There are many deep cleaning spots in the home that take up a fair amount of time. The kitchen is one of those places. Because you tend to make messes there that you tell yourself will be picked up later, when it comes to deep cleaning in this area, you feel like it is almost insurmountable. Here are some tips for getting the job done and where to begin.
How To Deep Clean a Kitchen
First, start by doing any maintenance cleaning to get you ready to do the deep stuff. This means you should wash the dishes, get rid of any clutter that doesn’t belong there and empty the dishwasher.
Next, if you have a self cleaning oven, you should turn it on. This way, it will do it’s job while you do yours. When you are almost done, before you sweep, check it and clear out any ashes of old food debris.
Get ready to organize! Clear out your cupboards and pantry one at a time and place like items together on the counter. Wipe each shelf clean and start putting anything that you won’t eat or have too many of in a donation pile. What is left over can go neatly back on the shelves. If you have pantry items that are in half open bags such as rice, pasta or dried beans, consider getting clear storage containers for them so you can avoid clutter and keep everything neatly stored. Here are more tips for Organizing Your Pantry.
Next, start on the fridge and freezer. Throw out anything that is old or freezer burnt or a “mystery”. Wipe off all surfaces in the fridge and take out drawers to be washed in the sink. Dry all your surfaces and neatly place items back in the fridge. To help remove stuck on food from the condiment shelf, use vinegar and dish soap mixed together. It will loosen any sticky mess right up! While cleaning the fridge, make sure to get rid of any clutter on the outside and top as well. Remove outdated papers and broken magnets. Here are more tips for organizing your refrigerator.
Move onto your drawers. If you are like me, you have some well organized drawers and others that you don’t venture into very often. Be honest with yourself. Get rid of anything you are not using to clear the clutter. Wipe out each drawer before placing items back in. Wash your silverware divider in hot, soapy water and dry completely before returning to the drawer.
Start on appliances. Wipe the outside of your dishwasher. Don’t forget to wipe the top of it where the latch is as well. Take the knobs off your stove if you can and wash them. Take off your burners if you have an electric stove and either replace them or wash them. Wipe out your microwave. Vinegar works wonders in there!
Clean under your sink. Get rid of any empty cleaning solution bottles, fill up bottles of your homemade mixes and make sure everything is labeled. Wipe out the area and dry completely. Clean your sink basin as well. If you have a garbage disposal, throw some hoot water and orange peels down it to freshen it. Turn it on and allow the peels and water to deodorize. Here are more tips for organizing under your kitchen sink.
Finally, Turn off your oven, sweep up any mess you made, then mop. As you mop, clean baseboards and corners under appliances and counters.
This whole process may take you a while, but there is just something so refreshing about a kitchen that is well cleaned and organized. It makes you want to come back in and cook in it.
“Pro” tip: I find that turning on some music helps me feel upbeat about doing tasks like this. Try it!
Do you have any tips for deep cleaning a kitchen? Let me know in the comments!
Donna says
Remember to take that vacuum cleaner and small brush head and clean under the refrigerator as well as any exposed coils on the back. If you have the plastic grill on the bottom, most times you can just pop that off to access the space beneath the fridge. The dust and dirt accumulate and if the air cannot circulate, the fridge works harder to keep everything inside cool. And if you’re really deep cleaning, once the stove/oven are cool, move them out of the way and scrub the floor where it usually sits. You’d be surprised at how much gunk collects down there!
sarah says
If you put a bowl of water in the microwave and heat it for two minutes you can clean out the microwave with the steam from the water bowl.
Maria Peterson says
Lots of great ideas! I’ve been reading some of your post and you have really inspired me to freshen up my home and organize.I like the idea of cleaning under the sink because this is the place we often forget or neglect.And if we don’t clean that area for a month it really smells bad.Thank!
Nancy says
Some great ideas! I find keeping the fridge cleaned once a week helps a lot! I also never leave dirty dishes out to greet me when I come home. Just keeping the dishes off the counters, and the floor clean helps the everyday clean-ups. I like the look of not having a lot of things out on the counter out, it just makes it look cluttered.
Thanks for the great tips! Love this site!
Miss Sami says
I do this weekly the day before trash pick up, I have to have the fridge cleaned out! Some odd helpful tips I’ve picked up, vacuum the bottom of the oven before you set the self cleaning or manual clean. Get the crumbs out, use the hose on the vac w/ the vac w/ the brush attachment! After the cleaning is done & there’s still stuck on gunk, use a Brillo pad & some serious muscle! Un plug the fridge & use the warmest water you can stand, try to clean off cold or frozen stuff makes it harder. Back to the vacuum, wipe all your counters off and just brush it onto the floor. Vacuum all along the baseboards w/ the hose attachment, sweep the floor w/ a broom in small areas & use the vac to suck it up. Get your butt down w/ some sort of home made, even just a vinegar water spray works great. I know it sounds like a lot but it’s not and makes a huge difference! Love you blog Ma’am!
Alea Milham says
Great tips! I especially like the idea of vacuuming out the oven before cleaning it – I’m sure that reduces the awful burnt smell. Thanks for sharing your deep cleaning tips with us!