Welcome to Week 13 of the Deep Clean Challenge!
Congratulations on making it this far! After today, you have just one week left in this transformative journey. So far, as part of The Deep Clean Challenge, we have:
- Cleared away clutter
- Deep cleaned the kitchen
- Revamped the bedroom
- Sanitized the bathroom
- Freshened up the living room
- Polished the dining area
- Organized the entryway
- Cleared out the refrigerator
- Streamlined our digital life
- Removed pesky smudges
- Fixed at least one annoying issue
- Scrubbed the oven, stove, and microwave
And remember, once you reach the end of this series, you can always hit Rinse and Repeat as many times as you wish!
Why Are We Cleaning the Pantry?
Your pantry is a vital component of both your home and your budget’s security. Regular monitoring and maintenance are essential to ensure it remains in good shape. You want to be confident that you have sufficient supplies on hand for emergencies, that pests such as pantry moths, weevils, carpet beetles, or biscuit beetles haven’t invaded, and, of course, that you’ve removed any expired food.
Since every home is unique, some of you may be working with a small space and limited storage, requiring creative solutions for food storage. Others may have spacious pantries, or even multiple shelves in a basement. This is why I’m using the term food storage in addition to pantry. Your food might be tucked away in a cupboard, or you might have repurposed a linen closet for storage. Growing up, we had shelves in our laundry room dedicated to food storage. It doesn’t matter where your food is located; what matters is that we are cleaning it today!
What Do We Need to Clean the Pantry or Food Storage Area?
You won’t need a lot for today’s task:
- Pen and paper for notes
- Broom and dustpan
- Trash bag(s) for disposables
- Vacuum and crevice tool for thorough cleaning
- All-purpose spray and a rag or paper towels for wiping
- A flashlight, if your food storage areas are dimly lit
How to Clean the Pantry or Food Storage Area?
Start at the highest point and work your way down. This method prevents crumbs and debris from falling onto surfaces you’ve already cleaned. As you remove each item from the shelf, if it’s food in its original packaging, first check the expiration date. Discard anything that is past its prime, and inspect for holes or tears in the packaging. If the packaging is unopened but damaged, be sure to examine it closely for signs of infestation, as this is how pests gain entry.
Once the shelf is cleared, take a moment to look up (this is where your flashlight may come in handy). Check the upper corners for any webbing or light-colored moths. Then, carefully inspect corners and crevices for any insect or rodent debris. Clean up any spills, as these attract unwanted pests. If possible, transfer food into airtight containers to keep it fresh and pest-free.
As I write this, we are currently two weeks into hurricane season in my part of the country. This means it’s crucial to take stock and ensure that we have enough food to last through at least two weeks without power. Additionally, we should store enough water for each family member for at least 72 hours. This is where your pen and paper will come in handy—make a list of what you need to stock up on!
The good news is that you don’t have to rush out and buy everything at once after this deep clean. Simply add a little to your shopping list each time you go until you meet that general standard. I can hear those of you in evacuation zones reminding us of the events of March 2020. Having non-perishable food on hand makes it much easier to stay home when necessary. Sometimes, it isn’t even a global pandemic that keeps you in; it could just be a personal bout of stomach flu. Speaking of which, take a moment to review your first aid kit or medicine cabinet. Do you have the essentials stocked?
Regarding that airtight storage: it’s fantastic if you can invest in a quality set, but repurposing jars from jams, pickles, etc., is just as effective if you’re on a budget. I always felt delighted when my mom and stepfather would pass along their empty gallon jars from pickles. They were perfect for storing grains or pasta. I would also ask the bakery staff at the grocery store for any empty frosting buckets, and they were usually happy to share. Just make sure to ask politely and avoid busy times.
Are you ready? Let’s get started!
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