The Fall Kitchen Cleaning Job Expert Hosts Told Me They Always Do in October, That 'Saves Their Holiday Season' Later On

I am hosting friends for the holidays for the first time this year, and I am already overwhelmed just thinking about it. So, I decided to ask expert hosts for their top prep tips to get my kitchen ready for the onslaught of cooking.

It turns out they all swear by one simple habit: Giving their fridge and pantry a proper clean out in October.

For such a simple cleaning tip, they swear it's a powerful ritual that transforms a stressful kitchen and saves the holiday season before it starts.

Why You Should Clean Your Fridge and Pantry in October

The main source of stress in a kitchen when hosting is trying to juggle cooking large meals with lots of ingredients, so it makes sense that cleaning kitchen storage and familiarizing yourself with all your ingredients before the holidays is a host's go-to.

Annemarie Schumacher, wedding event planner and lifestyle blogger at Make Every Day an Event, says that it is so often overlooked, but cleaning a fridge (and organizing a pantry, for that matter) is the simplest way to save holiday hosting later.

'There are so many reasons why this makes the hosting day easier,' she begins. 'First, by cleaning out and organizing your refrigerator, you'll have extra space for your holiday party foods. As you rid yourself of expired items or those you no longer need, rearrange your remaining items with the holidays in mind.'

I love to use non-toxic cleaning products for this, to create a non-toxic home and reduce the risk of food contamination. The Attitude All-Purpose Cleaner from Walmart is EWG-Approved. Pair with a reusable microfiber cloth, also from Walmart, to cut down on waste.

This simple kitchen cleaning task is also a pro chef secret for preparing holiday meals, Annemarie says. 'You can make room for party trays, make-ahead casserole dishes, desserts, such as pies, and even leftovers that will need to be refrigerated.'

Consider stocking up on some glass food storage containers from Target, around this time, too, so you have exactly what you need to store and reheat leftovers quickly and safely.

It's the same concept for the pantry. 'You'll want to consolidate and purge any items that are expired or are down to their last crumbs.' The OXO good-grips containers, from Target, are ideal for storing dried food goods and preventing them from spoiling or turning stale.

You shouldn't forget your freezer storage, either, Annemarie continues. 'You'll want to have plenty of room for extra bags of ice for your guests' beverages, as well as any leftovers you may want to freeze.'

Thomas P. Farley, the etiquette expert known as Mister Manners, and owner of What Manners Most, agrees, adding, 'If there is one thing a host never wants to run out of, it's ice. And yet, if your freezer's ice compartment is filled with congealed cubes covered in frost and slowly absorbing the odors of nearby food items, you're ready for a defrost and a fresh start.

'Tackle this project at least several days ahead of time to ensure that your holiday punch, cocktails, and soft drinks are always nicely and freshly chilled, with no flavor holdovers wafting from adjacent freezer cellmates.'

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Meet the Experts

Annemarie Schumacher

Annemarie Schumacher is an award-winning party planner and the founder of Make Every Day an Event. 

Thomas P. Farley

Mister Manners, Thomas P. Farley, is America’s trusted etiquette expert. A keynote speaker, workshop leader, syndicated columnist and TV commentator, he inspires audiences of all types to master essential skills for elevating their interactions regardless of the setting or occasion.

Your fridge and pantry aren't the only overlooked areas to clean before hosting. Even the smallest details, such as light fittings and vents, can make a big difference.