Kitchen Deep Cleaning Checklist

Battling stubborn grease and sticky cabinets in your kitchen can be extremely frustrating. Although a simple surface clean might help you for a while, you still need a deep clean at least every two weeks. Most of the people grapple with these issues. Since the kitchen is one of the most commonly used areas in your home, it’s essential to restore your kitchen to its sparkling best.  

In this guide, we’ll help you tackle each problem area. We’ll also provide you with a step-by-step deep cleaning checklist to transform your kitchen into the clean, organized, and welcoming space it should be.

Step-by-Step Unfold Kitchen Deep Cleaning Checklist

To initiate, you need a step-by-step kitchen deep cleaning checklist. Don’t worry, we’ve got it all covered for you! Here’s your kitchen deep cleaning checklist. This will guide you through the process, ensuring no corner of your kitchen is left untouched.

1. Declutter First: Before you begin cleaning, remove all items from your countertops, cabinets, and drawers. This will make it easier to clean and allow you to declutter simultaneously.
2. Pantry Deep Cleaning: The pantry is one of the most used areas in your kitchen. But it is often overlooked. All you need is a deep cleaning session that can help keep it organized.
   • Start by emptying your pantry and sorting through the items. 
   • Check expiration dates, and discard anything that is expired
   • Consider donating unopened non-perishable items that you no longer need.
   • Label everything clearly and try to group similar items such as baking supplies, canned food, or snacks. 
   • Wipe down the shelves. You can also consider using shelf liners to make future clean-ups easier. 
   • Arrange the items back in an organized manner. 
3. Refrigerator & Freezer Deep Cleaning: Deep cleaning of your refrigerator and freezer goes beyond the occasional wiping down of shelves. We recommend you start by removing all the food items and tossing out the expired ones.  Then, Wipe down the interior of the fridge, paying special attention to the door seals.
   For the freezer, it may be necessary to defrost it first. Once defrosted, wipe down the interior, and ensure the door seals are clean. Before putting your food back, consider reorganizing the fridge and freezer by grouping similar items together and placing frequently used items in easily accessible areas.
   • Unplug your fridge and remove all food items. 
   • Toss out expired products and wipe down the interior with a solution of warm water and mild dish soap. 
   • Take out the shelves, drawers, and any removable parts and wash them with warm, soapy water.
   • Wipe down the interior of your fridge. Do pay special attention to the door seals. These can be home to bacteria and mold. 
4. Kitchen Drawers Deep Cleaning: Deep cleaning of the kitchen drawers involves more than just emptying and wiping them down. Since you store most of your essentials in these drawers, you must clean them efficiently to avoid spoilage. Follow these steps to make sure all your items are safe,
   • Empty each drawer
   • Vacuum out crumbs, and wipe them down with a damp cloth.
   • If your drawers have liners, it’s better to clean or replace them with new ones.
   • You can also consider using drawer organizers to keep utensils and gadgets in order.
5. Kitchen Cabinets Deep Cleaning: Your kitchen cabinets are prone to collecting dust, grease, and grime — especially those near the stovetop.
   • Start by emptying the cabinets, then wipe down the exterior and interior shelves with a damp cloth. 
   • For the exterior, use a cleaner appropriate for the material of your cabinets.
   • Pay extra attention to handles and edges where grime often accumulates.
   • To keep your cabinets clean for longer, consider using shelf liners and cleaning them regularly with a damp cloth.
   • If you have wooden cabinets, a wood polish or conditioner can help maintain their appearance and protect the finish.
6. Oven & Stovetop Deep Cleaning: Your oven and stovetop see a lot of action, and deep cleaning is essential for both cleanliness and safety.
   • Oven: Start with the oven by removing the racks and soaking them in soapy water. 
     • Use a commercial oven cleaner or a homemade paste of baking soda and water to scrub the interior. 
     • Remember to pay attention to baked-on grease and spills.
   • Stovetop: For the stovetop, remove any grates and burners (if possible) and soak them in soapy water. 
     1. Wipe down the surface with a damp cloth, and use a scraper or degreaser to remove stubborn spots. 
     2. Don’t forget to clean the knobs and the area around them, where grease and grime can build up over time.
7. Sink & Dishwasher Deep Cleaning: A tidy kitchen sink and dishwasher are essential for maintaining your kitchen hygiene. Let’s understand how you can deep clean these areas so that you and your family can stay protected from any unwanted infections.
   • Start by scrubbing the sink with a gentle cleaner.
   • Focus on the faucet, handles, and drain, where grime can accumulate.
   • For stainless steel sinks, you can also consider using a specialized cleaner to maintain their shine.
     For the dishwasher, you should first remove any food debris from the filter and wipe down the interior.
     Then, run an empty cycle with a cup of white vinegar on the top rack to clean and deodorize the dishwasher. This simple step can help prevent buildup and keep your dishes sparkling clean.
8. Countertops Deep Cleaning: Now let’s dive deep into how you can deep clean the countertops. Since they are one of the most visible areas in your kitchen, keeping them tidy is crucial for both the hygiene and aesthetics of your kitchen.
   • Start by removing any items from the countertops, including small appliances, and wiping them down with a cleaner suitable for the material. 
   • Pay attention to corners and edges, where dirt and grime can accumulate.
   • For stubborn stains, a paste of baking soda and water can be effective. Apply the paste, let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub gently and wipe away. 
   • To maintain your countertops, wipe them down daily and clean up spills immediately to prevent stains.
   • Make sure to clean under any small appliances and around the edges of the sink.
9. Floors Deep Cleaning: From spills to daily wear and tear, your kitchen floor struggles with everything. Undoubtedly, it is crucial to keep it clean. Follow these steps to ensure your kitchen floors are spotless:
   • Start with a Thorough Sweep: Begin by sweeping your kitchen floor properly to remove all dust, crumbs, and debris.
     Make sure to get into the corners and along the baseboards, as these areas often accumulate dirt that’s easy to overlook during regular cleaning.
   • Mop with the Right Cleaner: Once the floor is free of loose dirt, it’s time for you to mop. You should carefully choose a cleaner that’s appropriate for your floor type—whether it’s tile, wood, or laminate.

Kitchen Cleaning Tools

Now that you’ve got the steps down, let’s talk about the tools you’ll need to make deep cleaning your kitchen a breeze. Grab these tools before you start cleaning: 

• Microfiber cloths: These are your best friends for wiping down surfaces without leaving any annoying streaks behind. Grab a few!
• Disinfectant: You’ll want this to sanitize your surfaces and keep your kitchen germ-free.
• Nylon scrub brushes: Stubborn spots on your countertops, sinks, or floors? These brushes will take care of those in no time.
• Dishwashing detergent: Perfect for tackling greasy pots, pans, and other kitchenware. 
• Baking soda and white vinegar: These natural cleaners are a powerhouse duo for dealing with grime and odors.
• Latex or rubber gloves: Don’t forget to protect your hands from harsh chemicals and hot water. Your skin will thank you.
• Vacuum cleaner: Yes, for your kitchen! It’s perfect for cleaning out drawers and sucking up dust from those hard-to-reach places.
• Oven cleaner: This is a go-to solution for that baked-on grease in your oven. 

Kitchen Cleaning Schedule

Let’s face it—keeping your kitchen spotless can feel like a never-ending chore. But here’s a little secret: it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. The trick is to follow a regular cleaning schedule. Breaking down your tasks into daily, weekly, and monthly routines can help you stay on top of things and keep your kitchen looking its best. Ready to dive in?

• Daily tasks: Start with the basics. Each day, take a few minutes to wipe down your countertops, give your sink a good rinse, and sweep the floor. It’s amazing how these small, consistent efforts can make a big difference.
• Weekly tasks: Once a week, take things up a notch. It’s time to mop the floor to get rid of any sticky spots or spills. Don’t forget to clean the refrigerator exterior—those fingerprints and smudges won’t stand a chance! While you’re at it, wipe down the cabinet doors too. It’s a simple way to keep everything looking fresh.
• Monthly tasks: Once a month, set aside some time for deep cleaning. Your kitchen deserves a good scrub after all those delicious meals it’s helped you cook. While you’re in cleaning mode, wipe down the pantry shelves and tackle the inside of the refrigerator. A little effort here will go a long way in keeping your kitchen in top shape.

By sticking to this schedule, you’ll find that maintaining a tidy kitchen becomes a piece of cake. Plus, you won’t feel overwhelmed by the thought of a big, daunting cleanup. Instead, you’ll be able to enjoy a tidy kitchen every day.

Tips for Sticking to a Kitchen Cleaning Schedule

Consistency is the secret sauce to maintaining a tidy kitchen, but let’s be honest—it’s not always easy to stick to a schedule. Life gets busy, distractions happen, and before you know it, that once spotless kitchen is starting to look a little less tidy. But don’t worry! With a few simple strategies, you can keep your kitchen in tip-top shape without feeling overwhelmed. 

1. Set reminders: Let’s face it, we all have a million things on our minds. So, why not make life easier by setting reminders? 
2. Break it down: Big cleaning tasks can feel daunting, but here’s the trick—break them down into smaller, bite-sized chunks by covering one area at a time. 
3. Involve the family: Get the whole family involved! Assign specific tasks to different family members, making it a team effort. When everyone chips in, keeping the kitchen clean becomes a shared responsibility.
4. Reward yourself: Everyone loves a little reward, right? After you’ve checked off your cleaning tasks, treat yourself to something special. Maybe it’s a piece of your favorite chocolate, a cup of coffee, or some well-deserved relaxation time. Whatever it is, knowing there’s a reward waiting can be a great motivator to stay consistent.

Final Cleaning Tasks With the Final Touch

So, you’ve made it through deep cleaning the kitchen—nice work! But before you kick back and admire your efforts, there are a few final touches to add before and after cleaning kitchen- 

1. Wipe down any remaining surfaces: It’s easy to overlook those last little spots, but taking a moment to wipe down light switches, door handles, and any other high-touch areas can make a huge difference. 
2. Replace kitchen linens: Fresh linens can instantly elevate the look of your kitchen. This final step, combined with a fresh look after using the store cleaning checklist, will leave you with a sparkling kitchen.
3. Give the floor a final sweep and mop: Even if you’ve already swept and mopped during your deep clean, giving the floor one last go will ensure you catch any stray crumbs or dirt that might have been missed. 
4. Add a pleasant scent: A welcoming kitchen isn’t just about how it looks—it’s also about how it smells. To create a cozy, inviting atmosphere, consider adding a pleasant scent. It’s a simple touch, but it makes a world of difference.

Finally, step back and take a moment to admire your work. You’ve successfully completed a thorough deep cleaning of your kitchen, and it’s ready for anything—whether it’s cooking up a feast or just enjoying a peaceful cup of coffee.

FAQs

What Are the 5 Steps in Cleaning a Kitchen?

The five basic steps for cleaning a kitchen are:

• Declutter and Organize: Start by removing all items from surfaces and organizing them. Clearing the clutter makes cleaning so much easier.
• Clean Surfaces: Wipe down countertops, cabinets, and other surfaces. This is where your kitchen really starts to look and feel clean.
• Clean Appliances: Give your oven, stovetop, refrigerator, and other appliances a deep clean.
• Sweep and Mop Floors: Sweep up debris and mop the floor to remove dirt and grime. 
• Final Touches: Finish by wiping down any remaining surfaces, replacing kitchen linens, and adding a fresh scent. 

How to Quickly Deep Clean a Kitchen?

To quickly deep clean your kitchen, start by decluttering countertops and putting away stray items. Wipe down all surfaces, including countertops and cabinets. Clean the sink and key appliances like the oven and refrigerator. Finish by sweeping the floor to remove crumbs and dirt, then give it a quick mop. Focus on high-traffic areas and frequently used appliances for an efficient clean.

How to Deep Clean a Kitchen Floor?

Ready to give your kitchen floor some extra attention? Here’s how:

• Sweep or Vacuum: Start by removing any loose dirt, crumbs, or debris. This preps the floor for a deeper clean.
• Mop with the Right Cleaner: Choose a cleaner appropriate for your floor type—mild detergent for tile or a specific wood floor cleaner for hardwood. Mop the floor, paying extra attention to corners and baseboards.
• Tackle Stubborn Spots: For those tough spots, use a scrub brush to deal with stains and grime. 

How Often Should You Sweep Your Kitchen?

To keep your kitchen looking its best, sweeping daily is a good rule of thumb, especially in high-traffic areas. Regular sweeping prevents dirt from building up, making it easier to maintain a clean floor and reducing the need for frequent deep cleaning.

What Is the Best Way to Organize a Pantry?

Here’s the best to organize your pantry while deep cleaning the kitchen like never before: 

1. Group Similar Items: Start by grouping similar items together. 
2. Use Clear, Labeled Containers: Store items in clear containers so you can easily see what you have. Label them for quick identification.
3. Arrange by Category: Place frequently used items at eye level for easy access. Store less commonly used items on higher or lower shelves.
4. Regularly Declutter: Make it a habit to check expiration dates and declutter your pantry regularly. 

Final Thoughts! 

Kitchen is truly the heart of a healthy home. By following this kitchen deep cleaning checklist, you can tackle each area systematically. This will ensure that every corner of your kitchen is spotless. From deep cleaning the pantry to maintaining a shining sink, every step contributes to creating a clean, organized, and welcoming kitchen environment. So grab your cleaning tools, follow this guide, and enjoy the satisfaction of a sparkling kitchen. 

Want to explore how commercial kitchen cleaning services can make it even easier? Check out our blog on commercial kitchen deep cleaning checklist for more insights!

Happy cleaning!