We opted for wood floors when we built our home. I wanted seamless flooring throughout, so that meant taking a risk (high traffic and water) and using wood floors throughout. Side Note: The playroom and bathrooms have tile. Having two growing boys, we seem to always be in the kitchen. To protect the floors, I have a rug in front of the sink–and I lay a mat under Carson’s high chair when he eats.
To clean the floors I love using the Libman Wonder Mop. I love that the Wonder Mop has soft microfiber GRIPSTRIPS that lift up 20% more dirt, which is great as we are in and out of the house all the time! The power wringer is excellent for cleaning the tile, when I need to remove the water from the mop head–allowing my little guys to get back to their busy business. When I am finished mopping I simply throw the mop head in the washer and replace after using about 50 times. The boys absolutely love helping clean the floor, except the littlest thinks he has to ride the mop at all times.
Now that you know how I clean my kitchen, lets look at the question of all questions–how do you organize a kitchen?! The pictures below will help you see where things go in my cabinets, and what has helped us as far as efficiency.
Having the kids stuff in a drawer was a must for me. I needed for them to be able to reach their utensils, cups, plates, and bowls–Bennett knows right where everything is and gets what he needs when he needs it. Obviously, I still prepare my child’s dinner, but when he wants a cup of water he can just grab one. Another thing we got rid of was extra cups that weren’t needed. The kids each have an insulated container, and we have the acrylic tumblers from Pottery Barn Kids that we put the Boon sippy cup tops on. These are great for when guests come over and still need a sippy cup!
The other cabinet that needed organized, was under the kitchen sink. At our last house we couldn’t open the cabinet without stuff falling out. I vowed that I would not have that happen again. I picked up these containers, spray bottles, and some extra washcloths, and created my perfect cleaning supply storage cabinet. We keep everything that we don’t use every day in the cabinets in the laundry room, this has really helped cut down on clutter under neath the sink.
On the island I have the dishwasher to the right of the sink. Next to the dishwasher is the silverware drawer and two drawers for containers (one glass and one plastic). Below that I have a drawer for their lunchboxes and any lunchbox containers. To the left of the sink is a pull out garbage and recycle bin and next to that is where I keep my cookie sheets, etc. We have a ton of space in our kitchen, which has made organizing it easier. However, with a little TLC you too can have a clean and organized kitchen!
