From Chaos to Clean: Our Wildcrafted Kitchen Makeover Adventure

Summary:

We went from grease-dripping chaos to clean stovetops, polished routines, and wildcrafted mouse repellent. Along the way: vinegar volcanos, juicer scrubbing, dishwasher revival, and lots of citrus zest. Also: contact paper debate, sagebrush décor, and juniper berry harvest.

How Did We Transform Our Kitchen Chaos into a Clean Oasis?

Oh, the kitchen! It’s the heart of the home, but sometimes it feels more like a grease-dripping chaos zone than a culinary sanctuary. This past week, we dove headfirst into a deep cleaning adventure that turned our kitchen from a battlefield into a polished haven. Picture this: shiny stovetops, organized routines, and even a wildcrafted mouse repellent that smells like a forest! Yes, you read that right.

We kicked things off with a reset plan for sustainable deep cleaning. It was all about breaking big tasks into mini passes—like those lame mop rounds that I initially dreaded. But guess what? They turned out to be a game-changer! I found joy in the little victories, like when I finally tackled that range hood. I mean, “I officially conquered the range hood or whatever that thing is covering the underside of the microwave!!!” It felt like a personal triumph, and I celebrated it like I’d just won a gold medal.

What Surprising DIY Cleaners Did We Create?

Let’s talk about the DIY cleaners we whipped up! I wanted to develop effective cleaners that didn’t smell like a vinegar factory exploded in my kitchen. So, I experimented with citric acid instead. The result? A fresh, zesty scent that made cleaning feel like a citrusy spa day!

But, oh boy, did we have some mishaps along the way. There was a moment when I unleashed a vinegar and baking soda volcano on the kitchen counter. It was like a science experiment gone wrong, but hey, at least it was entertaining! And while I was scrubbing the juicer, I realized that cleaning can be a workout. Who knew that scrubbing could double as cardio?

How Did Wildcrafting Juniper Change Our Cleaning Game?

Now, let’s get to the wildcrafted juniper! I ventured out to harvest juniper berries, and it was a delightful experience. I felt like a nature wizard, gathering ingredients for my magical potions. When I finally washed the berries, I couldn’t help but exclaim, “Ok! Here they are!! All washed!” It was a moment of pure joy, and I felt connected to the earth in a way I hadn’t before.

The infusion process was a sensory delight. The aroma of juniper filled the air, and I realized that cleaning doesn’t have to be a chore; it can be a ritual. I dried the citrus peels and berries, creating a little ceremony that made me look forward to cleaning instead of dreading it.

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What Were Our Biggest Challenges and How Did We Overcome Them?

Of course, not everything went smoothly. Some tasks became overwhelming when I didn’t stage them properly. The dishwasher and stick vacuum created minor friction, and I learned that organization is key. My infusion labels looked pretty, but they had inconsistencies with recipes, which led to some head-scratching moments.

But here’s the kicker: despite the chaos, I found that having visual proof of success—like a shiny range or laid-out juniper berries—gave me momentum. The loop of seeing results, designing systems, and using them immediately created a forward motion that was hard to resist.

What’s Next on Our Cleaning Adventure?

As we wrap up this checkpoint, I’m excited about the next steps. I plan to organize infusion and cleaning recipes into a permanent Canva or Notion board. I want to finalize the drying and storing method for those juniper berries and tackle the fridge pull-out and behind cleaning next.

This journey has taught me that cleaning can be a joyful exploration rather than a tedious task. I’ve learned to trust my own pace and design for my real life, not some aspirational minimalism. The results are tangible, and I can’t wait to see where this adventure takes me next.

So, here’s to more cleaning escapades, wildcrafted scents, and the joy of discovery! Stay tuned for more updates as I continue to explore the possibilities of a cleaner, more vibrant home.

Tools we used:

Canva: Custom label and printable design — https://www.canva.com

Amazon: Source of citric acid, Castile soap, and kitchen risers — https://www.amazon.com

Photos app: Field ID and inspection of juniper berries — local

Phone camera: Documenting berries, counters, dishwasher stages — local