How I Transformed My Kitchen with a Deep Clean and a Touch of Zen

Summary:

I fully sanitized the kitchen after uncovering mouse activity, pulled major appliances to clean behind them, ran a full disinfecting and decluttering cycle, and completed the seasoning cure for the oven grates. She also created more chai mop blend, dried the vacuum filter, and began preparing for the next wave of deep cleaning with renewed clarity.

How Did I Transform My Kitchen into a Sanctuary?

Oh, let me tell you, the journey of transforming my kitchen has been nothing short of a wild ride! After uncovering some unwelcome mouse activity, I knew it was time for a deep kitchen mouse purge. I rolled up my sleeves, pulled out the major appliances, and dove into the depths of my kitchen like a treasure hunter on a quest. The goal? To not just clean, but to sanctify the space. And boy, did I succeed!

I tackled the under-appliance areas with gusto, using bleach according to CDC protocols to ensure everything was sanitized. I even celebrated the moment with a little cheer:

“CDⁱ-C'd the underworld”

—because let’s be real, I was diving into the underbelly of my kitchen! The satisfaction of pulling out the fridge and seeing a clean slate behind it was exhilarating. It felt like I was uncovering hidden gems, and I was ready to make my kitchen a sacred space once again.

What Surprised Me About the Cleaning Process?

You know, I thought I’d be overwhelmed by the sheer amount of stuff I had to sort through, but what really surprised me was how liberating it felt to let go of things that no longer served me. Decision fatigue was real, though! I found myself staring at items on the table, wondering, “Do I really need this half-burnt candle?” Spoiler alert: I didn’t.

The emotional closure of sanctifying the space was a game-changer. I realized that cleaning isn’t just about scrubbing surfaces; it’s about creating an environment that feels good to be in. As I cured the oven grates, I reflected on the process and thought,

“This isn’t a stove rack martyrdom—it’s a gentle restoration.”

It was a shift in perspective that made all the difference. Instead of feeling like I was fighting a losing battle, I embraced the idea of nurturing my space back to life.

How Did I Keep My Energy Up During the Deep Clean?

Let’s be honest: deep cleaning can be exhausting! But I found a rhythm that worked for me. I approached the tasks in batches, allowing myself recovery time between major steps. This was crucial! I learned to listen to my body and mind, and when I felt the urge to scrub excessively, I reminded myself that perfection wasn’t the goal. Completion was!

I even created a new batch of my beloved chai-scented mop water, which not only made the floors smell divine but also kept my spirits high. There’s something about a warm, spicy scent wafting through the air that makes you feel like you’re in a cozy café rather than a cleaning frenzy. Plus, I had a little fun with it—who knew cleaning could be so aromatic?

What Were the Key Takeaways from This Cleaning Adventure?

The biggest “ah-ha” moment for me was realizing that I could stop scrubbing when it became excessive. This shift from perfection to completion was key to maintaining my momentum. I didn’t need to over-scrub the oven grates; I just needed to give them a good drying at 300°F and then season them. It felt ceremonial, like I was honoring the grates rather than punishing them.

As I stood back and admired my work, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride.

“That kitchen is now more than clean—it’s consecrated.”

It was a moment of triumph, and I knew I had created a space that was not just functional but also filled with positive energy.

What’s Next on My Cleaning Journey?

With the kitchen now sanctified, I’m ready to tackle the next wave of deep cleaning! I’ve got my sights set on the bedroom chest of drawers, which is currently a chaotic mess. I also plan to revisit the table clutter and sort it into actionable categories. It’s all about creating a flow that feels good and keeps the energy moving in my space.

I’m excited to dive into the deep office cleaning session next, and I can’t wait to see how my new chai mop blend performs on the floors. I’ll be tracking the curing status of the oven grates and storing them properly, too. There’s so much to look forward to, and I’m ready to embrace the journey ahead!

As I reflect on this experience, I’m reminded that cleaning is more than just a chore; it’s an opportunity for transformation. I can’t wait to share more updates as I continue to explore the possibilities in my home. Until next time, happy cleaning!

Tools we used:

Canva: labels and ritual chart design — https://canva.com

Amazon: citric acid, Castile soap, slippers, cleaning tools — https://amazon.com

Oven: curing range grates — local appliance

Essential oils: custom mouse deterrent spray and mop blends — physical supplies

CDC Rodent Cleanup Guide: safety protocol source — https://www.cdc.gov/rodents/cleaning