams can leave your counters sticky and grimy. Prevent build-up with these tips:
Protect surfaces: Line baking sheets and counter areas with parchment paper or silicone mats.
Clean in stages: Instead of waiting until the end, give your counters a quick wipe between prep steps. A damp cloth with mild dish soap works perfectly for sticky residues.
3. Conquer Baking Residue
Flour, sugar, and powdered sugar have a way of sneaking into every nook and cranny. Here’s how to stay on top of it:
Dust strategically: Keep a small hand broom or kitchen brush nearby to sweep flour before it spreads.
Use warm water: Sticky sugar or frosting residues come off easily when you soak a sponge in warm water for a few seconds before scrubbing.
4. Optimize Your Sink and Dishwasher
With all the pots, pans, and baking sheets, the sink can quickly become a chaotic mess.
Soak early: Fill pots and pans with hot water and a splash of dish soap immediately after use to prevent baked-on food from hardening.
Run in cycles: Don’t overload your dishwasher. Smaller, staggered loads ensure every dish comes out sparkling.
5. Finish with a Fresh Nest Touch
Once the cooking frenzy is over, a thorough “Christmas Kitchen Reset” is key:
Wipe all counters and cabinet faces.
Clean the stovetop, oven exterior, and backsplash.
Take out the trash and wipe down the sink for a sparkling finish.
A clean kitchen not only looks great but makes holiday hosting more enjoyable—and leaves you ready for New Year’s cooking adventures!
Pro Tip from Fresh Nest:
Set aside 10–15 minutes after each cooking session to do a quick wipe-down. It keeps holiday mess from snowballing and makes deep cleaning a breeze.
Your kitchen can stay festive AND functional this holiday season—no stress, no sticky counters, just sparkle and cheer.
Need a pro to come in and tackle the kitchen holiday scrubbing? No problem! Fresh Nest is happy to help you take back your precious time during the holidays.
