Cleaning your kitchen from top to bottom can feel like a daunting task. With a few tips and tricks, you can get every nook and cranny sparkling in no time.
Deep Clean the Floors
The kitchen floor tends to get the brunt of spills and dirt. Give it a thorough deep cleaning to restore its shine.
Sweep and Mop
Sweep the kitchen floor first to remove any loose dirt, crumbs, and debris. Use a broom or dustpan to sweep under cabinets, appliances, and hard-to-reach areas.
Next, fill a bucket with warm water and add a floor cleaner or vinegar and baking soda. Dip a mop into the cleaning solution, wring it out, and mop the floor methodically from one side of the kitchen to the other.
Rinse the mop head frequently in clean water to remove all the grime. Let the floor air dry completely.
Scrub Tough Stains
For stubborn, sticky stains, use a scrub brush or grout brush to scrub the affected areas. Spray a targeted stain remover and let it sit for 5 minutes before scrubbing. This extra elbow grease helps lift even old stains.
Reseal Grout
Resealing the grout helps protect it from getting grimy. Sweep and mop the floor thoroughly before applying a grout sealer. Let it penetrate for 15-20 minutes, then wipe away any excess.
Clean Inside Cabinets
The inside of kitchen cabinets easily gets covered in grease and dust. Take everything out and wipe down the shelves and drawers.
Empty Cabinets
Remove everything from the cabinets, including food, dishes, and shelves. Take out drawers fully to access all corners.
Wash and Disinfect
Use hot, soapy water to wipe down the cabinet interior and shelves. For extra disinfecting power, mix 1 tbsp bleach into 1 gallon of water. Dry with a clean cloth.
Freshen Up
Place baking soda boxes or open boxes of vanilla inside freshly cleaned cabinets to absorb odors. Or put a few drops of essential oils like lemon or lavender on cotton balls.
Organize and Return
Declutter items before returning them to the cabinets. Use organizing bins and trays to neatly arrange everything.
Sanitize Countertops and Backsplash
Countertops are prone to crumbs, spills, and food stains. Disinfect them fully along with the kitchen backsplash.
Remove Surface Clutter
Clear countertops fully before cleaning by putting away appliances and wiping down any visible grime. Remove all items from the backsplash.
Disinfect Properly
Mix together warm water and a few drops of dish soap in a bucket. Dip a clean sponge into the solution and wipe down the entire counter and backsplash area.
Focus on sanitizing high touch spots like around the sink and stove. Let it air dry.
Remove Stains
For stubborn stains, spray a stainless steel or granite cleaner directly on the affected area. Let it sit 2-3 minutes before wiping clean with a soft cloth.
Polish and Shine
Finally, apply a granite sealer, stainless steel polish, or other appropriate polish with a soft cloth. Rub gently to reveal a shiny finish.
Make Appliances Sparkle
Ovens, refrigerators, and other kitchen appliances collect dirt, smudges, and food spills over time. Some thorough cleaning will make them look brand new.
Wash Removable Parts
Remove any removable parts from appliances, like oven racks and burner covers. Soak them in hot, soapy water before scrubbing and rinsing.
Remove Grease Buildup
Mix 2 tbsp baking soda with enough water to form a spreadable paste. Spread paste on the interior oven walls and under stovetop burners. Let sit before wiping away. The baking soda will dissolve grease.
Disinfect Surfaces
Spray appliance exteriors with an appliance-safe disinfectant or a mix of vinegar and water. Wipe down doors, handles, control panels, and exterior walls until shining.
Shine and Protect
Apply a few drops of stainless steel polish to the exterior stainless steel surfaces of appliances. Rub gently with a soft cloth. This helps appliances maintain their luster.
Clean Out the Refrigerator
Over time, fridge interiors get covered in drips, spills, and food bits. It’s important to empty and disinfect the fridge fully.
Remove Everything
Take out all removable bins, drawers, and shelves. Remove all food and beverages so you can wash every surface.
Clean Interior and Parts
Use hot, soapy water to wash the interior fridge walls, bins, shelves, and drawers. For mildew stains, try 1 cup vinegar mixed with 1 cup hot water instead. Rinse and dry fully.
Disinfect Door Seals
Mix together 1 tbsp baking soda with 1 cup water. Dip a sponge into the paste and wipe down the fridge door gaskets and seals to disinfect.
Organize Food and Return
Throw out old food and wipe down food containers before returning to the fridge. Organize efficiently for maximum space.
Clean Windows, Mirrors, and Glass
Windows, mirrors, and glass fixtures quickly show dirt, streaks, and smudges. Give them all a thorough cleaning inside and out.
Wash Window and Glass Surfaces
Mix 1 cup vinegar into 1 gallon water. Submerge microfiber cloths into the solution. Wipe down all glass surfaces until clear of debris and buildup.
Polish Mirrored Surfaces
Spray glass cleaner directly onto mirrors. Wipe clean with a fresh microfiber cloth, using gentle circular motions. Follow with a dry cloth to polish.
Remove Stuck-On Grime
For stuck-on dirt or hard water stains, scrub with a wet cloth dipped in baking soda. Rinse and dry completely afterward.
Clean Window and Door Tracks
Dip an old toothbrush into vinegar. Gently scrub the tracks of sliding doors and windows to easily remove built-up grime.
Dust Walls, Ceilings, and Light Fixtures
Don’t neglect overhead surfaces in your kitchen! Dust or vacuum them thoroughly to get rid of clinging dirt and cobwebs.
Dust Walls and Ceilings
Use a microfiber duster on an extendable pole to reach ceilings and high walls easily. Wipe away all visible dust, dirt, and cobwebs.
Clean Vents and Light Fixtures
Carefully wipe down air vents with a lint-free cloth. For light fixtures, gently vacuum or dust individual bulbs, rings, and fixtures.
Remove Grease Buildup
Mix 2 tbsp baking soda with enough water to form a paste. Use a soft-bristled brush to scrub away grease buildup around vents or fixtures before rinsing.
Check for Leaks or Damage
Inspect walls and ceilings for any cracks, water stains, or other damage while cleaning. Make notes to repair any issues found.
Thoroughly cleaning your kitchen from top to bottom takes work, but is doable with the right tools and techniques. Break the cleaning tasks down into more manageable pieces. With some diligence and elbow grease, you can soon have your kitchen looking sparkling clean again.
