Keeping a clean kitchen can feel like an endless battle against grease, grime, and food splatters. But with a few simple tricks, you can cut through the mess in no time. Here’s how to tackle kitchen cleanliness with minimum fuss:
Use the Right Cleaning Tools
Having the proper tools makes cleaning easier and faster. Stock your cleaning kit with:
- All-purpose cleaner – Great for countertops, sinks, appliances, etc.
- Baking soda – A gentle abrasive for scrubbing.
- Dish soap – Removes grease and cleans pans.
- Sponges – For wiping and light scrubbing.
- Microfiber cloths – Lift dirt without leaving streaks.
- Old toothbrush – Cleans in small, tight areas.
Match the tool to the task for best results. Sponges for wiping, toothbrush for nooks and crannies, etc.
Focus on Greasy Areas
Kitchens accumulate grease rapidly. To prevent buildup:
- Clean the stove after each use. Wipe up splatters immediately.
- De-grease the oven regularly. Use all-purpose cleaner.
- Clean range hood filters monthly. Remove grease with dish soap.
- Wipe down counters daily. Microfiber cloths grab grease.
Hit greasy spots as they happen or grease gets harder to remove.
Use Baking Soda as a Degreaser
Baking soda is a mild abrasive that dissolves grease well. Make baking soda solutions for cleaning:
- Stovetop – Sprinkle baking soda, then add dish soap and scrub. Rinse.
- Microwave – Mix baking soda with water to form a paste. Wipe inside, let sit, then rinse.
- Dishware – Add baking soda to hot soapy water in the sink to boost cleaning power.
The abrasiveness of baking soda lifts away grease without harsh chemicals. Rinsing eliminates residues.
Clean from Top to Bottom
When doing a deep clean, go from top to bottom:
- Start with the ceiling and light fixtures if dirty. Use a microfiber cloth on a stick.
- Clean down walls, getting rid of splatters. Use all-purpose cleaner.
- Wipe cabinets and any shelves. Use a multi-surface cleaner.
- Move to the countertops next. Disinfect too.
- Clean the sink with a baking soda scrub then disinfect.
- Scrub the floors last. Mop using floor cleaner.
This order prevents grease and dirt from dripping onto already cleaned areas.
Disinfect Key Germ Zones
Kitchens contain high-touch surfaces that can collect harmful bacteria. Be sure to regularly disinfect:
- Handles of fridge, oven, microwave, drawers. Any handles!
- Sink and faucet handles
- Countertops, especially around the sink and prep areas
- Cutting boards
- Dish cloths and towels
Disinfecting wipes or all-purpose cleaner make this easy.
Stay on Top of Food Messes
Leaving food spills and splatters leads to stuck-on messes. To avoid:
- Clean spills ASAP, before food dries and hardens.
- Remove crumbs from counters and floors daily. Crumbs attract pests.
- Load the dishwasher promptly after meals. Don’t leave dirty dishes out.
- Take out trash regularly. Don’t allow it to overflow.
Quick wipe-downs daily prevents dirt accumulation.
Schedule Deep Cleans
No matter how diligent your daily cleaning, regular deep cleans are still needed to thoroughly disinfect and remove buildup.
- Clean inside cabinets monthly. Take everything out and wipe down shelves.
- Scrub walls every 3 months. Remove grease splatter accumulation.
- Clean behind stove and fridge every 6 months. Pull them out to clean back and sides.
- Wash curtains/towels regularly. They harbor odors and bacteria.
Mark your calendar to stay on top of deeper cleaning tasks.
By using the right tools, focusing on greasy areas, employing baking soda, disinfecting, cleaning top to bottom, and staying on top of messes, you can cut through kitchen grime without too much effort. Establish simple daily habits plus regular deep cleaning for cleanliness success!
