No matter whether you have a dedicated pantry or just a couple of shelves in a cabinet for food storage, keeping it clean and organized is important. With an organized pantry, you can help protect your food from insect infestation, save money by using products before they expire, and access ingredients quickly during meal preparation.
Cleaning a pantry takes a bit of time but you can do it with just four easy steps. Set aside an hour or so and you’ll be amazed at how good your pantry can look and function.
How Often to Clean Out Your Pantry
Ideally, you should clean your pantry at least four times a year as the seasons change. However, twice a year is a good start.
Spills of wet or dry items should be cleaned up immediately. If you see insect infestation, the pantry should be cleaned right away to prevent further spread to the rest of your kitchen or home.
What You’ll Need
Equipment / Tools
- 1 vacuum
- 1 microfiber cloth
- 1 small bucket
- 4 to 10 sealable clear containers
- 4 to 10 plastic bins or baskets
- 1 pen or marker
Materials
- 1 bottle all-purpose cleaner
- 1 bottle disinfectant or disinfecting wipes
- 1 trash bag
- 2 to 10 cardboard boxes or shopping bags
- 4 to 10 labels
Instructions
How to Clean Out Your Pantry
Empty the Pantry Shelves
Take everything out of the pantry. If you don’t have counter space close by, bring over a table or place some cardboard boxes on the floor to hold everything.
Tip
Get a head start on the sorting step by placing similar items together as you unload the pantry.
Clean the Pantry Storage Space
- Use a vacuum with a hose and brush or a handheld vacuum to suction away crumbs and cobwebs.
- Mix some warm water and a tablespoon of an all-purpose cleaner in a small bucket or bowl. Dip a microfiber cloth in the solution and wring until it is not dripping. Starting at the top of the pantry, wipe down each shelf and the walls. Don’t forget the floor!
- If you see or suspect mold or mildew, clean the area with a disinfectant solution (follow the label instructions) or use disinfecting wipes.
- Allow the area to air-dry while you sort the food that should be returned to the shelves.
Sort the Items in the Pantry
- Remove any items that belong in other places and put them in their proper spot. It’s not a good idea to store cleaning supplies alongside food products.
- Gather cardboard boxes or shopping bags and trash bags before you begin sorting. Designate one area as “Keep”, one as “Donate”, and one as “Trash”.
- Check the expiration date on each product and then decide where it should go. Toss items that are expired, any food that shows insect infestation, leaking or bulging cans, and open foods that are stale. Donate foods that your family doesn’t like or items that you’ve over-bought to a local food pantry. Keep the rest.
Sort the Items in the Pantry
- Remove any items that belong in other places and put them in their proper spot. It’s not a good idea to store cleaning supplies alongside food products.
- Gather cardboard boxes or shopping bags and trash bags before you begin sorting. Designate one area as “Keep”, one as “Donate”, and one as “Trash”.
- Check the expiration date on each product and then decide where it should go. Toss items that are expired, any food that shows insect infestation, leaking or bulging cans, and open foods that are stale. Donate foods that your family doesn’t like or items that you’ve over-bought to a local food pantry. Keep the rest.
Tips to Keep Your Pantry Clean Longer
- Keep a running list of what you have on hand in your pantry. Make a notation of what you need to restock to prevent overbuying.
- Maximize your storage space with shelf risers, over-the-door shelves, turntables, and reusable storage containers.
- Remove excess packaging from the manufacturer to create more space.
This article simplifies the daunting task of pantry organization into four easy-to-follow steps. I appreciate the clear guidance on decluttering, categorizing, and restocking pantry items. By breaking down the process into manageable stages, it becomes much less overwhelming. I’m excited to apply these steps and transform my pantry into a well-organized space!
Thank you for these straightforward steps to clean out the pantry! The advice on checking expiration dates, organizing items by category, and using storage solutions effectively is practical and actionable. I especially like the emphasis on reducing food waste by donating unexpired items to those in need. With these easy steps, I feel more confident in tackling my pantry clutter and maintaining a tidy storage area.
This article breaks down the daunting task of pantry organization into four manageable steps, making it seem much less overwhelming. I appreciate the emphasis on decluttering and categorizing items, which are essential for maintaining an organized space. The suggested tools and storage solutions mentioned in the article are practical and budget-friendly, catering to various needs and preferences. Overall, it’s a great resource for anyone looking to transform their pantry into a functional and tidy space.
I found these four steps for cleaning out the pantry to be incredibly helpful and straightforward. The article’s emphasis on starting with a clean slate by removing everything from the pantry ensures a thorough cleaning process. I also appreciate the advice on checking expiration dates and donating unopened, non-perishable items to reduce waste. The inclusion of tips for maintaining an organized pantry in the long term is valuable, ensuring that the efforts put into cleaning it out are sustainable.
This article provides a practical approach to tackling pantry organization in just four easy steps. The emphasis on breaking down the process into manageable tasks makes it less daunting for readers. I particularly like the suggestion to create zones within the pantry for different categories of items, which can help streamline meal prep and grocery shopping. The inclusion of before and after photos offers visual inspiration and motivation for readers embarking on their pantry-cleaning journey. Overall, it’s a comprehensive guide that empowers readers to declutter and organize their pantry effectively.
Transform your pantry into an organized space with these four simple steps.