The kitchen is oftentimes called the heart of the house. There are meals prepared, families gather and memories made. And with all that eating and cooking and socialising that occurs in the kitchen – it’s also among the toughest areas to clean. Grease, food spills and crumbs can collect in a hurry and make the kitchen look messy and uninviting.
Daily cleaning keeps things in order, but sometimes you just need to be very dirty and grimy. It may seem overwhelming to deep clean the kitchen, but it need not be. In fact, you can deep clean a kitchen without breaking a sweat with a little preparation and smart strategies.
Here are six steps to deep clean your kitchen like a pro. Organizing, decluttering, cleaning tough stains and cleaning surfaces – these tips will give you a spotless kitchen in no time. Let’s dive in!
1. Declutter & Organize – a New Start
Before you scrub and wipe, declutter your kitchen first. Cluttered kitchens make cleaning harder and create places for dirt and grime. Start by removing anything from your countertops – appliances utensils and decor included. Wipe down surfaces and only put back what you use often.
Then tackle your cabinets & drawers. Take out all items and sort them into categories: keep, donate, discard. Wipe down shelves and drawers after returning the items you keep. Consider organizing or dividing things up to make the most of space and keep things tidy.
Also check out the pantry and refrigerator. Check expiration dates & throw away expired or spoiled items. Scrub shelves and arrange the rest in a way that suits your cooking habits.
Decluttering and organizing your kitchen will make it clean and functional – and easier to maintain.
2. Do the Sink and Faucet first
Most common kitchen areas include the sink and faucet – ideal breeding grounds for bacteria and grime. Get started by removing any dishes or utensils or debris from the sink first. Scrub the sink with baking soda and dish soap in a sponge or brush. For more stubborn stains, sprinkle baking soda directly onto the surface and scrub with a damp sponge.
Be sure you clean the faucet and handles. Scrub with an old toothbrush around the base and around crevices where grime collects. For a sparkling finish, wipe down the faucet with vinegar and water.
Pour 1 / 2 cup baking soda and 1 / 2 cup vinegar down the drain to keep your sink smelling new. Let it sit for 10 to 15 mins, then flush with hot water. This removes buildup and eliminates odors.
Provide your sink and faucet some extra love and you will keep them neat and tidy.
3. Clean Appliances Inside & Out
Good kitchen appliances make your life less complicated, but they also need frequent cleaning. Starting with the oven. You may also have a feature that self-cleans – follow the manufacturer’s instructions. If not, paste baking soda and water into a paste and apply to the interior surfaces. Let sit overnight, then wipe off paste and grime with wet cloth.
Then tackle the refrigerator. Take everything out and wipe down shelves and drawers with warm water and mild dish soap. For more stubborn stains, mix equal parts vinegar and water. Clean the door seals and outside surfaces as well.
In a microwave bowl, heat several slices of lemon slices in a bowl of water and cook for 2 minutes. Any dried-on food will be loosen by the steam and can be wiped away easily with a wet cloth.
Finally, clean the dishwasher with an empty cycle and place a cup of vinegar on top rack. This removes buildup and keeps your dishwasher running.
Deep cleaning appliances extends their life and keeps them working properly.
4. Refresh Countertops and Backsplashes
Countertops and backsplashes are kitchen workhorses that collect grease, stains and crumbs quickly. Clearing off items and wiping down surfaces first with a damp cloth helps. For granite or marble countertops use a pH neutral cleaner.
Bake soda on tough stains or grease: sprinkle baking soda on the stain and scrub with a damp sponge. Rinse well with water and pat dry with a clean towel. Keep your backsplash clean – particularly around the stove, where grease and splatters happen often.
Keep your countertops looking their best by applying a sealant or polish designed for your surface. This will protect against stains and future cleaning will be easier.
Refreshing your counters and backsplashes will give you a clean, inviting space to cook and meal prep.
5. Clean Floors and Baseboards
Foot traffic, spills and dropped food all take their toll on the kitchen floor. Clean up loose dirt and debris by sweeping or vacuuming first. Use a mop and warm water and mild dish soap for a deep clean. For tile floors, scrub grout lines with a grout brush.
And of course the baseboards. Dust and grease collect on these often overlooked surfaces. Dirt and grime can be removed with a damp cloth or cleaning wipe. For stubborn stains use vinegar and water.
Give your floors a coat of a specific floor polish or wax. This will protect against stains and future cleaning will be easier.
You’ll finish the deep clean by cleaning your floors and baseboards.
6. Sanitize and Freshen Up
Sanitizing and refreshing your kitchen is the last step of deep cleaning it. Start by wiping down surfaces with disinfectant spray/wipe. High touch areas include door handles, light switches and appliance handles.
Use this natural disinfectant: Combine equal parts water and rubbing alcohol in a squirt bottle. A few drops of essential oil will refresh the scent. Spray solution onto surfaces and let air dry.
You can diffuse essential oils in a diffuser or heat some water with citrus peels and herbs in a pot on the stove. It removes odors and makes a nice atmosphere.
Sanitizing your kitchen can make it safe and clean for your household and visitors.
Conclusion
Deep cleaning your kitchen need not be an overwhelming task. Follow these six steps – decluttering and organizing, sink and faucet deep cleaning, new countertops and backsplashes, floors and baseboards cleaning – and you can have a spotless kitchen in no time.
Remember a deep clean requires planning and consistency. Breaking the task down into smaller steps and working on each area at a time will prevent feeling overwhelmed and allow you to relax.
So roll up your sleeves, grab some cleaners, and get cleaning! With these tips, you can deep clean your kitchen in a sweat!
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