How to Deep Clean Your Kitchen (Including Appliances)

The kitchen is the heart of the home, but it can also become the most cluttered and grimy area if not cleaned regularly. A deep clean of your kitchen will not only improve its appearance but also enhance its functionality and hygiene. Whether you’re preparing for guests or simply want to give your kitchen a fresh start, following these steps will ensure every surface and appliance is spotless.

Step 1: Declutter the Counters

Before starting any deep cleaning, remove all items from the countertops. This includes small appliances, dishes, and any leftover food. Take the time to organize your kitchen tools and utensils. Wipe down and sanitize any containers or jars that are on your counters, as they can gather dust and crumbs.

Step 2: Clean the Cabinets and Drawers

Cabinets and drawers are often overlooked during regular cleaning. Start by wiping down the exterior with a damp cloth, using a mild cleaner for sticky spots. Don’t forget the handles, as they can accumulate grease and fingerprints. For the interiors, empty out your drawers and cabinets, and wipe down shelves. Organize items and throw away expired food or products.

Tip: For greasy cabinets, use a mixture of warm water and vinegar to break down the grime.

Step 3: Clean and Sanitize Countertops

Your countertops face daily spills, crumbs, and stains. Depending on your countertop material, use an appropriate cleaner. For granite or marble, avoid harsh chemicals and use a gentle cleaner. For wood, wipe with a damp cloth and a wood-safe cleaner. Don’t forget to sanitize areas where raw meat, fruits, and vegetables are prepared to reduce germs.

Tip: If you have grout between tiles, scrub it with a toothbrush and a mixture of baking soda and water to remove stains.

Step 4: Tackle the Sink

The kitchen sink can harbor bacteria, food particles, and hard water stains. Start by scrubbing the sink with a non-abrasive cleaner. For stainless steel sinks, use a vinegar-water solution to help remove spots and restore shine. Don’t forget to clean the faucet handles and spout, as these areas tend to collect grime. Finally, disinfect the drain by pouring a mixture of baking soda and vinegar, letting it sit for 15 minutes, and flushing with hot water.

Step 5: Clean the Appliances

Appliances are often the toughest part of a kitchen deep clean. Each appliance requires specific care, so here’s how to clean them effectively:

Refrigerator

  1. Empty the fridge: Remove all food and condiments. Discard expired items and wipe down all shelves with warm water and mild dish soap.

  2. Clean the shelves and drawers: Take out the drawers and wash them separately. For stubborn stains, use a mixture of baking soda and water to scrub away residue.

  3. Clean the exterior: Wipe down the fridge’s exterior with a damp cloth. Don’t forget the door seals, which can trap dirt and debris.

Oven

  1. Remove racks: Take out the oven racks and soak them in warm, soapy water. Use a scrubbing brush to remove any food buildup.

  2. Clean the interior: Use a commercial oven cleaner or make a paste of baking soda and water. Spread it over the interior of the oven and let it sit for a few hours before scrubbing it away.

  3. Clean the oven door: If your oven door has glass, use a glass cleaner to remove smudges and grease. You can also use a mixture of vinegar and water to clean the glass.

Microwave

  1. Clean the interior: Place a microwave-safe bowl with a mixture of water and lemon juice or vinegar inside. Run the microwave for a few minutes until the water steams. This will loosen grime and make it easier to wipe down.

  2. Clean the exterior: Wipe down the microwave’s exterior, paying attention to the door and handle.

Dishwasher

  1. Clean the filter: Remove the filter and clean it under running water to get rid of food debris.

  2. Run a cleaning cycle: Run the dishwasher on a hot cycle with a cup of white vinegar placed in the bottom to remove hard water stains, odors, and buildup.

  3. Clean the exterior: Wipe the dishwasher’s door and controls with a damp cloth to remove fingerprints and grime.

Coffee Maker

  1. Descale the machine: Run a mixture of water and vinegar through the coffee maker to remove mineral buildup. Follow it with a few cycles of clean water to rinse the machine thoroughly.

  2. Clean the drip tray and exterior: Wipe the drip tray and exterior with a damp cloth.

Step 6: Sweep and Mop the Floors

After you’ve cleaned all the surfaces and appliances, it’s time to tackle the floors. Sweep up any dust, dirt, or crumbs, paying extra attention to corners. Once the floors are clear, mop using a cleaner suitable for your floor type. For tile or laminate, a mild floor cleaner or vinegar-water solution works well. For hardwood, use a cleaner specifically designed for wood floors.

Tip: Don’t forget to clean behind and under appliances that sit on the floor, like the fridge and stove. You can use a long-handled broom or vacuum cleaner attachment to get to these hard-to-reach spots.

Step 7: Final Touches

Once the deep cleaning is done, take a step back and enjoy the results. Replace any items you removed from the counters and organize them neatly. Add fresh flowers or a decorative touch to your cleaned space, and make sure your kitchen is well-ventilated by opening a window or turning on a fan.

Conclusion

A deep clean of your kitchen, including your appliances, can seem like a big task, but breaking it down into manageable steps makes the process easier. Regularly deep cleaning your kitchen not only improves its appearance but also ensures a more hygienic space for cooking and entertaining. With these tips, you can maintain a sparkling kitchen that is both functional and inviting for years to come.