The Secret to a Stress-Free Evening: Post-Dinner Clean-Up

After a busy day, the last thing any of us want is a kitchen still waiting to be cleaned hours after dinner. I know the feeling well! That’s why we prioritize cleaning up right after we eat. In our family, it’s not just about tidying up; it’s about reclaiming our time, reducing evening stress, and ensuring that our kitchen is ready for a fresh start each day.

Here’s a peek into our evening routine, with a few of our favorite products that make it easier.

Legal Disclaimer: This is the evening kitchen clean-up routine that has worked for our family. Because every family/child is different, we cannot guarantee that it will benefit other families.

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Step 1: Putting Away Leftovers

After dinner, my husband tackles leftovers, packing up his lunch for the next day. We love using our Glass Meal Prep Containers for this—they keep food fresh, organized, and ready to grab on busy mornings. These containers have become a staple in our routine, keeping meal prep and storage simple and efficient.

Step 2: Dish Time

Next up, dishes! I know it might sound unusual, but I actually find dishwashing to be a little moment of zen. I start with loading the dishwasher, and anything that’s left over gets hand-washed. I place those in our KitchenAid Rust Resistant Dish Rack, which has become a kitchen essential. This gives my husband time to play with the kids, and I love knowing they’re getting a few extra moments together.

Step 3: Wipe Down & Refresh

After the dishes, I move on to wipe down every inch of the countertop and kitchen table. I’m a huge fan of Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day All-Purpose Cleaning Spray. The fresh, aromatherapeutic scents make tidying up feel like a mini-refresh for the space and adds a little something special to the routine.

Step 4: Vacuum Kitchen Floor

The final step that I never skip (that has been a game-changer) is vacuuming the kitchen floor with my Shark VACMOP. I can’t say enough good things about this little powerhouse! It’s cordless, has an on-demand spray button, and a disposable pad that picks up crumbs effortlessly. It even tackles those stuck-on stains that little ones love to leave behind! With its rechargeable battery, it’s incredibly convenient, and a quick button press lets me toss the dirty pad without ever touching it. For me, it’s the ultimate kitchen tool, especially as a busy mom who’s always looking for ways to simplify.

And that’s it—our kitchen is reset and ready for a new day! I hope our routine inspires you to create your own quick and easy post-dinner clean-up routine. Once you get into the rhythm, you’ll find that an organized, stress-free evening is just a few steps away.

Here’s to evenings filled with more relaxation and less clean-up chaos! 😊