Even loving to cook as much as I do, I will still refuse to do so in a dirty, cluttered kitchen. When completing my usual cleaning routine, I always make the kitchen my number one priority. These are just a few of my favorite tips to help create a functional and organized kitchen space.

Organic and Natural is the Way to Go

When it comes to grocery shopping, organic and natural food choices are always the way to go for me. So why should kitchen cleaning be any different? I’ve found some great natural cleaning products over the years, and you’ll find plenty of options at your local grocery store or pharmacy; my latest favorites are the Green Works products. If you’d rather not spend the money on an organic cleaning product, you’ll find it is not so difficult to make your own; baking soda can solve just about every cleaning problem you have. I feel so much better using natural and organic products to clean my kitchen, and love knowing that my kids are eating off dishes that have been cleaned in a safe and environmentally friendly way. What’s not to love?

A Color-Coded Kitchen

I love a pop of color, and when it comes to kitchen organizing, color-coding is a useful option to keeping. This comes in particularly handy when the fridge is fully stocked. Leftovers are stored in one color, fruits or vegetables in another, and uncooked meats are labeled with yet another color; letting me know which foods I need to use first before they spoil.

Patio Prep

Now that it’s summer, I consider the patio as part of my kitchen, and it is usually the messiest portion. I always start this process by sweeping the area in its entirety and cleaning off all of the cushions from the patio furniture. We are known for barbeques in our family, so I like to have all of our entertainment items in a central location.

Speaking of the grill, since I use it most nights during the summer, it often needs a good cleaning.  To do this I remove the racks and soak them in hot soapy water before scrubbing the hood and walls of the grill itself. I don’t do this regularly, but try to remember at least once a month.

Reuse, Recycle

I’m a big fan of recycling, and I try to be “green” with everything that I do, especially when it comes to my kitchen. My wife teases me for being a hoarder, but there is a purpose to my madness and I save a ton of money by finding new uses for old items. Jam jars make great drinking glasses and spice containers; cans stuck to a wall can be used for storing utensils, and door hangers that once held shoes can be used to hold pantry items. There is no need to go out and purchase an expensive spice rack or set of shelves when a product you already own will do. The kitchen isn’t the only room in the house where it helps to reuse, and there are tons of online sources, like one from HGTV, that can help to give you some ideas.

Author Bio: Hank McKinsey is a SAHD and lifestyle how-to blogger from Clovis, CA. When he’s not working on the home or blogging, he can be found at the park with his dogs or in the kitchen. See what Hank is up to on Twitter!