There is something about September that makes me want to get everything cleaned, organized, and ready for the cooler months ahead.

Summer is winding down. School is starting. The holidays will be here before we know it. Before life gets even busier, this is a wonderful time to give the kitchen a complete fall reset.

This is more than wiping down the counters and sweeping the floor. We are going into the refrigerator, pantry, cupboards, drawers, and all those forgotten places that collect dust and clutter.

You do not have to finish everything in one day. Work through this September kitchen cleaning checklist at your own pace.

Start by Gathering Your Cleaning Supplies

Before you begin, gather everything you may need:

• Trash bags
• Cleaning cloths
• Mild dishwashing liquid
• A bucket of warm water
• Vacuum cleaner with attachments
• Refrigerator coil brush, if needed
• Labels and a permanent marker
• Baskets or containers for organizing
• A notebook or pantry inventory sheet

Having everything nearby will keep you from running back and forth once you get started.

Deep-Clean the Refrigerator

The refrigerator is one of the hardest-working appliances in the kitchen, but it is also one of the easiest places to overlook.

Start by removing the food one shelf at a time. This helps keep refrigerated food from sitting out longer than necessary.

As you remove everything:

• Throw away spoiled food.
• Check leftovers and opened containers.
• Combine duplicate items when it is safe to do so.
• Wipe sticky bottles and jars.
• Make a list of foods that need to be used soon.

Wash the shelves, drawers, walls, and door compartments with warm water and mild dishwashing liquid. Rinse and dry everything before returning the food.

Keep your refrigerator at 40°F or below and your freezer at 0°F. An inexpensive appliance thermometer makes it easy to check. The FDA recommends cleaning the refrigerator regularly, wiping spills promptly, and leaving enough room for cold air to circulate.

Place older foods where you can see them and newer foods behind them. This simple habit can help you use food before it is forgotten.

Clean Behind and Under the Refrigerator

When was the last time you pulled out your refrigerator?

If you cannot remember, it is probably time.

Dust, crumbs, pet hair, and all kinds of mysterious things can collect underneath and behind it.

Ask for help moving the refrigerator if it is heavy. Be careful not to damage your floor, water line, or electrical cord.

Once you can reach the area:

1. Unplug the refrigerator if directed by its manufacturer.
2. Vacuum or sweep the floor and wall.
3. Wipe the outside of the appliance.
4. Check the water line for leaks or damage.
5. Clean the refrigerator coils if your model has accessible coils.

Always check your owner’s manual before cleaning the coils. ENERGY STAR recommends following the manufacturer’s instructions because coil locations and cleaning methods vary by refrigerator.

While you are there, inspect the door seals. Clean seals help the refrigerator close properly and keep cold air inside.

Dust the Top of the Refrigerator

The top of the refrigerator is one of those places I can easily forget.

Remove everything stored there, then vacuum or wipe away the dust and grease. Wash and dry any baskets or containers before putting them back.

Try not to let this area become a collection spot for things that do not have a home. Keep only the items you truly use and can safely store there.

Deep-Clean the Oven and Stovetop

Fall means more soups, casseroles, breads, pies, and holiday meals. This is the perfect time to get the oven ready for baking season.

Before cleaning, let the oven cool completely and check the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific model.

Remove the racks and clean them according to the manual. Wipe crumbs and spills from inside the oven. Clean the oven door, handle, control panel, stovetop, burner areas, and knobs.

Do not forget the drawer underneath the oven. Pull everything out, remove the crumbs, and decide whether the items stored there still belong.

If your oven has a self-cleaning feature, follow the manufacturer’s directions carefully and make sure the kitchen is properly ventilated.

Empty and Clean the Pantry

This is where your September kitchen reset can really start saving you money.

Take everything out of the pantry. Yes, everything!

Starting with an empty pantry lets you see what you have been storing and what needs attention.

Vacuum the shelves and corners. Wipe the shelves and allow them to dry completely.

As you sort the food, group similar items together:

• Baking supplies
• Breakfast foods
• Canned vegetables
• Canned fruit
• Pasta, rice, and grains
• Soups and broths
• Snacks
• Spices and seasonings
• Meal starters
• Emergency food supplies

Look for damaged packaging, leaks, rust, bulging cans, insects, moisture, mold, or unusual odors. Discard anything unsafe.

Do not automatically throw away every food that has passed its printed date. The USDA explains that most food dates indicate quality rather than safety. Infant formula is an important exception and should not be used after its use-by date.

When you are unsure whether a food is safe, do not taste it to find out. Throw it away.

Take a Pantry Inventory

Before returning food to the pantry, write down what you have.

Your inventory does not have to be complicated. Record:

• The name of the item
• How many you have
• Foods that need to be used soon
• Staples that are running low
• Items your family no longer eats

Place foods that need to be used first at the front of the pantry.

Then plan a few meals around them. Using food you already own is one of the fastest ways to reduce waste and save money on groceries.

Do not refill every empty space simply because it is empty. Restock strategically, based on what your family actually uses.

Clean the Cupboards and Drawers

Work through one cupboard or drawer at a time so the kitchen does not become overwhelming.

Remove everything, vacuum the crumbs, and wipe the inside. Before returning an item, ask yourself:

• Do I use this?
• Is it broken or missing pieces?
• Do I have several items that do the same job?
• Would this be more useful somewhere else?
• Could someone else use it?

Pay special attention to:

• The junk drawer
• Food-storage containers and lids
• Baking pans
• Cooking utensils
• Spices
• Dish towels
• Reusable water bottles
• Small appliances

Match containers with their lids and remove anything damaged. Keep the tools you use most often in the easiest places to reach.

Clean Small Appliances

September is also a good time to clean the appliances that work hard throughout the year.

Depending on what you own, this may include:

• Coffee maker
• Toaster
• Microwave
• Slow cooker
• Air fryer
• Blender
• Food processor
• Stand mixer
• Electric pressure cooker

Unplug appliances before cleaning when appropriate, and always follow the manufacturer’s directions. Shake crumbs from the toaster, wipe appliance cords, clean removable parts, and remove grease or food buildup.

Do not submerge electrical appliances in water.

Finish the Kitchen Reset

Once the major areas are finished, take care of the remaining details:

• Wipe cabinet doors and handles.
• Clean light switches and frequently touched surfaces.
• Wash the sink and faucet.
• Clean the backsplash.
• Wipe baseboards.
• Wash trash and recycling containers.
• Vacuum and mop the floor.
• Replace dirty sponges and cleaning cloths.
• Check the fire extinguisher.
• Test smoke and carbon-monoxide alarms near the kitchen.

Stand back and enjoy the difference.

Keep the Kitchen Organized This Fall

A deep cleaning helps, but a few simple habits will keep the kitchen from becoming overwhelming again.

Try to:

• Wipe refrigerator spills when they happen.
• Check leftovers before grocery-shopping day.
• Keep a running pantry inventory.
• Add low items to your shopping list.
• Plan meals around food that needs to be used.
• Return kitchen tools to their proper places.
• Clean one drawer or shelf each week.

You do not have to maintain a perfect kitchen. The goal is to create a kitchen that works better for your family.

Build a Better Pantry This September

Cleaning and organizing your pantry is only the beginning.

My Build a Better Pantry ebook will help you decide what to stock, organize what you have, reduce waste, and build a pantry that supports your family and your budget.

Get Build a Better Pantry

What Will You Clean First?

Will you begin with the refrigerator, oven, pantry, cupboards, or drawers?

Leave a comment and tell me which part of your kitchen needs a September reset!