Tidy up Your Pantry: The Ultimate Guide to a Fresh and Functional Space
A Fresh & Functional Pantry is a Family Game Changer
Let’s be honest—our pantries can easily turn into a black hole of forgotten cans, half-eaten snacks, and that random packet of lentils you swore you'd use one day. But here’s the thing: with a little effort, you can transform your pantry from chaotic to charming, making it a joy to open and, more importantly, a breeze to use. So, let’s get started on this pantry makeover!
Why Cleaning Your Pantry Matters
Before we dive into the action, let’s talk about why this task is so worth it. A clean, organised pantry isn’t just about aesthetics (though that’s a nice perk!). It helps you keep track of what you have, reduces food waste, and makes meal prep a whole lot easier.
Plus, there’s nothing quite as satisfying as knowing exactly where everything is when you need it - and having the perfect spot for hiding some chocolate!
What You Will Need for Your Pantry Deep Clean
- Everyday Spray or Figgy Home Cleaning Castile Soap
- Figgy Cleaning Paste
- Cleaning Cloths
- A vacuum with a nozzle attachment
- Airtight containers for dry goods
Step 1: Decide Your Pantry-Cleaning Strategy
This task is part organising, part cleaning, so it’s a bigger one. But don’t worry, we’ve got two strategies for you and a decent playlist will make this time fly:
The Big Overhaul
Feeling ambitious? Take everything out at once. This is ideal if you’re got the time put aside and are planning a complete pantry makeover or just want to start from scratch. It might feel a bit overwhelming at first, but the results will be worth it.
The Section-by-section Approach
If you’re more of a “one step at a time” kind of person or the bones are good and the space just needs a refresh, then this approach is for you. Work on one section of the pantry at a time, which makes the task more manageable and less intimidating.
Step 2: Sort Your Pantry Items
As you pull items out, give each one a good look over and sort them into three groups:
- Still Good: These are the items that are still in good condition and have plenty of life left in them. They’ll be heading back into your clean pantry.
- Use Up Quick: These are the items nearing their expiration date or those you’ve been meaning to use. Keep these front and centre, maybe even on your kitchen bench, so they don’t get forgotten.
- Time to Go: If it’s expired or something you know you’ll never use (we’re looking at you, mystery spices), it’s time to let it go. No guilt, just more space for things you actually need.
Step 3: Clean the Pantry Shelves
Now that your pantry is looking a bit emptier (or at least a section of it is), it’s time to give those shelves a good clean. Grab your Figgy & Co Everyday Spray and give the shelves a generous spritz. Let the spray sit for a minute to loosen up any grime, then wipe everything down with a cloth. If you come across any stubborn marks, a bit of cleaning paste on your cloth should do the trick. Don’t forget to wipe underneath the shelves too—food has a sneaky way of ending up there!
Step 4: Organise & put items together as You Clean
If you’re working section by section, this clean-up will be pretty quick. But if you’re also reorganising your pantry, now’s the time to get everything in order. Group similar items together so you can see how much space they’ll need. This will help you figure out the best layout for your pantry.
Step 5: Don’t Forget the Cabinet Doors
While you’re at it, give the inside and outside of your pantry doors a wipe-down with warm soapy water. Pay special attention to the areas around and under the handles—they’re prime spots for grime and germs. Use a Figgy Eco cloth for a lovely streak free finish.
Step 6: Add Some Pantry Organisation Magic
Here's six organising solutions are easier to find than ever for any budget, and they can make a world of difference in your pantry. Here are a few ideas:
- Lazy Susan's: These spinning wonders are perfect for storing bottles of sauces, oils, and other items that tend to get lost at the back of shelves. Pop them in a corner for easy access.
- Baskets for Small Items: Keep smaller items like spices or vitamins together in a basket. It’s a simple way to avoid chaos and make everything easy to find.
- Contain the dirt: Store your potatoes and kumara in a basket or container that has a solid bottom, or line the bottom of the container so dirt can't escape to make your pantry a mess.
- Matching Labels: If you’re into a coordinated look, consider getting some vinyl labels for your jars and containers. They don’t just look good—they make finding things a breeze.
- Label the Shelves: Labelling your shelves isn’t just for show—it helps everyone in the household know where things go, making it easier to maintain that beautiful organisation.
- Pinterest: Why not jump onto everybody's favourite ideas place and pin some organised pantries that you like the look of.
Step 7: Put Everything Back in the Pantry
Now that your pantry is clean, organised, and beautifully labelled, it’s time to put everything back. Be sure to place your “use up quick” foods at the front, or better yet, leave them on the bench so they don’t get forgotten. And just like that, you’re done! With your pantry now looking and functioning better than ever, you’ll be amazed at how much easier meal prep and grocery shopping becomes. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of a job well done—and this one’s definitely worth the effort.
FAQs About Cleaning and Organising your Pantry
How often should I clean my pantry?
A full clean-out every three to six months works well for most households. In between, a quick wipe-down of shelves every few weeks and a regular check for anything past its best keeps things from getting away on you.
What's the best natural cleaner for pantry shelves?
Figgy Everyday Spray or diluted Home Cleaning Castile Soap is ideal for a general wipe-down — soap based cleaners are effective and leave no residue or fragrance that could affect food. For any marked or stained shelves, a small amount of Figgy Cleaning Paste on a damp cloth will lift most marks without any harsh chemicals.
How do I know if I have pantry moths?
Look for fine webbing inside packaging, flour or oats that have clumped together, or small moths flying out when you open a container. Check your flour, oats, rice, nuts, and dried fruit first — these are their favourites. If you find signs in one item, check everything nearby.
How do I get rid of pantry moths naturally?
Remove and bin any affected food, then vacuum the entire pantry thoroughly — especially corners and shelf edges where bugs hide. Wipe all surfaces down with warm soapy water. Going forward, store all dry goods in airtight containers. For new flour and grains, pop them in the freezer for 24 hours before transferring to storage — this kills any eggs that may have come home from the supermarket.
Why do I keep getting pantry moths even when my pantry is clean?
Often because the eggs are coming in with the groceries, not from outside. Pantry Moths are very common. Flour, oats, and other dry goods can carry eggs from the supermarket or bulk bin. The freezer treatment (24 hours before transferring to airtight storage) is the most reliable way to break this cycle.
Are airtight containers really necessary?
For dry goods like flour, oats, rice, nuts, and grains — yip, they really are. Not just for moth prevention, but for keeping food fresh and making it easy to see what you've got at a glance. You don't need to buy everything at once — build up your container collection gradually as old packaging runs out.
Can I use Figgy products to clean my pantry if food is stored there?
Absolutely. Figgy Everyday Spray and diluted Home Cleaning Castile Soap are both safe to use on pantry shelves — no harsh chemicals, no synthetic fragrances, nothing you'd be worried about having near your food. Just wipe surfaces dry before putting things back.
The Takeaway for Keeping Your Pantry Clean & Organised
A pantry clean-out is one of those jobs that feels bigger than it is — and then you're standing in front of a fresh, organised space wondering why you don't do it more often. Less waste, fewer pests, and the quiet satisfaction of knowing exactly what you've got and where it is.
It also makes the daily stuff easier. Knowing what's in your pantry means you can have a rough idea of what's for dinner before 5pm rolls around and everyone's hangry. That alone is worth the afternoon. Check out our daily cleaning checklist - It includes space for daily dinner ideas!
Natural products, no chemicals near your food, and a space that actually works for your whānau. That's the Figgy way.
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