How to Clean the Kitchen & Keep it That Way

Last Updated : July 5, 2023 /

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How to Clean the Kitchen

Overwhelmed by needing to clean your kitchen? As one of the busier rooms in your house, it can feel like you’re never finished. If you’re wondering how to clean the kitchen and keep it manageable, these kitchen cleaning tips are for you.

In this resource, we’ll break kitchen cleaning into smaller tasks so you can keep your kitchen clean all the time without spending hours on it daily.

Before You Begin

It’s tempting to jump right into kitchen cleaning and disinfecting, but you’re far better off spending a sometime preparing yourself for the task.

Gather Your Cleaning Supplies

Gathering all your cleaning supplies and spray bottle before you start cleaning saves time and energy. Not having to stop mid-cleanup to find a certain cleaning product can make the difference between barely finishing before time to start dinner and being able to take a few moments to relax with your feet up.

Cleaning Supplies

Declutter the Area

Remove anything that doesn’t belong in the kitchen – or stuff that’s cluttering your kitchen surfaces. Put away mail, cookware, cookbooks, boxes that need to go back into the kitchen cupboard, etc.

Take a Deep Breath

When you feel overwhelmed at the prospect of cleaning your kitchen, taking some deep breaths can help keep you calm and centered. Instead of focusing on the entire mess, do one thing at a time.

Guide for Effectively Cleaning the Kitchen

Cleaning the Kitchen Counters

Once you’ve decluttered and removed all the unnecessary items from the countertops, use a sponge and your preferred all-purpose cleaner to wipe them down, clean any crevices and scrub away any tough stains. Make sure to use a cleaner that’s safe for your butcher block or granite countertops. Follow up with a soft cloth to remove moisture and prevent scratching your kitchen countertops.

Empty the Dishwasher and Do the Dishes

Put away any dishes and cookware that are waiting to be unloaded from the dishwasher. Fill the sink with hot water and soap to tackle any dishes that aren’t dishwasher safe. If you have a lot of dishes that need to be washed by hand, leave them in the sink to soak while you work on other tasks.

Load the dishwasher with any other dishes, and run it.

Dust the Top of the Fridge, Countertops, and Cabinets

These areas are often neglected but are a major source of dirt and gunk. To ensure these are clean of oil splatters, use a duster or cloth to wipe down wood cabinets and any other cabinet surface at least once a week. If you have any kitchen cabinets that are lower down and within reach, be sure to check the cabinet interiors for any food particles or dirt.

stovetop cleaning

Scrub Your Stovetop and Oven

Here are some simple steps you can take to remove any grease stain and get your stove and oven looking brand new:

  • Start by removing any loose debris or crumbs from your stovetop and oven 
  • Make a cleaning solution by mixing a splash of dish soap with warm water 
  • Dip a sponge or rag in the solution and start scrubbing the stovetop and oven
  • Clean your electric or gas stove’s knobs, burners, and other removable parts
  • Lastly, wipe down the exterior of your stove and oven with a damp cloth to remove any remaining grime or cleaner.

With these tips, your stove top and oven will be clean and prepared for your next culinary adventure!

Clean Small Appliances

Small appliances like coffee makers, microwave, toasters, and blenders can accumulate dust, grease, and food residue over time, so giving them a little TLC is important.

For your coffee maker, fill the water reservoir with equal parts vinegar and water, and run a cycle. Repeat this process with clean water to remove any remaining vinegar taste. For toasters, remove the crumb tray and wipe down the exterior with a damp cloth. To clean your mixer, fill the blender halfway with warm water and some dish soap; blend on high for a minute or two and rinse.

Clean Other Items That Stay on the Counter

If you have any decor or other items like a paper towel holder, fruit bowl, cookbook stand, etc. By taking a little time washing random knick-knacks, you’ll not only extend their lifespan but also save yourself the headache of dealing with built-up grease caused by cooking.

clean fridge

Clean Out and Organize Your Fridge

The first step is to remove everything from your fridge and freezer, then throw out any expired food. Then wipe down the interior with a mix of warm water and mild detergent. You can also remove the shelves and drawers and wash them separately if needed. As you put food back in the fridge, be sure to place items that expire soonest in the front so you don’t forget about them.

To help keep your fridge organized, consider using clear bins or containers to group similar items together, such as dairy products, fruits and veggies, and leftovers. You can also use labels or stickers to identify the contents of each container. And don’t forget to make use of the door compartments for items like condiments, juice, and eggs.

Deep Clean the Kitchen Sink

The sink is the most commonly used item in your kitchen, and all that use can lead to some serious grime buildup over time. To deep clean your sink remove dishes, sponges, and other items, then sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda all over the sink. Next, use a soft-bristled scrub brush or sponge to scrub the baking soda into the sink, working in circular motions. Be sure to pay extra attention to the faucet or any areas with stubborn stains and buildup.

After wiping down the kitchen sink, rinse it thoroughly with warm water. You can also use a clean microfiber cloth to wipe away any baking soda residue. For extra disinfection, you can add some white vinegar or hydrogen peroxide to your baking soda scrub. Just be sure to rinse thoroughly afterwards.

Sink Cleaning

Empty and Wipe Down the Trash Can

Over time, your trash or garbage disposal can accumulate bacteria, unpleasant odors, and other grime, so it’s a good idea to empty and wipe down your trash can regularly. 

Once you remove any garbage or recycling bags from the trash can you can begin. Grab either a dry cloth or paper towel and wipe the interior of the trash can, if needed use a mild detergent, or all-purpose cleanser.

Be sure to give the outside of the trash can a quick wipe down, including the lid and any handles.

kitchen floors

Clean the Floors

Kitchen floors are one of the more high-traffic areas, which means they get dirty and greasy quickly. With regular cleaning, you can keep your kitchen floors looking sparkly clean.

First, grab your broom and sweep or vacuum the floor to remove any loose debris or dirt. Use a mop or a microfiber cloth to clean the floor with warm water and mild detergent. Be sure to wring out the mop or cloth thoroughly so you don’t leave excess water on the floor.

If you have stubborn stains or areas with built-up grime, you can use a mixture of warm water and vinegar or bleach solution to help with cleaning; just apply the mixture to the affected area and let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing with a brush or cloth.

For extra shine, you can also use a commercial floor cleaner designed specifically for your flooring type. 

Lastly, make sure to dry the floor so you don’t leave any watermarks or streaks. 

Add Any Finishing Touches

After cleaning your kitchen, there are a few finishing touches you can add.

Try adding a fresh scent to your kitchen by lighting a scented candle, using an essential oil diffuser, or even simmering a pot of water with lemon slices and herbs like rosemary or thyme.

You can add a vase of fresh flowers, a bowl of colorful fruit, or a set of decorative canisters.

Another way to add some finishing touches is to update your kitchen towels. Swap out old dish towels for fresh, new ones in a fun pattern or color.

You have finished the kitchen cleaning resource, if you followed along step back and admire your hard work! 

Call The Cleaning Experts at Upstairs Downstairs for a Professional Deep Cleaning!

Not everyone has the time or supplies to clean their own kitchen. We get it, and we’re here to help! Give us a call today to get your free quote on an expert kitchen cleaning service. 

FAQs

How can I clean my kitchen fast?

To clean your kitchen fast, clear away clutter and dishes, then focus on the high-traffic areas like the countertops, sink, and stovetop. Use multi-purpose cleaners and microfiber cloths for efficient cleaning, and tackle one task at a time to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

How do you keep a kitchen clean? 

Develop a kitchen cleaning checklist and stick to it, and don’t forget to declutter and organize regularly to prevent buildup of dirt and grime.

How can I make sure my dishes and utensils don’t get rusty?

To prevent rust on dishes and utensils, make sure they are completely dry before storing them away, and make sure to regularly clean and maintain your dishwasher or sink to prevent the buildup of rust-causing minerals.

What should I avoid when cleaning in the kitchen?

When cleaning in the kitchen avoid using abrasive or harsh cleaners on delicate surfaces like stainless steel and granite. Additionally, avoid using sponges or cloths that have been used to clean up raw meat or other bacteria-laden substances on surfaces where food is prepared or served.

What should I clean first in the kitchen?

It’s best to start by cleaning the dishes and putting them away, followed by clearing off any clutter and wiping down surfaces like the countertops and stovetop. Then, focus on the sink and the floors, and work your way towards cleaning any appliances or cabinet doors as needed.

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