The Importance of a Thorough Kitchen Deep Clean
The kitchen is often regarded as the heart of the home, serving as a space for cooking, gathering, and creating memories. Due to its high usage, it necessitates occasional deep cleaning to maintain hygiene and order. Here’s a comprehensive checklist for a kitchen deep clean that will guide you through the process effectively.
While you may have a weekly cleaning routine, there are areas that tend to accumulate dust and grime over time, hidden in the corners of your drawers, cabinets, and beneath kitchen appliances. This is perfectly normal; not everyone has the time or energy to wipe down cabinets or pull out their refrigerator weekly. If you do, I commend you!
I typically clean my kitchen surfaces daily, and I follow this kitchen deep clean checklist a couple of times a year—once in the spring during my spring cleaning, and again in the fall as I prepare for the holiday season. My method ensures that every surface in my kitchen is thoroughly cleaned at least once a year. Although it may not seem like much, it’s manageable and keeps my home in great condition.
Curious about what other areas you should be cleaning? Visit my Cleaning page for more tips.
Tidy Your Kitchen Before Starting the Deep Clean
Deep cleaning your kitchen requires more effort than your regular cleaning routine, so it’s wise to start with a tidy space. Begin by clearing away food items, dirty dishes, and any everyday clutter. This includes emptying garbage cans and removing miscellaneous items from surfaces. Cleaning is more efficient when there’s less clutter to navigate around, so consider doing a thorough kitchen declutter before starting.
This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure policy for details.
Kitchen Deep Clean Checklist
This kitchen deep clean checklist is organized by specific tasks to help you tackle the job in manageable sections. You can either complete the entire list in a single session or spread it out over several days as time allows. Note that I have not included small appliances like coffee pots or toasters, as these should be cleaned more frequently.
Gather Your Supplies – 5 minutes
Before diving into a deep-cleaning project, take a moment to gather all your supplies to avoid distractions. Here’s a list of what I typically use:
- Rubber Cleaning Gloves: I prefer basic disposable gloves for general cleaning and switch to heavier rubber gloves for tough messes.
- Microfiber Cloths: You’ll need several. I use a 24-pack for various tasks.
- Dusting Wand: Your preferred dusting tool or a Swiffer will do, but microfiber cloths work as well.
- Stiff Bristle Detail Brush: A paintbrush or grout brush can be useful.
- Scrubber Sponge: Essential for cleaning stovetops, ovens, and other stubborn spots.
- Vacuum with Upholstery Attachment (optional): A compact, portable vacuum works best.
- Glass or Multi-Surface Cleaner: I love using a good multi-surface cleaner.
- Multi-Purpose Cleaner: I prefer a scrubbing cleaner for tougher jobs.
- Canned Air: Great for cleaning out tough spots if you have windows in your kitchen.
- Drain Cleaner: I often use a blend of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda.
Clean the Ceiling and Light Fixtures – 15 minutes
Start with the ceiling to avoid dropping dust onto cleaned surfaces. Always work from top to bottom and left to right. Remove any light fixture covers and soak them in warm, soapy water. If they can’t be removed, simply dust them off. Pay special attention to hanging cords, chains, or intricate designs. Wipe off the light bulbs with a clean microfiber cloth and replace the covers after rinsing and drying.
Wash the Walls, Doors, and Moldings – 20 minutes
To prevent streaks, wash your kitchen walls, moldings, and doors with a damp microfiber cloth, working from the top down. Don’t forget door handles and hinges. A microfiber mop can be effective for larger wall areas, while a hand cloth is better for smaller spots. You can skip cleaning behind the refrigerator and stove, as you’ll address those areas when deep cleaning the appliances.
Clean the Upper Cabinets – Time Varies Depending on Number of Cabinets
This task can be divided into three sections for easier management:
Clean the Cabinet Tops – 10 minutes
Dust or vacuum the tops of the cabinets and wipe them down with a cleaning cloth to eliminate any build-up. You can focus on the cabinet boxes later.
Clean the Cabinet Interiors – 10 minutes per cabinet
Remove the contents from each cabinet and clean the interior surfaces with a cloth, ensuring to wipe all walls and pay attention to corners. Replace items after cleaning, wiping them down as needed.
Clean the Cabinet Exteriors – 10 minutes
Wipe down the doors, side panels, and knobs/handles. Use a grout brush for intricate handles to get into crevices.
Wash the Kitchen Windows – 10 minutes per window
If you have window coverings, clean them first. For blinds or roller shades, clean them while they’re hanging. For fabric coverings, wash or dry-clean them as needed. Next, clean the window frame and tracks with canned air before buffing the glass.
Clean the Microwave or Vent Hood – 15 minutes
If your microwave vents, this task may take longer. Remove the exhaust screens and soak them in soapy water. Clean the underside of the microwave with a soapy cloth, paying close attention to greasy areas. When finished, clean the interior of the microwave and the door, ensuring to remove any splatters.
Empty and Clean Inside the Refrigerator – 25 minutes
This task is time-consuming but best done in one session. Start by removing the front grate and drip pan to soak in soapy water. Take out all food items and place them on the counter. Vacuum any debris inside. You might want a helper to wipe down jars and containers while you clean the fridge. Wash all surfaces, paying special attention to the corners and seals.
Clean the Exterior and Behind the Refrigerator – 20 minutes
Pull the refrigerator away from the wall. Dust the top and wash the door and seal. If applicable, clean the icemaker by removing and soaking any washable parts, and vacuum the coils if accessible. Clean the surrounding walls and floor before pushing the refrigerator back into place and replacing the drip pan.
Clean the Range – 30 minutes
Soak the temperature knobs while cleaning the stovetop. Use a paste of dish soap, baking soda, and hydrogen peroxide to tackle stubborn spots. Clean the oven racks and interior, taking care to clean the glass on the oven door as well.
Clean the Kitchen Drawers – 5 minutes per drawer
Start with the upper drawers, emptying their contents onto the countertop. Vacuum and wash the interiors thoroughly, paying special attention to the top sides and the area around the front. Wipe down the drawer fronts and handles before replacing the contents.
Wash the Kitchen Sink and Faucet – 10 minutes
Use a commercial cleaner or a paste of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide to clean the disposal. Scrub the sink and faucet, focusing on the sprayer head. Rinse everything with hot water to flush the drain.
Wipe Down the Backsplash, Countertops, and Light Switches – 10 minutes
Apply cleaner to the backsplash and countertops, letting it sit briefly. While waiting, clean the grout around the light switches. Wipe everything down with a damp microfiber cloth, ensuring to select an appropriate cleaner based on your surfaces.
Deep Clean the Dishwasher – 10 minutes
Remove the lower rack and clean the sprayer arms with baking soda and vinegar. Rinse and clean the filter, then spray the interior walls with hydrogen peroxide and scrub. Wipe down the exterior, focusing on the door and control panel.
Wipe Out the Lower Kitchen Cabinets – 10 minutes per cabinet
Remove contents from each cabinet, vacuum, and wipe the interior thoroughly. Replace items and clean the cabinet doors and knobs.
Clean the Baseboards and Kitchen Floor – 20 minutes
For baseboards, wrap a microfiber cloth around your broom for easy dusting. Once done, sweep, vacuum, or scrub the floors as needed.
Apply Conditioners and Sealers as Needed – 15-30 minutes
Now that your kitchen is sparkling clean, take the time to apply any necessary conditioners for wood, granite, tile, or grout sealers where applicable.
Congratulations! Your Kitchen Deep Clean is Complete
Whether you completed the entire checklist in one day or tackled it in manageable sections, you’ve successfully deep cleaned your kitchen. Now, take a moment to relax with a glass of wine and admire your hard work. If you’re interested in additional cleaning tips, check out how to deep clean your bathroom.
Bir yanıt yazın