Kitchen Cleaning Guide (The ULTIMATE Kitchen Checklist) (2024)

Looking for a kitchen cleaning guide and checklist?

You’re in the right place.

Your kitchen can be a daunting place to clean – that’s why we put together this step by step guide with our best kitchen cleaning tips and kitchen cleaning essentials.

It’s often the hub of activity in a household, and it can quickly become dirty from food preparation, eating, and everyday use.

You’re not alone if you’re feeling overwhelmed and stressed about doing a deep clean in your kitchen.

We’ve all been there!

The good news is that a thorough and efficient kitchen cleaning doesn’t have to seem like Mission Impossible.

Kitchen Cleaning Guide Introduction

Keeping your kitchen clean is important for ensuring that you have a safe and healthy environment for cooking and dining. But with all of the different surfaces and appliances in the kitchen, it can be challenging to know where to start cleaning and how to proceed.

This kitchen cleaning guide provides valuable tips on keeping your kitchen tidy so that you can maintain your kitchen sanitation and extend the life of your appliances. We’ll show you how to conquer any kitchen cleaning task, from deep-cleaning ovens, sinks, and kitchen countertops to sanitizing dishwashers. Plus, it provides invaluable general tidiness tips!

Daily Kitchen Cleaning Guide

Daily cleaning is essential if you wish to have a germ-free and orderly kitchen.

Here are some everyday chores that will help ensure your kitchen remains clean and tidy:

• Rinse dishes: After every meal, rinse dirty dishes — even if you don’t have time to completely wash them. If left for too long, food particles can stick and become increasingly harder to remove when you decide to tackle the washing-up later.
• Wipe down counters: Use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe down counters and other surfaces once a day. This will help keep your kitchen looking fresh and presentable.
• Clean range hood: Regularly clean the range hood to prevent grease accumulation that can become a fire hazard.
• Vacuum and mop floor: Vacuuming and mopping are crucial for general kitchen hygiene. Aim to vacuum or mop at least once a week to remove food particles and dirt. If you have time, a quick daily spot sweep can do wonders.
• Sanitize sink: Wipe down and sanitize the sink daily to reduce bacteria build-up.

This daily kitchen cleaning guide will help you keep your kitchen clean and tidy, reducing the need for deep cleaning efforts.

How To Clean Everything In Your Kitchen

Your kitchen is the home of your culinary masterpieces, so it’s important to keep it in pristine condition. Here is our step-by-step kitchen cleaning checklist to clean all kitchen components and keep them in top shape.

Kitchen Cleaning Guide Step #1: Remove All Clutter in the Kitchen

The kitchen is seen as the heart of the home and can often become cluttered. Unfortunately, having clutter in the kitchen can make this part of the home look disorganized and it can be a struggle to be productive.

To tackle this issue, start with the following steps:

• Put all items away after every use: When you leave items in the kitchen for an extended period, they can accumulate dust and dirt. Plus, they become visual clutter that can make it harder to tidy the space.
• Put away unneeded items: If you have things in the kitchen cluttering up countertops or cupboards, put them away until they’re needed. Anything that doesn’t belong in the kitchen can be put away where it goes.
• Organize cupboards and drawers: Boxes, shelves, and bins can help make cupboards and drawers more organized.
• Donate or throw away any excess items no longer needed: Clutter in the kitchen can often result from hoarding, which can hamper productivity. Donate or throw away utensils or appliances you don’t use.
• Keep only the necessary items: When it comes to kitchen items, only keep what you need. For example, if you rarely cook, keep only the bare minimum of kitchen utensils.

Using a label maker also helps organize items so that everything has its own space.

Kitchen Cleaning Guide Step #2: Clean the Countertops

Next is the countertop. A clean counter is one of the most important aspects of a kitchen.

People often use their countertops for meal preparation, so keeping them clean and free of germs is essential.

A combination of warm water and mild liquid soap and a cotton cloth, microfiber cloth, or sponge should be sufficient for keeping your countertops clean.

If you need to scrub off tough stains, use a non-abrasive cleaner such as baking soda and water.

However, if your countertop is made of stone like granite or marble, it may require unique cleaning solutions tailored to its composition. To ensure germ-free surfaces, be sure to wipe down your counters not only regularly but thoroughly.

Kitchen Cleaning Guide Step #3: Clean the Sink

After the countertops are taken care of, it’s time to move on to the sink. Cleaning your sink can help reduce food particles and grease that tend to accumulate in this area.

To get started, you will want to gather materials such as a sponge, a spray bottle containing an all-purpose cleaner, and old rags or towels, or a roll of paper towels.

Give the sink a quick rinse with hot water and rinse away any excess food or debris. Apply your all-purpose cleaner of choice to the entire sink or the portion that needs cleaning.

Let stand for a few moments before scrubbing — the length of time will vary depending on what kind of cleaner is used — then gently scrub the area, making sure to get into corners and hard spots.

Finally, rinse the area thoroughly with hot water and let air dry or dry off with a rag or towel.

Kitchen Cleaning Guide Step #4: Clean the Oven

The oven is often the most dreaded appliance to clean.

The first step is to check if you have a self-cleaning oven. If so, follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to use it properly and safely.

If your oven has no self-cleaning function, you can start by removing all racks inside the oven and wiping down the oven interior walls with mild dish soap and water to break down food particles and grease deposits.

You can do this by filling the sink with warm soapy water and going back and forth between the sink and the oven to make sure your sponge isn’t covered in grease.

Next, sprinkle baking soda over the bottom of the oven. Make a paste using three parts baking soda and one part water, then spread it on any tough stains or difficult spots that need extra attention.

Let this sit for at least 30 minutes before wiping it out with a damp cloth.

While the area is still damp, use an old toothbrush to scrub away any remains of grease or food particles before drying off with a dry cloth. Your now sparkling-clean oven is ready to use!

Kitchen Cleaning Guide Step #5: Clean the Fridge

Once you’re done with the oven, it’s time to move on to the refrigerator. Cleaning a refrigerator is essential for good hygiene and health, as it can help reduce bacteria growth.

You can begin by clearing your refrigerator and throwing away expired or rotten food items.

To ensure safe disposal, place all discarded food items in a sealed disposable container before placing them in the trash can. If it’s a few days until your trash pickup day, you can keep the old food items in the freezer for now.

After removing all expired food items, use a damp cloth to clean your refrigerator’s interior.

Be sure to pay special attention to hard-to-see surfaces, such as around the door seals and in between other components. These are ideal spots for bacteria and germs to grow, which can lead to health issues if left unchecked.

To give your refrigerator a thorough cleaning, you can use a mild detergent, or for an even more natural approach, try using white vinegar and baking soda.

In addition, hand wash and sanitize the cooling coils with hot soapy water or a mild degreasing solution if accessible.

Afterward, wipe down the shelves and drawers before drying them off and placing clean items back in their designated areas.

Kitchen Cleaning Guide Step #6: Clean the Microwave

Don’t forget your microwave! First, remove all dishes, trays, or racks from inside the appliance.

Cut a lemon in half, squeeze the juice into a bowl of water and place the lemon halves in it — microwave on high for three to four minutes. The steam from the bowl will loosen food particles and grease that have built up over time.

Once the steam has done its job, take out the bowl and use a damp cloth to wipe down the inside of your microwave.

Then, use a multi-purpose cleaner on a sponge or cloth to wipe down the external surface of your appliance.

Remember to give extra care when cleaning buttons and other small nooks, as these are hotspots for germs and bacteria growth.

Once you’re done, your microwave should be as good as new!

Kitchen Cleaning Guide Step #7: Clean the Cabinets

Kitchen cabinets and drawers gather dust, grease, and food particles over time.

To ensure a clean cabinet area and to keep your kitchen looking its best, start by removing all items from the cabinets and drawers.

This will allow you to access every nook and cranny that needs cleaning.

Start at the top of the cabinet/drawer and gently wipe down every surface in a circular motion, lifting any dirt caught in hard-to-reach crevices.

Grab a damp towel and soapy dishwashing liquid and wipe down the interior of the cabinets and drawers. After all residue is gone, dry completely.

If necessary, use an equal mixture of white vinegar and water to remove tough grease spots or stubborn specks of food. Spray the area with an anti-bacterial cleaner and wipe it down one more time for extra sanitation and shininess.

Don’t forget to wipe down the handles and knobs too! Once the surfaces are clean, you can place your items back in the cabinets/drawers.

Kitchen Cleaning Guide Step #8: Clean the Dishwasher

Number eight in our kitchen cleaning tips guide is cleaning the dishwasher. Sanitizing your dishwasher is a relatively simple task that can help prolong your machine’s life and prevent future trouble.

Cleaning and sanitizing regularly should be part of any homeowner’s maintenance routine.

Start when the dishwasher is empty and remove the racks.

Scrub any visible food particles off the dishwasher walls and racks with a sponge or cloth. Next, run an empty cycle on your dishwasher at the highest temperature.

For additional cleansing, you can combine one part vinegar and five parts water in a dishwasher-safe bowl or container. Set the bowl on the bottom rack and run the dishwasher on a hot cycle.

After the cycle, wipe down the inside walls and discard the vinegar solution. Leave the door open after use to allow full air drying.

These simple steps will help keep your dishwasher free of dirt and bacteria buildup over time.

Kitchen Cleaning Guide Step #9: Clean the Kitchen Floors

To clean your kitchen floor, start by removing any items, such as rugs or mats.

Begin by vacuuming or sweeping away any dirt and crumbs. If needed, use a crevice tool to remove hard-to-reach dirt.

Next, mop your floors with a mild all-purpose cleaner or choose one specifically designed for your floor type. A microfiber mop is best for this task since it will help remove any remaining dirt and leave behind a shining finish.

Remember to pay special attention to corners and edges, which are especially prone to collecting dirt and debris!

Kitchen Cleaning Guide Step #10: Clean the Garbage Disposal

Finally, let’s freshen up the garbage disposal. This simple task can be done quickly and efficiently to help keep your kitchen smelling clean.

To start, pour half a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by a few cups of vinegar. Wait for the foaming reaction to stop, and then run cold water through the disposal for a few seconds.

Continue flushing the drain for about a minute to completely rinse out the mixture.

You can also add a few citrus peels or essential oils to help deodorize and freshen the disposal.

Kitchen Cleaning Guide Products

A kitchen should be safe and sanitary, so it’s essential to use the right cleaning products when tackling kitchen chores. We’ve compiled a list of the essentials for keeping your kitchen clean and hygienic:

• Scrub brush: A sturdy brush with stiff bristles is essential for tackling tough messes like caked-on grease and grime.
• Dish detergent: Quality dish detergent will help you get the job done quickly and efficiently, but make sure to use an eco-friendly variant that is gentle on the environment.
• Mop: A mop is necessary for keeping your kitchen floors clean and sparkling. Look for one specifically designed for the surfaces of your particular floor type.
• White vinegar: White vinegar can remove tough stains, grease spots, and more. It’s also a great choice if you’re trying to avoid harsh chemicals.
• Disinfectant: A good disinfectant is necessary to kill kitchen germs and bacteria. Choose one that is safe to use on countertops.
• Cleaning cloths: Clean rags are a must-have when cleaning your kitchen! Keep a stash on your hand for wiping down surfaces and soaking up spills.
• Baking soda: Baking soda can tackle various cleaning duties, such as scrubbing tough stains and absorbing odors.
• Vacuum: Most people forget the importance of vacuuming their kitchen. A quality vacuum can help you remove dirt and debris accumulated over time, so keep one on hand for those tough jobs!

Other cleaning items such as sponges, scrub pads, and microfiber cloths are also helpful to have in your cleaning arsenal.

Kitchen Cleaning Guide: 5 Tips for Cleaning Your Kitchen

Here are a few tips to make following your kitchen cleaning guide even easier.

1. Start With the Most Visible Surfaces and Work Your Way Deeper

Start from the most visible surfaces and move deeper into harder-to-reach spaces. Wipe down countertops and cabinet fronts, then address the small appliances on the counters like mixers, blenders, or the toaster oven. Next, move closer to the back of the kitchen and clean appliances such as your microwave, refrigerator, oven, and dishwasher.

Finish the cleaning session by vacuuming under appliances such as refrigerators or freezers and scrubbing those hard-to-reach areas behind drawers.

2. Clean While You Wait

Although feather dusters are the traditional option for cleaning, a microfiber cloth is more effective and efficient. Not only do microfiber cloths pick up even the finest particles of dirt and dust, but they also absorb liquid so you can quickly switch from one job to another, from dusting light fixtures, and shining windows to scrubbing the countertops.

Microfiber cloth fibers are woven closely together, trapping dirt and moisture, which makes them superior to other cleaning materials like cotton rags.

They are ideal for household cleaning due to their lightweight design and ease of use. They also don’t require the use of potentially hazardous chemicals either.

3. Use Microfiber Cloths for Dusting

Although feather dusters are the traditional option for cleaning, a microfiber cloth is more effective and efficient. Not only do microfiber cloths pick up even the finest particles of dirt and dust, but they also absorb liquid so you can quickly switch from one job to another, from shining windows to scrubbing the countertops.

Microfiber cloth fibers are woven closely together, trapping dirt and moisture, which makes them superior to other cleaning materials like cotton rags.

They are ideal for household cleaning due to their lightweight design and ease of use. They also don’t require the use of potentially hazardous chemicals either.

4. Clean Spills Immediately

Keeping your kitchen clean doesn’t have to be a complicated task. The best way to maintain a spotless space is to address messes as soon as they occur.

A quick wipe-up of any liquid spills with a cloth and a cleaning solution will help keep the mess from sitting all day. If you have tough stains or spills, you can mix white vinegar with warm water.

Getting crumbs and bits of food off the floor as soon as possible is vital to avoid attracting pests and creating unclean surfaces that can cause illnesses when touched or ingested.

By tackling messes right away, you can save yourself hours of scrubbing later on while keeping your kitchen hygienic and neat

5. Have a Schedule

Creating a cleaning schedule for your kitchen is key to keeping it clean and tidy over time. Whether you devote one day each week or every two weeks to deep cleaning tasks, stay committed to the plan and keep up with regular cleanings.

On your designated days, make sure you give extra attention and care when scrubbing surfaces, mopping floors, and wiping down appliances — especially those items that get used frequently.

Taking these precautions will not only help you dodge unwanted surprises but also allow you to address potential issues quickly.

Kitchen Cleaning Guide Conclusion

We hope you found this kitchen cleaning guide helpful!

With a few basic measures, you can safeguard your kitchen from dirt, dust, and bacteria.

Remember to keep up with preventive maintenance and use the right cleaning materials for each task so your kitchen stays in top shape!

When you’re ready to move on to the next room, check out the following guides:

1. Living Room Cleaning Guide
2. Bedroom Cleaning Guide
3. Bathroom Cleaning Guide