What Happened When I Tried the “Pomodoro Method” to Clean My Kitchen

Confession: I hate cleaning. I tend to put it off for as long as possible, resulting in a much bigger mess (and more insurmountable task) than necessary. Pair my aversion with a small NYC living space and piles of things I’ve been meaning to declutter, and you’ve got the elephant in the room that I’d much rather ignore.

So when I heard about the Pomodoro method — a productivity plan for completing tasks efficiently, including the boring ones — I was intrigued, yet skeptical. Nothing I’ve tried thus far had worked, so why would this? But with an overflowing kitchen getting messier by the day, I decided that I had nothing to lose.

Created by writer and consultant Francesco Cirillo, the Pomodoro technique is a time-management method that helps people stay hyper-focused on important tasks and avoid burnout. The secret to success is working in 25-minute intervals, called pomodoros, and taking short 5-minute breaks in between. After the first three to four pomodoros, you get a longer 15- to 30-minute break. 

Sounds easy enough, right? The key component to the method is the timer, which helps to keep you on track — so you’re literally in a race against the clock.

The first thing I decided to tackle was my pantry. Since I live in a tiny apartment and have an equally tiny kitchen, I don’t have a real pantry, just a small cabinet filled with spices and dry foods. First, I set my timer, then I took everything off of the shelves. I read over the expiration dates and tossed everything that was no longer fresh. Next, I organized items into categories, and realized that I had quite a few duplicates! I had previously organized my pantry by box size and shape (I know, I know), which made it really easy to miss items that I already had on hand.

After sorting through everything, I put it all back in the cabinet — this time, by food category. Because I’m competitive (I couldn’t let the clock win!), I completed this process in less than two pomodoros.

Next, I moved onto the beast that was decluttering and clearing out my fridge. The process started largely the same by removing everything and checking expiration dates. Somewhere along the way I started thinking more deeply about my habits — why am I buying food and not using it? Why am I letting it sit and go bad instead of just cleaning my fridge? And why am I adamantly holding onto an iced coffee I ordered a week ago and didn’t like?!

While I pondered these great questions, I completed the fridge cleanout in three pomodoros.

Then, I moved onto underneath my kitchen sink. This spot has become a catchall for the miscellaneous items that I acquire and might need at some point in life, but currently have no other place for.

After taking everything out, I realized just how much wasted space there was right in my kitchen. The majority of this area is taken up by tote bags. Specifically, bags and bags — all full of tote bags! I tend to acquire a lot of totes from press events, and I always keep them under the assumption I’ll need them at some point. Whether that’s for travel or grocery shopping, I’m not sure — but having dozens and dozens of them isn’t making my life any easier.

Once I finished debating the tote bag dilemma (I’m donating them, don’t worry), I moved onto the other odds and ends. Dish soap and laundry detergent? Keep it. Extra paint from when my apartment was repainted before I moved in three years ago? Toss it. 

This part of the process was fairly quick, and I completed it in just one pomodoro. I then used my well-deserved break to make more iced coffee I would actually drink! At this point, from my pantry, fridge, and under-sink storage, I couldn’t believe how many things I had decluttered to either toss or donate. 

I came into this project with a hatred of cleaning, and while it’s still far from my favorite thing to do, it’s hardly the insurmountable task it once was. I’ll no longer spend an entire weekend trying to clean my apartment and procrastinating after taking a break.

Beyond cleaning, pomodoros have made me reevaluate some of my larger daily habits. Specifically, holding onto so many things I don’t need. Between over-purchasing groceries and the ocean of tote bags, I realized that I need to be more mindful about what I’m bringing into my home going forward. Underconsumption core never looked so good! As for what’s next, it might just be time to tackle my closet — I bet I can do it in under three pomodoros.

Have you tried the “Pomodoro Method” to clean your kitchen? Let us know how it went in the comments below!