1. Clear the counters.

Cooking is your kitchen’s top priority right now. So stash mail, school schedules, and that
rarely used juicer elsewhere. (Just don’t lose any bills in the process.) Then pull out the
trash can and toss bags or boxes of unwanted edibles sitting out. Squirt cleaner around what’s
left on the counter — canisters, the toaster. Wipe and let dry.

2. Purge the fridge.

Pull the trash can over and dump lingering leftovers, spoiled food, and open bottles of
condiments, like grill marinade from last summer. You could remove all the glass shelves and
bins and wash them — or give them a fast once-over with a wet cloth or sponge. Don’t forget
fingerprints and splatters on the door front and handle. A fresh box of baking soda absorbs
odors, too.

3. Skip the oven.

If it’s dinner party day already and you haven’t run the self-cleaning cycle, now is not the
time to commit to this hours-long task). Spot-clean dead-giveaway grime — stovetop spills,
grease on the door handle or inside the glass door — with your sponge and a dash of baking
soda.

4. Think sink.

Stop pretending you’re going to rinse those dishes piling up on the counter, and load them in
the dishwasher (or if not, at least stack them neatly in the sink). Run some water over drippy
detergent bottles, then stick those, pot scrubbers, and rubber gloves under the sink. When all
has been relocated, run a sponge around the bowl of the basin and over the faucet if you’ve
splattered water in your speediness.

5. Mop stop.

Before collapsing onto the sofa, use a sweeper with disposable cloths, like Swiffer, to pick up
crumbs, dust, and hair from the floor. Pro tip: Keep a damp paper towel in one hand to zap
stains so you don’t have to stop as you go. Throw the used Swiffer sheet and towel in your
trash bin.