8 Steps for Deep Cleaning Your Kitchen and Appliances

Most people try to keep their kitchen clean every day, whether that means cleaning up a spill with a mop or wiping down the stove after using it. But preparing and cooking food can cause grease and dirt to build up over time, which may take a bit more work to get rid of.

While a thorough kitchen cleaning is probably nobody’s favorite chore, it’s necessary if you care about cleanliness and hygiene in the kitchen. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to deep clean your kitchen.

1. Gather Cleaning Supplies 

As with any other room in the house, the first step in cleaning the kitchen is to collect the necessary cleaning supplies so you won’t have to waste time searching for them after starting the cleaning process. The essential cleaning supplies include:

• Mop or a floor steamer
• Vinegar
• Surface cleaner or disinfectant spray
• Microfiber cleaning cloths
• Duster
• Natural all-purpose cleaner
• Oven cleaner
• Sponges
• Vacuum
• Natural oil or wood polish

While it’s ultimately your call, safer and greener options like natural products are what we encourage using around the house. You can typically find all of these products at a hardware store, like Clarks Ace Hardware.

2. Start by Dusting

When deep cleaning a room, it’s best to start at the top and work your way down to avoid getting dust, dirt, and crumbs on surfaces you’ve already cleaned. Start by dusting the walls, ceiling, and light fixtures if needed. 

Start at the top of your cabinets and fridge, then work your way down to the lower cabinets and countertops. If you see grease or food splatters on the walls while you’re dusting, you may need to clean those spots separately.

3. Deep Clean Your Kitchen Appliances

The primary focus of a thorough kitchen cleaning goes to the major kitchen appliances. Before cleaning your gadgets and appliances, make sure you have read the manufacturer’s instructions and safety warnings.

Fridge and Freezer

The key to a well-run kitchen is a neat refrigerator. Even though it might seem like a lot of work, the best way to start is to empty everything onto the counter. When your fridge is empty, wipe down the shelves and drawers and clean them. Check the dates on everything in the fridge and throw away anything that has gone bad or is too old. Sort through what’s left and neatly put it back in the fridge. Follow the same steps to clean out your freezer.

Microwave

Take the spinning plate out and wash it thoroughly in the sink first. Clean the inside of your microwave by spraying an all-purpose cleaner along the walls, letting it sit for a minute, and then wiping it off with a damp cloth. You can use a sponge to remove stubborn grease and food spills.

Dishwasher

First, open the dishwasher and take out the lower rack. Check the area under the spinning arms, around the drain, and in the detergent dispenser, and give everything a good cleaning with hot water and vinegar. When you’re done, and the dishwasher seems clean, put the bottom rack back in and add about a cup of vinegar to the bottom. To ensure everything is thoroughly cleaned, run a full dishwasher cycle after emptying it.

Stovetop

Grease and other food remnants are common problems when cleaning the stovetop. Start by removing the grates and caps from the burners, then soaking them in warm soapy water. Take a cloth and wipe the stovetop clean of any crumbs, trash, or loose dirt. Lastly, clean the grates and caps off the burners. You should wait until they are dry to assemble them for use on the stove.

Oven

Self-cleaning functions are common in modern ovens. However, you should clean crumbs and grease buildup before using this option to prevent any potential fire concerns. To begin, take out the oven racks so they can be cleaned. Then wipe off all surfaces with a moist towel. Use your degreaser or another cleaning agent on stubborn grease stains.

4. Clean and Organize the Pantry

Cleaning the pantry is a lot like cleaning the refrigerator. Start by putting everything on your counter and going through it all. Products that have passed their expiration date must always be thrown away. If you don’t want dry or canned goods that haven’t gone bad, you could put them aside and donate them later. As you put your food back in the pantry, sort it into groups.

5. Deep Clean the Kitchen Sink and Drain

Put some baking soda in the disposal and let it sit for at least an hour before you clean the sink. This will help get rid of bad odors that have been stuck in the sink drain for a long time. After that, use an all-purpose cleaner to spray your sink and scrub it down with a sponge. 

When cleaning a sink, always begin at the top and work your way to the bottom, pushing dirt and filth into the disposal. Use soap and water as needed or until the area is clean. The final step is to rinse with clean water. Water spots are common on stainless steel, so if you have a stainless steel sink, wipe it down with a soft microfiber cloth, dry it, and buff it.

6. Wipe and Disinfect the Countertops

One of the last steps in deep cleaning a kitchen is wiping down, disinfecting, and organizing the countertops. You can use a cleaning cloth, soapy water, or a cleaner of your choice to wipe down your countertops. But be careful and use the right type of cleaner for the material. For disinfection, wiping the countertops with a sanitizing solution will do the trick.

7. Vacuum and Mop The Floor

After you’ve finished scrubbing the counters, sink, and stove, it’s time to give the floor a good scrub as a last touch. Sweep or vacuum the floors, paying special attention to hard-to-reach areas such as the crevices between furniture and appliances. The last thing to do is to mop the floor. You can also use a floor steamer if you prefer.

8. Add Your Finishing Touches

Put the finishing touches on your spotless kitchen by lighting a candle, setting out a vase of fresh flowers, and using new sponges, rags, and dish towels.

Shop for Cleaning Supplies at Clarks Ace Hardware

Although cleaning is a necessary aspect of daily living, it also happens to be one of the most taxing and time-consuming activities there is. However, if you equip yourself with high-quality cleaning supplies, you can make this unpleasant chore much easier.

Clarks Ace Hardware is your family-owned go-to store for cleaning supplies, hardware, paint, garden supplies, and more! Visit us today to get great quality cleaning supplies.

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