The kitchen is often regarded as the heart of the home.
Or at least, that’s what they say. Whether or not it truly holds the title of the heart, the kitchen is undeniably a space where we spend a considerable amount of our time. Mornings often find us shuffling through this area, making it a vital part of our daily routine.
Why are we focusing on kitchen cleaning for Week 2 of the Deep Clean Challenge?
Imagine waking up in the morning and having to navigate around a pile of dirty dishes just to fill your glass with water or brew your morning coffee. It can be quite disheartening. That’s why we’re building on last week’s success in decluttering, giving ourselves a fresh start in the kitchen. After this Saturday’s cleaning session, managing the kitchen as part of your daily chores will become a breeze. Soon, when you step into the kitchen in the morning, the only sounds of discontent will be the usual existential musings. Sound familiar? You’re not alone in this!
What is our goal?
The aim is to transform the kitchen into a more functional and less stressful environment. You may not complete every task on the kitchen cleaning checklist, and that’s perfectly fine. The objective isn’t to achieve perfection in one go but to steadily work towards a cleaner and more organized home. Each week, you’ll take significant steps towards this goal, and as you maintain your daily routines— or even just manage the basics—things will continually improve. We’re aiming for gradual progress, little by little.
What areas will we be cleaning in the kitchen?
Keep in mind that the kitchen deep clean challenge isn’t meant to take all day. We’ll focus primarily on the exteriors of your appliances (with the exception of the microwave). Larger appliances will be tackled in a future session of the Deep Clean Challenge. Don’t worry; we have a checklist to guide you through, which covers the following:
- Dishes
- Cabinetry (both interiors and exteriors, upper and lower if applicable)
- Drawers
- The exterior surfaces of the fridge and other appliances
- The interior and exterior of the microwave
- Counters and backsplash/walls
- Your kitchen table and chairs or breakfast bar stools (dining areas will be addressed in another week)
- Sink
- Flooring
What tools and cleaning supplies do we need?
Your supplies will depend on your kitchen’s unique characteristics. Yes, really! Not all kitchens are created equal. As a reminder of the Home-Ec 101 philosophy: always read the label, never mix chemicals without proper research, and test in a hidden area first. So, your task is to gather what you need before Saturday. Regardless of your kitchen’s layout, you will likely want:
- Gloves – because cleaners can be harsh on your skin
- Rags or paper towels
- A degreaser safe for counters, cabinetry, and appliances
- A vacuum with a hose attachment/soft bristle brush, handheld vacuum, OR a soft brush to clear away dust and crumbs
- Broom & Dustpan
- Mop & Bucket
- Trashcan & Bags
How do we kick off this week’s kitchen clean-up challenge?
Do you find that you need a little accountability to keep you focused? Here are some ideas:
- Send a text or call a friend to check in on your progress.
- If you work better with company, invite someone to join you in the space. They may appreciate a similar gesture in return. This technique, known as body doubling, can be particularly effective for those with ADHD.
- Utilize a timer. Your phone has one, but if you prefer something more tactile, consider using a visual timer—many people find these helpful for staying on track.
Please note:
If you choose to use the body doubling technique, your friend should understand that they are not expected to assist.
Just having them nearby can be incredibly motivating. They could enjoy a cup of tea or coffee, play games on their phone, or take care of kids while you tackle the cleaning. This way, you both benefit from each other’s company without the pressure of collaboration. Let’s normalize this kind of support.
Need a boost of motivation?
- Play your favorite upbeat playlist.
- Listen to a podcast you love. Last week, we shared some of our favorites. What are yours? We’re always eager to hear recommendations, so feel free to share in the comments!
Don’t forget to print out the kitchen clean-up checklist! A few items on the checklist require clarification.
The tops of the cabinetry – When addressing this area, aim to remove the thick layer of dust first. The dust on top of cabinets often becomes greasy due to aerosolized grease from cooking. As you sauté, grease particles float around until they settle, attracting dust and lint. Avoid scrubbing this mess with the soft bristle attachment of your vacuum; it’s not a pleasant task. Simply give it a quick sweep to remove the bulk, then follow up with a degreaser and a cloth. Here’s a helpful tip: since no one can see the tops, consider laying down a layer of paper towels. Next time you clean, just remove the towels, wipe the tops, and replace them with fresh ones.
The interior of your microwave – To tackle any splatters, fill a microwave-safe bowl with one cup of water and 1/4 to 1/2 cup of distilled vinegar. Microwave it on high for five minutes, then let it sit for another five while you clean other areas. This creates steam that loosens any stubborn stains. Afterward, carefully remove the bowl and wipe down the interior.
Lastly, while we will do a thorough clean of your dishwasher in a future challenge, now might be an excellent opportunity to check its filter and give it a good cleaning. Wouldn’t it be satisfying to put away freshly cleaned dishes later? If you’re unsure how to clean your dishwasher’s filter or whether it has one, search on YouTube for tutorials specific to your dishwasher’s brand and model. Many helpful videos exist. For instance, Heather owns a Bosch dishwasher, and its filter is located at the bottom near the front; it easily twists out for a quick scrub under hot water before being replaced.
How long should it take to clean your kitchen?
This is a great question. Your motivation level, energy, and the amount of dishes needing attention all play a role. So, the answer is—it varies! Grab your timer, and let’s meet back here on Saturday. Ready to get started?
Looking for more helpful articles on kitchen cleaning?
- How to Handwash Dishes
- How to Repair Stained Grout
- How to Reduce Cooking Odors
- Cleaning Cutting Board Basics
- How to Clean a Dirty Broiler Pan
- How to Clean a Smooth Top Range / Stove
- How to Clean Dirty Drip Pans
- How to Clean Refrigerator Coils
- How to Clean Stained Enameled Cast Iron
- How to Clean a Smelly Garbage Disposal
- How to Remove Burnt Food from Aluminum Pots and Pans
- How to Remove Burnt Food from Glassware
- How to Remove Hard Water Spots from Glassware
- How to Remove Melted Plastic from Cookware
- How to Remove Soap Residue from Plastic
- Why Isn’t My Dishwasher Performing as It Should?
- How to Get Started on a Giant Pile of Dishes
- How to Clean and Shine Stainless Steel
- How to Clean Out the Fridge
- How to Clean Corian
- How to Clean Granite Counters
- How to Remove Acrylic Paint from Laminate Countertops
- How to Remove Ink from Laminate Countertops
- How to Remove Milk Splatter from Wood Furniture
- How to Dispose of Cooking Grease
- How to Clean Kitchen Light Fixtures
- Help! Someone Put Dish Soap in the Dishwasher
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