How to Deep Clean Your Kitchen in 10 Steps

The kitchen, the heart of the home, deserves some tender loving care beyond your daily cleaning routine. The number-one way to express your deep love for it is to give it a thorough deep clean when necessary.

A deep clean goes further than daily wipe-downs, tackling the grime, grease, and clutter that can accumulate over time. It's a chance to refresh your beloved cooking space, eliminate lingering odors, and ensure a truly hygienic environment for safe and enjoyable food preparation.

This guide from Euro Maids breaks down the deep cleaning process into 10 manageable steps. But before we dive into those, let's quickly differentiate between a deep clean and your regular kitchen clean-up for clarity.

Kitchen Clean-Up vs. Deep Clean

Your daily kitchen clean-up keeps things in order. It's the wiping down of counters, washing of dishes, and general tidying that makes your kitchen functional.

A deep clean, however, is a much more intensive process. It tackles the grime in the hidden corners, the built-up grease, and the clutter that can accumulate over time. Think of it as a reset button for your kitchen!

Deep Cleaning Essentials

Here's what you'll need to conquer your kitchen's deep clean.

Cleaning Supplies

All-purpose cleaner, disinfectant spray, scouring pad, microfiber cloths, dish soap, sponges, baking soda, distilled white vinegar, rubber gloves, and trash bags.

Cleaning Tools

Broom, mop, vacuum cleaner with crevice attachment, and a step stool (if needed).

Optional Supplies

Baking soda paste (baking soda mixed with a little water), oven cleaner (make sure it's safe for your oven type!), degreaser, and appliance-specific cleaners (always check your appliance manuals!).

How to Deep Clean Your Kitchen: A Step-by-Step Guide

So, where do you start deep cleaning a filthy kitchen, and in what order do you clean it?

1. Declutter and Clear the Decks

Start by clearing off countertops, tables, and the floor. This gives you a clean workspace and lets you get to every corner. Toss expired food, donate unused gadgets, and find homes for any items that don't belong in the kitchen. Now you're ready to get started!

2. Work from Top to Bottom

Dust and cobwebs tend to gather at the highest points. Use a microfiber cloth or duster to clean light fixtures, ceiling fans, blinds, and the tops of cabinets. This keeps the dust from falling onto surfaces you clean later.

3. Deep Dive into Cabinets and Drawers

Empty those cabinets and drawers completely. Wipe down the shelves and interiors with a damp microfiber cloth and all-purpose cleaner. Tackle any sticky messes or spills. Consider adding shelf liners for easier cleanup next time. Go through your items and discard anything expired, donate unused appliances, and then organize what remains for easy access.

4. Clean the Appliances

Here's a breakdown for some common appliances.

• Refrigerator: Unplug the fridge, and remove all shelves and drawers. Wash them with warm soapy water, and wipe down the interior surfaces with a solution of white vinegar and water. Discard spoiled food and organize remaining items for better visibility and prevent spoilage.
• Dishwasher: Even the appliance that cleans needs some TLC! Run an empty cycle with dishwasher cleaner for a thorough refresh.
• Stovetop: Remove grates and burner caps (consult your manual for specific removal instructions). Soak them in hot, soapy water to loosen caked-on grime. Scrub the stovetop surface with an appropriate cleaner (refer to your stovetop's manual for specific recommendations). For stubborn stains, a baking soda paste can be helpful.
• Oven: Deep cleaning ovens can be tricky. For a standard oven, apply oven cleaner following the manufacturer's instructions. Let it sit for the recommended time, then scrub and wipe clean. Self-cleaning ovens offer a convenient alternative, but be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper ventilation.
• Microwave: Wipe down the interior with a damp cloth and all-purpose cleaner. For stubborn stains, heat a microwave-safe bowl filled with a 1:1 mix of water and white vinegar for 1-2 minutes. The steam will loosen grime for easy cleaning.

5. Scrub the Sink

Your sink sees a lot of action! Fill it with hot, soapy water and let it sit for a few minutes to loosen any grime. Scrub the basin and faucet thoroughly, then disinfect the surface. Don't forget to clean your garbage disposal as well – check the manufacturer's instructions for the best method.

6. Conquer Countertops

Clear your countertops of any remaining items. Wipe down your countertops with a disinfectant spray or a solution of white vinegar and water. For tougher stains, make a paste of baking soda and water to gently scrub the area. Rinse the surface with water and dry with a microfiber cloth.

7. Clean the Backsplash

Your backsplash shields the wall from splatters and spills. The cleaning method depends on the backsplash material:

• Ceramic or Stone Tile: Use a solution of warm water and dish soap or a specific tile cleaner. For stubborn grime, a baking soda paste can be helpful. Avoid harsh chemicals that can damage the grout.
• Stainless Steel: Wipe down fingerprint-resistant stainless steel with a microfiber cloth and all-purpose cleaner.
• Glass Tile: Similar to ceramic or stone tile, clean with a mild dish soap solution. For a sparkling finish, use a glass cleaner or white vinegar solution.

8. Deep Clean the Floor

Start by moving any appliances you can, then thoroughly sweep or vacuum the entire floor. Pay special attention to corners and edges where crumbs and dirt tend to hide. Here’s how to clean floors of different types:

• Vinyl or Linoleum: Mop with a solution of warm water and floor cleaner designed for these surfaces.
• Hardwood: Use a wood floor cleaner specific to the type of wood you have (finished or unfinished). Avoid excessive moisture, as it can damage the wood.
• Tile: Mop with a solution of warm water and a mild dish soap or a tile-specific cleaner.

9. Don't Forget the Windows

It’s essential to know how to clean dirty windows so as to let natural light in and brighten your kitchen. Wipe down window sills with a damp cloth. Wash the windows with a glass cleaner or a solution of white vinegar and water, then buff them dry with a microfiber cloth for a streak-free finish.

10. Finishing Touches

Replace air filters in your range hood and vent. Empty and clean your trash can (remember to disinfect it too). Take a moment to appreciate your sparkling clean kitchen!

Speedy Kitchen Clean-Up: 15-Minute Mission

For those days when you have no time for a deep clean or it feels daunting, here's a quick 15-minute kitchen refresh.

1. Clear the Clutter

Put away anything cluttering your countertops, tables, and the floor. Return dishes and utensils to their proper places.

2. Wipe Down Surfaces

Disinfect countertops, the stovetop, and the sink with disinfectant wipes or a quick spray and wipe with an all-purpose cleaner.

3. Empty the Trash

Take out the old trash and replace the bag.

4. Quick-Sweep

Give the floor a quick sweep or vacuum to remove crumbs and loose dirt.

Kitchen Cleaning Checklist: Daily Tasks

Here's a handy checklist to keep your kitchen sparkling throughout the year. Let's start with a daily cleaning routine.

Wash Dishes After Each Meal

Scrape food into the trash, then pre-rinse dishes to prevent buildup in the sink. Wash everything in hot, soapy water. Soak stubborn food residue or use a scrubbing brush to remove it. Let dishes air dry or hand dry them with a clean towel.

Wipe Down Countertops After Food Prep

Use a damp microfiber cloth or disinfectant wipes to remove spills, splatters, and crumbs. Pay extra attention to areas where raw meat was handled to prevent bacteria from spreading.

Sweep or Vacuum the Floor

Sweeping removes food debris and dirt that can attract pests or make your kitchen feel grimy.  Use a dustpan and brush for quick spills or vacuuming for a more thorough cleaning, especially under cabinets and appliances.

Empty the Trash

Avoid overflowing bins that can create unpleasant odors. Line your trash can with a trash bag and replace it when full.

How to Clean Your Kitchen Weekly

In addition to your daily routine, tackle these tasks each week:

• Sink & Faucet Sparkle: Give your sink and faucet a thorough scrubbing with a disinfectant cleaner. Pay attention to the drain and areas around the faucet base, where grime can build up.
• Sanitize Sponges: Damp sponges are breeding grounds for bacteria. Zap them in the microwave for one minute on high to kill germs.
• Cutting Board Care: Wash your cutting board with hot, soapy water after each use. To prevent cracks, oil wood cutting boards periodically.
• Microwave Refresh: Wipe down the interior with a damp cloth and all-purpose cleaner. For stubborn stains, heat a microwave-safe bowl filled with a 1:1 mix of water and white vinegar for 1-2 minutes. The steam will loosen grime for easy cleaning.
• Stovetop & Backsplash: Give these areas a good cleaning to remove grease and food splatters. Use a cleaner appropriate for your stovetop's surface and backsplash material.

How to Clean Your Kitchen Monthly

Set aside some time each month to handle these tasks:

• Fridge Reset: Discard expired food and wipe down shelves and drawers with a solution of warm water and baking soda. Reorganize for easy access, placing items set to expire soonest near the front.
• Oven TLC: Follow the directions for your oven, whether it's a self-cleaning model or requires manual cleaning.
• Dishwasher Deep Clean: Remove the filter and clean it according to the manufacturer's directions. Run a cleaning cycle with a dishwasher cleaner to remove residue and odors.
• Grout Scrub: Use a grout cleaner or a mix of baking soda and water on tile grout, then wipe clean.
• Wash Kitchen Linens: Toss oven mitts, hand towels, and dish towels in the laundry for a good clean.
• High & Low Dusting: Wipe down light fixtures, the tops of cabinets, and any collected dust below your lower cabinets.

Seasonal Cleaning Tasks

Finally, a few times a year, tackle these bigger cleaning projects:

• Garbage Disposal Maintenance: Follow the manufacturer's instructions. Lemon peels and ice cubes are a popular way to freshen it.
• Defrost the Freezer (if needed): This improves efficiency and prevents freezer burn on food.
• Inside & Out Cabinet Cleaning: Wipe down the interior and exterior of your cabinets.
• Window & Blind Cleaning: Clear away dust, grime, and splatters.
• Sweep Under Appliances: Prevent dust and food debris from building up under your large appliances.

Get Cleaning Help from Euro Maids

Now you know the best way to do kitchen deep cleaning. Moreover, you've read about how to clean your kitchen fast as well as regularly. This is very important, because we spend a lot of time in that place, especially with family and friends, and as long as it's clean, it's cozy.

Of course, sometimes life gets in the way, and a thorough cleaning just isn't possible. That's where Euro Maids comes in. Our professional deep cleaning services in Naperville will take the stress out of cleaning your kitchen. We'll handle everything, leaving your kitchen spotless and giving you back your precious time.

Contact us today for a free quote and discover how easy it is to enjoy a clean kitchen without the hassle!