This is a collaborative post.
The kitchen is the heart of the home, but keeping it clean and tidy is often very challenging. From the overflow of mail on the counters to the crumbs in the toaster, it can feel impossible to stay on top of. This blog post will share a detailed step-by-step guide to deep cleaning your kitchen, including seven places you really don’t want to miss! So grab your cleaning bucket, or make your appointment with Cleanzen (Miami) because your kitchen is deserving of a good deep clean!
1. The Counters
The counters can make or break your kitchen appearance. If they’re packed with clutter, declutter it; it can make your entire kitchen look messy. Therefore, first, clear away everything. Put away any appliances that you’re not using regularly, sort through the mail, sign the permission forms, and move the fruit bowl.
Whatever is on the counter, move it. Then, use your kitchen cleaner to give them a good scrub. Remember the spot in between the sink and the wall! Before you put things back on top, only the things you use regularly should be kept out. (Think – coffee pot, toaster, microwave, and maybe find space in the cupboard for the things you use sometimes like crockpots, blenders, and mixers.)
Things to keep on the counter:
- Coffee pot/kettle
- Toaster
- Microwave
Things to consider putting away:
- Kitchen mixer
- Blender
- Slowcooker
- Fondue pot
2. The Sink
Sinks are often the grossest part of the kitchen, and for good reason. Everything gets dumped in them to get cleaner, but how often are they themselves cleaned? Use boiling water and a drop of soap and soak the sink. Then, use a nonabrasive scrubby and clean the walls and taps. Afterward, use a soft, dry paper towel to wipe it all down and get your sink back to the super shininess it used to be!
3. The Refrigerator
Once you’ve finished the counters and sink, it’s time to tackle your fridge. Take everything out of it, and give the crispers and shelves a good wipe down. Remove anything that is removable and soak in warm, soapy water. Wipe down the door and the section you store condiments in. Toss expired food and sanitize the door handle (you’d be surprised by how dirty this gets!)
4. The Cabinets and Drawers
Once you’re ready to clean the cabinets, you’re nearly halfway done with your deep cleaning! Give yourself an imaginary high-five! Wipe down the top of your cabinets by standing on a chair, the outside, underneath, the inside, and the cabinet handles.
This job requires you to empty the cabinets, so ensure you have space on your kitchen table. After you’ve finished the cabinets, it’s time to do the drawers. Clean the inside and outside of the drawers, including the handles. This would also be a great time to organize whatever you have inside of them!
5. The Microwave
Fill a microwave-safe bowl with vinegar and heat it up for five minutes. Afterward, wait to open the microwave door for another five minutes. The steam from the vinegar will help you clean the whole inside of the microwave so much easier. Once the time has passed, use a damp cloth and wipe the inside of the microwave down. Use a disinfectant solution to wipe down the buttons and handle.
6. The Dishwasher
Dishwashers are such a time-saver, but, boy, oh boy, do they get dirty! A simple way to do a good deep clean is to sprinkle baking soda on the wire racks, pour 1 cup of vinegar into a glass, and put it securely on the top rack. Afterward, set the dishwasher for a heavy load wash. This will give your dishwasher a terrific deep clean!
7. The Appliances
No kitchen deep-clean would be complete without cleaning the little things. Brew a few pots with vinegar and no coffee grounds for the coffee pot. Then brew a few pots of just water. This will give the inside a good cleanse and clean.
Wipe down the outside of your toaster and empty the crumbs. (UNPLUG FIRST.) Remove the wire racks and wash them in warm soapy water. Remember to wipe down the trash can. Wipe the inside and outside of the can.
8. The Stove/Oven
Using a non-abrasive scrubby, clean the top of the stove. For stubborn stains and spills, use your go-to kitchen cleaner. After you’ve cleaned the top, make a mixture of water and baking soda. The texture should be like a paste and will need to be applied with something like a paintbrush.
Mix up equal parts vinegar and water and spray it inside the oven. The solution will foam up with the baking soda. For more deep cleaning, you can leave the oven to soak like this for 12 hours. Then, use a damp, warm rag to wipe it all down.
9. The Floor
Sweep any debris off the floor and finish the deep clean with a good scrub. Use your favorite mop and floor cleaner (here’s one easy to make) to clean your kitchen floor. Remember the little nooks and crannies. You’d be surprised at how much crud hides in those little spots.
The Takeaway
With this step-by-step guide, you can give your kitchen a major deep clean. Remember that the first rule to cleaning is to de-clutter and clear. Clear away the space, get rid of what you don’t need, and disinfect everything to eliminate germs.
