how to deep clean kitchen with your step by step plan

Keeping your kitchen spotless is essential for a healthy home. According to the Texas A&M Extension, kitchen sinks, stoves, and sponges are among the germiest areas in any household. This highlights the importance of a thorough cleaning routine.

This practical plan offers a two-to-three-hour approach that effectively tackles appliances, storage areas, surfaces, and floors. You can adapt this schedule based on your cooking habits and household needs, aiming for a deep clean every one to three months.

By following a manageable sequence, you can minimize repeated work. Start from dusty high areas and work your way down to the floor. Plus, you’ll find that environmentally friendly ingredients like baking soda, lemon, and distilled white vinegar are used throughout this guide, making it a sustainable choice.

Key Takeaways

• Kitchen sinks, stoves, and sponges are the germiest areas in your home.
• A thorough cleaning routine takes about two to three hours.
• Schedule a deep clean every one to three months based on your habits.
• Start cleaning from high areas to reduce repeated work.
• Use environmentally friendly ingredients for effective cleaning.

How to Deep Clean Kitchen From Top to Bottom

A spotless kitchen environment is essential for preventing illness. Start your cleaning journey by focusing on high surfaces. This includes overhead light fixtures, the tops of cabinets, and the refrigerator. Following this top-to-bottom approach helps avoid dust and crumbs from falling onto areas you’ve already cleaned.

According to the Cleaning Authority, a thorough kitchen cleaning can take about two to three hours. It’s important to reserve enough time for soaking oven racks and other greasy items. Rushing through these steps can lead to missed spots.

Keep a portable caddy nearby. This will allow you to easily transport your cloth, brush, and cleaner around the kitchen. Lastly, plan for wet shelves and racks to air-dry fully before putting them back in place.

• Start with overhead light fixtures and cabinet tops.
• Prevent dust from settling on freshly cleaned areas.
• Allow time for soaking and drying greasy items.
• Use a caddy for efficient movement around the kitchen.
• Ensure all wet items dry completely before storage.

Gather Your Kitchen Cleaning Tools and Supplies

Your kitchen deserves the best tools for a thorough cleaning. Having the right supplies can make a significant difference in your cleaning routine. Start by selecting reusable items that are effective and environmentally friendly.

Choose reusable cloths, sponges, and brushes

Opt for washable microfiber cloths. They can trap grease, dust, and bacteria using just water. This makes them a great choice for eco-conscious cleaning.

Plant-based cellulose sponges are another excellent option. Made from wood fibers, they provide scratch-free scrubbing while reducing plastic waste.

Don’t forget a bamboo-handled brush with replaceable natural-bristle heads. This tool is perfect for cleaning grout lines and hard-to-reach areas.

Pick cleaners that are safe for your surfaces

For an effective DIY cleaner, mix one cup of water with one cup of distilled white vinegar and add 10 drops of lemon essential oil. This solution is safe for most surfaces and helps eliminate odors.

Lastly, a vacuum with a HEPA filter is essential. It captures fine dust and allergens, ensuring your kitchen stays clean and healthy.

Declutter Your Kitchen and Prep for Cleaning

Clearing the clutter in your kitchen sets the stage for a successful cleaning session. Before diving into the actual cleaning, take a moment to prepare your space. This preparation is essential for making the process smooth and efficient.

Start by opening windows to let in fresh air. Then, gather your cleaning tools and mix your selected cleaners. Following The Cleaning Authority’s preparation sequence will help you stay organized.

Clear counters, wash dishes, and put items away

Clear every counter and table so you can wipe the entire surface without working around appliances or containers. Empty the sink, load dirty dishes into the dishwasher, and handwash any remaining pieces. This ensures that your surfaces are ready for a thorough cleaning.

Check cabinets and pantry items for expired food

Don’t forget to check your cabinets and pantry for expired food. Removing these items not only improves organization but also reduces avoidable waste. After cleaning, return only useful items to their places. This way, you can reorganize cabinet contents while shelves are accessible.

Clean the Fridge Inside and Out

A well-maintained fridge is key to keeping your food fresh and safe. Start by removing all food items. Place perishables in a cooler while you tackle the cleaning process. This step prevents spoilage and ensures your food stays safe.

Next, take out the shelves and drawers. Wash these removable parts with warm, soapy water. Allow them to air-dry completely before putting them back. This thorough cleaning helps eliminate any lingering odors.

After that, wipe the interior of the fridge with an appropriate all-purpose cleaner. Pay special attention to spills and sticky food residue. Don’t forget to clean the exterior door, handles, and top surface, avoiding vinegar on finishes that require special care.

Finally, place an open box of baking soda inside the fridge. This will help absorb odors before you restock organized food items.

• Remove all food and place perishables in a cooler before unplugging the refrigerator.
• Wash shelves and drawers with warm, soapy water, allowing them to air-dry.
• Wipe the interior with an all-purpose cleaner, focusing on spills.
• Clean the exterior without using vinegar on sensitive finishes.
• Leave an open box of baking soda inside to absorb odors.

For more tips on organizing your home, check out this helpful guide.

Deep-Clean the Oven and Stovetop

A clean oven and stovetop are crucial for maintaining a healthy cooking environment. Start by removing the oven racks. Coat them with a degreaser and soak them in a sink filled with hot water. This helps baked-on grease soften before scrubbing.

Next, sprinkle baking soda over the oven floor. Mist it with vinegar and let the mixture sit for about 30 minutes. This solution effectively loosens tough residue.

Once the time is up, wipe the loosened residue with a damp microfiber cloth. Avoid aggressive scraping, as it may scratch the surfaces. For the stovetop, clean grates, burners, knobs, and the oven door using compatible products for your specific appliance type.

For those seeking commercial options, GHI testing found that Oven Brite effectively removes burnt-on food after soaking the racks. This can be a reliable choice for tough cleaning tasks.

• Remove oven racks, coat them with degreaser, and place them in hot water to soften baked-on grease.
• Sprinkle baking soda over the oven floor, mist it with vinegar, and let it sit for 30 minutes.
• Wipe away loosened residue with a damp microfiber cloth.
• Clean stovetop grates, burners, knobs, and the oven door with suitable products.
• Consider using Oven Brite for tough burnt-on food after soaking.

Refresh the Microwave and Dishwasher

A tidy microwave and dishwasher contribute significantly to a hygienic cooking space. Start by steaming your microwave to remove stubborn food residues. Fill a microwave-safe bowl with one cup of water, two tablespoons of vinegar, and a slice of lemon. Heat this mixture on high for five minutes. The steam will loosen any dried food, making it easier to wipe the interior and door.

Don’t forget to wash the microwave turntable separately with warm, soapy water. Make sure to dry it completely before returning it to the appliance.

Next, focus on your dishwasher. Remove the bottom rack and clear out any food remnants around the spray arms. Check and clean the drain trap and filter to ensure everything runs smoothly.

For a thorough cleaning cycle, run an empty hot cycle with one cup of white vinegar on the top rack. Follow this with one cup of baking soda on the bottom to eliminate odors and residues.

Scrub the Sink, Drain, and Garbage Disposal

Your sink plays a significant role in kitchen hygiene. Start by rinsing the basin thoroughly. Then, create a baking-soda degreaser paste. Apply it to the stainless-steel surface and scrub well. Rinse it with warm water to ensure a spotless finish.

Next, pay attention to the faucet, soap dish, and sponge holder. Use a detail brush or a microfiber cloth wrapped around a butter knife to reach those narrow crevices.

For the drain, pour one-half cup of baking soda followed by one cup of vinegar. Let it fizz for about 10 minutes. This reaction helps break down any odor-causing residue. After the fizzing, flush the drain with cool water.

Lastly, freshen up your garbage disposal. Grind ice cubes and lemon peels while running water. This will deodorize the disposal and sharpen its blades.

• Rinse the basin first, then scrub stainless steel with a baking-soda degreaser paste and rinse thoroughly with warm water.
• Clean the faucet, soap dish, sponge holder, and narrow crevices with a detail brush or microfiber cloth wrapped around a butter knife.
• Pour one-half cup of baking soda down the drain, add one cup of vinegar, and let it fizz for 10 minutes.
• Flush the drain with cool water after the fizzing reaction has finished and loosened odor-causing residue.
• Grind ice cubes and lemon peels in the disposal with running water to deodorize and help sharpen its blades.

Wipe Cabinets, Countertops, and Other Surfaces

Your surfaces deserve a meticulous touch to ensure cleanliness and hygiene. Start by spraying cabinet fronts, handles, backsplash, and countertops with an all-purpose cleaner. It’s best to work in manageable sections so the grime doesn’t dry before you wipe it away.

Let the cleaner sit for about two minutes. This waiting time allows it to loosen grease, food residue, and fingerprints effectively. After that, grab a clean microfiber cloth to wipe the surfaces dry. This will help prevent streaks on cabinet doors and polished appliances.

Be cautious with your choice of cleaner. Avoid using vinegar on granite, marble, limestone, slate, and other natural stone surfaces, as its acidity can cause damage. Instead, opt for a cleaner that is specifically labeled safe for your countertop material.

• Spray surfaces in sections to prevent drying before wiping.
• Allow the cleaner to sit for two minutes to loosen grime.
• Use a microfiber cloth to ensure a streak-free finish.
• Avoid vinegar on natural stone surfaces to prevent damage.
• Choose a cleaner suitable for your specific countertop material.

Vacuum and Mop the Kitchen Floor

A clean floor is essential for maintaining a healthy and inviting cooking space. Before you start mopping, it’s crucial to vacuum the floor first. This step prevents dirt from being redistributed while you clean.

Begin by picking up large crumbs near cabinet toe kicks. Make sure to vacuum the edges and the areas beneath your refrigerator and oven. This will ensure that all debris is cleared away.

Pick up crumbs along edges and under appliances

Vacuuming first is important. The GHI warns that mopping before vacuuming can spread dirt across the floor. After vacuuming, you can prepare a DIY floor cleaner.

Mop with a cleaner suited to your floor type

Mix one gallon of hot water with one-half cup of distilled white vinegar and add 10-20 drops of lemon essential oil. This solution works well for ceramic and porcelain tile, but avoid using it on waxed floors or natural stone like marble and granite.

Wring out the reusable mop pad well, mop in sections, and dry the floor with a clean towel. This helps prevent streaks and slipping, leaving your kitchen floor spotless.

• Pick up large crumbs near cabinet toe kicks, then vacuum edges and spaces beneath appliances.
• Vacuum before mopping to avoid redistributing dirt.
• Mix one gallon of hot water with one-half cup of distilled white vinegar and 10-20 drops of lemon essential oil for tile.
• Avoid that vinegar solution on waxed floors and natural stone.
• Wring the mop pad well, mop in sections, and dry the floor to prevent streaks.

For more home maintenance tips, check out this helpful guide.

Use a Final Kitchen Cleaning Checklist

Wrapping up your cleaning process is essential for maintaining a pristine kitchen. A final checklist can help ensure that no detail is overlooked. This step can make a significant difference in your kitchen’s overall cleanliness.

Check for missed grease, spills, and food residue

Start by inspecting cabinet edges, appliance handles, and backsplash seams. Don’t forget to check sink fixtures and floor corners for any missed grease or food residue. Ensure that the refrigerator door, dishwasher exterior, oven controls, and microwave handle are clean and dry.

Replace used sponges and put supplies away

After your thorough cleaning, it’s time to replace used sponges, rags, and dish towels. According to Apartment Therapy, this final step is crucial for maintaining hygiene. Wash reusable mop pads and return all supplies to their storage area.

For your garbage can, empty or vacuum crumbs, then wipe inside and outside with a disinfecting wipe. To freshen a smelly bin, add bicarbonate of soda after replacing the bag, following the GHI’s recommendation.

Conclusion

A top-down routine keeps dust off a freshly mopped floor and saves time. Match each method with its surface: use suitable products for the refrigerator, oven, dishwasher, sink, cabinets, counters, and tile. Use the mop last, and follow a brief cleaning checklist.

White vinegar works on some materials, but avoid it on granite and other natural stone. Follow product labels, measure water as directed, and rinse with water when needed. Plan a kitchen cleaning session with a deep clean every one to three months, based on daily use. This schedule can make deep cleaning feel manageable.

The Cleaning Authority offers one-time, weekly, biweekly, and monthly services if you want extra help. Options vary by local office. Call (888) 658-0659 and ask which service fits your home and schedule.