The Ultimate Guide to Deep Cleaning Your Kitchen

Gather Your Supplies

Having all your cleaning supplies ready will make the process more efficient. Here's what you'll need:

• All-purpose cleaner
• Degreaser
• Glass cleaner
• Baking soda
• White vinegar
• Dish soap
• Microfiber cloths
• Scrub brushes (various sizes)
• Non-scratch scouring pads
• Mop and bucket
• Vacuum cleaner with attachments
• Rubber gloves
• Step stool (for reaching high areas)
• Garbage bags

Clear the Space

Remove small appliances, dish racks, and other items from countertops. Clear out the sink completely. This will give you unobstructed access to all surfaces.

Declutter and Organize

Take this opportunity to declutter your kitchen. Go through cabinets and drawers, discarding expired food items and organizing contents. This step isn't strictly part of cleaning, but it will make your kitchen more functional once the cleaning is complete.

1. Start from the Top: Ceiling, Lights, and Fans

Always clean from top to bottom so that dust and debris fall onto surfaces you haven't cleaned yet.

• Use a vacuum with an extension wand to remove cobwebs from corners and dust from ceiling fans.
• Dust light fixtures and, if possible, remove covers to clean them with glass cleaner or warm, soapy water.
• Wipe down the tops of cabinets with a microfiber cloth and all-purpose cleaner.

2. Clean Cabinet Exteriors and Handles

Kitchen cabinets can accumulate a sticky residue from cooking oils and food splatters.

• Create a solution of warm water, dish soap, and a little vinegar for cutting grease.
• Wipe down all cabinet doors, paying special attention to areas around handles.
• For wooden cabinets, follow up with a wood cleaner or polish to maintain their finish.
• Don't forget to clean cabinet hardware—handles and knobs can harbor bacteria.

3. Tackle the Refrigerator

A clean refrigerator keeps food fresher and runs more efficiently.

• Remove all food items, discarding anything expired or spoiled.
• Take out shelves and drawers if possible and wash them in warm, soapy water.
• Wipe down the interior walls, doors, and rubber gaskets with a solution of water and baking soda.
• For stubborn spills, use a mixture of baking soda and water as a gentle abrasive.
• Clean the exterior, paying special attention to handles and the top of the refrigerator, which often collects dust.
• Don't forget to vacuum the condenser coils at the back or bottom of the fridge (unplug it first)—this helps maintain efficiency.

4. Deep Clean the Oven

An often-dreaded task, but essential for kitchen hygiene and fire safety.

• If your oven has a self-cleaning feature, you might want to use it (though be prepared for odors and smoke).
• For manual cleaning, remove racks and soak them in hot, soapy water in the bathtub or a large basin.
• Apply an oven cleaner to the interior according to product instructions, or use a paste of baking soda and water for a natural alternative.
• Let it sit for the recommended time, then scrub away grime with a non-scratch scouring pad.
• Wipe out all residue with damp cloths.
• Clean the stovetop thoroughly, removing burner grates if applicable and soaking them.
• For glass cooktops, use a specialized cleaner or a paste of baking soda and water, followed by glass cleaner for shine.

5. Clean Small Appliances

Don't neglect your frequently used small appliances:

• Microwave: Heat a bowl of water with lemon slices for 2-3 minutes to create steam, then wipe down the interior. Remove the turntable and wash it separately.
• Toaster: Unplug, remove the crumb tray, and empty it. Turn the toaster upside down over a sink or trash can and gently shake out debris.
• Coffee maker: Run a cycle with equal parts water and vinegar, followed by several cycles of plain water to rinse.
• Blender: Fill halfway with warm water and a drop of dish soap, then run it for a quick clean. Disassemble and wash thoroughly for a deeper clean.
• Food processor/mixer: Disassemble and wash removable parts in warm, soapy water. Wipe down the base with a damp cloth (never submerge electrical components).

6. Sanitize Countertops

Different countertop materials require different cleaning approaches:

• Granite/Marble: Use a pH-neutral cleaner specifically designed for stone surfaces. Avoid acidic cleaners like vinegar, which can etch natural stone.
• Quartz/Solid Surface: Wipe with soapy water or an all-purpose cleaner, followed by a clean, damp cloth to rinse.
• Laminate: All-purpose cleaner works well; for tough stains, create a paste with baking soda and water.
• Butcher Block/Wood: Clean with mild dish soap and water, then dry immediately. Periodically, treat with food-grade mineral oil.
• Stainless Steel: Wipe in the direction of the grain with soapy water, then polish with a specialized stainless steel cleaner or a small amount of olive oil on a cloth.

7. Deep Clean the Sink and Disposal

Kitchen sinks can harbor more bacteria than a toilet seat if not properly cleaned.

• Scrub the sink basin with a non-abrasive cleaner appropriate for your sink material.
• For stainless steel sinks, baking soda works well as a mild abrasive.
• Disinfect the drain and disposal by pouring in baking soda followed by vinegar, letting it fizz for a few minutes, then flushing with hot water.
• For garbage disposals, freshen by grinding ice cubes with lemon or lime peels.
• Clean and disinfect the faucet and handles, paying attention to the base where grime can accumulate.

8. Clean Inside Cabinets and Drawers

Over time, crumbs and dust can accumulate inside cabinets and drawers.

• Remove all items from one cabinet or drawer at a time.
• Vacuum out loose debris.
• Wipe down the interior with a damp cloth and mild cleaner.
• Allow to dry completely before replacing items.
• Consider adding shelf liners for easier future cleaning.

9. Wash Backsplashes and Walls

These vertical surfaces catch food splatters and cooking grease.

• For tile backsplashes, use an all-purpose cleaner or a solution of warm water and dish soap.
• Clean grout with a paste of baking soda and water applied with an old toothbrush.
• For painted walls, use a gentle cleaner designed for painted surfaces to avoid damage.
• Don't forget to clean light switches and outlet covers, which are frequent touch points.

10. Finish with the Floors

Save the floor for last since dirt and debris from other cleaning tasks will end up there.

• Sweep or vacuum thoroughly to remove loose debris.
• Mop with a cleaner appropriate for your floor type:
• Tile: Warm water with a small amount of dish soap or specialized tile cleaner.
• Hardwood: Manufacturer-recommended hardwood floor cleaner or a barely damp mop with water.
• Laminate: Barely damp mop with water or specialized laminate cleaner; avoid excess moisture.
• Vinyl: All-purpose cleaner diluted in water.
• Don't forget to clean baseboards, which can collect dust and food particles.

Daily Maintenance

• Wipe down countertops and the stovetop after cooking.
• Wash dishes promptly or load them into the dishwasher.
• Sweep the floor to catch food particles and spills.
• Wipe down the sink after washing dishes.
• Take out trash and recycling regularly to prevent odors.

Weekly Tasks

• Clean the microwave interior.
• Wipe down cabinet fronts, especially around handles.
• Clean the refrigerator interior, discarding any spoiled food.
• Mop the kitchen floor.
• Disinfect high-touch areas like light switches, drawer pulls, and appliance handles.

Monthly Tasks

• Deep clean the refrigerator, including removal of all items.
• Clean the oven if needed based on usage.
• Descale the coffee maker and kettle.
• Wash range hood filters.
• Clean under and behind appliances if possible.