Ding dong. The family and friends arrive and you are in the middle of cooking mashed potatoes, stuffing and a turkey. You have cooking utensils scattered everywhere, an ever growing mountain of pots and pans in the sink as well as a million other things on your mind. This is the stressful environment that is created when you combine family, cooking and cleaning all together. Luckily with a little preparation and focus you can balance all three. Here are five cleaning tips to help you prepare for your guests, and stay clean in the kitchen this Thanksgiving.

How to Clean Silverware: If you want your silver ware to shine and sparkle for your guests start by lining a pan with tin foil. Fill the pan with warm water. Next, mix in a teaspoon of baking soda. Let the silverware sit for around 10 minutes. Remove the silverware and polish with a microfiber cloth.

How to Clean Glassware: Old glassware can become cloudy. To make your glassware crystal clear start by rinsing each glass. Next fill the sink or a bucket with warm water and vinegar. Let the glassware sit for around 10 minutes. Remove the glassware and let it dry naturally. If the glassware remains cloudy or has any smudges polish with a microfiber cloth.

Keep your Oven Clean: The oven can be very difficult to clean especially when it is covered in turkey grease and food particles. You should consider purchasing an oven liner to catch spills. We don’t recommend using tin foil to line the bottom of your oven because it can cause the food to cook unevenly and can even damage your oven. However you can line pans with tin foil so they can be easily cleaned after use.

Clean out Your Fridge: Before Thanksgiving you should take the time to clean out and organize your fridge. This way you won’t be scrambling to find an ingredient or make more space while preparing your Thanksgiving meal. To disinfect your fridge wipe shelves and drawers with a vinegar and water solution.

Clean as you go: This is the most important yet side stepped cleaning tip we have to offer. Food particles, grease and stains are easiest to clean before they have time to sit. If you are finished with a pan wash it or if you just used a spoon, wash it instead of grabbing another. This will leave you with much less to clean after the night is over so you can wake up worry free and focus on you Black Friday shopping!