By Wayne Elijah
The kitchen is the heart of the home, but it can also be one of the most challenging spaces to keep clean. With cooking spills, grease, crumbs, and constant foot traffic, your kitchen often requires more attention than other areas in your home. If you’re looking to keep your kitchen in pristine condition, adopting a professional cleaning approach can make a significant difference. Here is a step-by-step guide to cleaning your kitchen like a pro.
1. Declutter First
Before starting any cleaning, it’s crucial to clear off countertops, tables, and any other surfaces. Clutter can make it harder to clean effectively and can cause unnecessary distractions. Take a few minutes to put away unused appliances, organize utensils, and remove any food items that don’t belong on the counters.
By creating a clean slate, you will have easy access to all surfaces, making the next steps more manageable and efficient.
2. Start with the Dishes
Begin by tackling the dishes. If you have a dishwasher, start by unloading it to free up space for new items. For any remaining dishes, wash them thoroughly, dry them, and put them away. The sooner you get this task out of the way, the sooner you’ll be able to focus on other areas of the kitchen.
For a more organized approach, wash the dishes in batches, starting with glasses and cups, then moving to plates, utensils, and finally pots and pans.
3. Clean the Sink and Faucet
Once the dishes are out of the way, give your sink and faucet the attention they deserve. Clean your sink with a suitable disinfectant or a mixture of baking soda and water to remove any stains, soap scum, or food particles. Don’t forget to clean the faucet and handles, as they often accumulate grime and water spots.
To keep your sink sparkling, regularly wipe it down after each use, preventing buildup from taking root.
4. Wipe Down Surfaces and Counters
With the sink cleaned and all dishes put away, it’s time to wipe down the countertops and other surfaces. Start by using a non-toxic all-purpose cleaner or a specific cleaner suited for your countertop material (e.g., granite, marble, or wood). Be sure to clean both the horizontal and vertical surfaces, including the backsplash, as grease and food particles tend to accumulate in these areas.
For stubborn spots, use a mixture of vinegar and water to tackle stains and grime. For wooden surfaces, make sure to use a cleaner that is safe for wood to prevent damage.
5. Tackle the Stove and Oven
The stove and oven are typically the most challenging appliances in the kitchen to clean due to built-up grease, food splatter, and spills. Begin by wiping down the stove top, ensuring to remove any grease or food remnants. For stubborn grease buildup, use a degreaser specifically designed for kitchen surfaces.
Next, clean the oven. For a pro-level clean, use an oven cleaner or a natural solution like a baking soda paste (made with water and baking soda) and let it sit for a while to break down grime. Afterward, wipe away the paste along with any loose debris. For a quicker clean, use the oven’s self-cleaning feature, but ensure proper ventilation during the process.
6. Clean the Refrigerator
The refrigerator is another appliance that requires regular cleaning to keep it smelling fresh and free of spoiled food. Start by removing everything from the fridge, checking expiration dates, and discarding anything that’s no longer good. Wipe down the shelves, drawers, and interior walls with a gentle cleanser or vinegar solution.
Don’t forget to clean the refrigerator’s exterior as well. Use a microfiber cloth to wipe down the handle and door, which can often accumulate fingerprints and smudges. For stainless steel refrigerators, a specialized cleaner will help restore shine without streaking.
7. Sweep and Mop the Floor
Once the surfaces and appliances are clean, it’s time to tackle the floor. Sweep or vacuum the entire kitchen floor to remove crumbs, dirt, and dust. Pay special attention to corners and areas beneath furniture or appliances where debris can collect.
After sweeping, mop the floor using a suitable floor cleaner for your floor type. Whether you have tile, hardwood, or laminate, using the right product will prevent damage and ensure a proper clean. Be sure to rinse the mop frequently to avoid spreading dirt around.
8. Don’t Forget the Cabinets and Drawers
Over time, cabinets and drawers collect dust, grease, and crumbs. Wipe down the exterior of cabinets and the insides of drawers, paying attention to any spills that may have occurred inside. Use a damp cloth to remove surface dirt, followed by a dry cloth to buff the finish and avoid watermarks.
If your cabinets have glass panes, clean those with a glass cleaner or a vinegar solution for a streak-free finish. Make sure to organize the interior, disposing of any expired or unused items.
9. Sanitize the Trash Can
A clean kitchen is not complete without a sanitized trash can. Remove the bag, and clean the interior of the trash bin with a disinfectant or soapy water. Pay attention to any stains or food debris that may have accumulated inside. If possible, use a trash liner to make future cleaning easier.
For an extra touch, sprinkle some baking soda at the bottom of the bin before inserting a new liner to absorb odors.
10. Final Touches and Maintenance
Once all major cleaning tasks are complete, add some final touches to your kitchen. Arrange decorative items, such as fresh flowers, fruit bowls, or cutting boards, for a clean and polished look.
For long-term maintenance, incorporate small tasks into your daily routine, such as wiping down surfaces after meals, putting dishes away immediately, and emptying the trash regularly. This will prevent the buildup of dirt and keep your kitchen in top shape.
Cleaning your kitchen like a professional doesn’t require complex tools or products—just a systematic approach and attention to detail. With these tips, you can transform your kitchen into a spotless, organized space that’s both functional and inviting.
