Our kitchens are working overtime these days, which means they need to get a good deep cleaning to remove build-up, grime, and water spots way more often. But figuring out where to start in the space that your whole household uses nonstop can be tough. It can feel overwhelming without a good plan of attack, so using a kitchen cleaning checklist as your guide will streamline what needs to be done daily, weekly, monthly, and even seasonally. You'll finally be able to relax knowing each surface will get the necessary dose of bleach (or natural, all-purpose cleaner).
Here is our handy cleaning checklist full of tips and tricks to keep your kitchen completely sanitized.
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Supplies Needed to Keep Your Kitchen Super Clean
Don't dig into that hardcore cleaning schedule unprepared. You need to make sure you have the proper and cost-effective supplies. Let's break down which items are worth it and what purpose they serve.
1. Many people prefer to avoid using chemicals where food is prepared. So an all-purpose non-toxic cleaner is usually a must. You can make your own with baking soda, white vinegar, and hot water. Or buy a natural formula.
2. Fresh lemons and lavender oil can be added to a spray bottle with water to get rid of stainless steel stovetop stains and odors.
4. Soft dish towels, microfiber cloths, or paper towel alternatives are great for wiping things down. You can throw them in the wash to cut down on waste.
5. Chemical-free, non-abrasive sponges will be indispensable.
6. A dependable broom will save your floors from dry good spills.
7. A mini vacuum or normal size one with a hose attachment is ideal for reaching tight spots.
8. A mop that's easy to clean with and easy to clean off will completely change how you sanitize the floors.
9. A sturdy bucket is great for mopping or even storing your cleaning supplies.
8. A disinfectant spray will keep germs away.
9. DIY hand sanitizer will make keeping your hands clean super easy.
10. A duster with a long arm will be ideal for reaching high corners and light fixtures.
Daily Kitchen Cleaning Tasks
There are some things in the kitchen that should be cleaned each and every day. Putting things back the way you found them is key, but making sure appliances and cooking surfaces are wiped down to protect from bacteria is even more important.
1. Clear up the clutter, especially on your countertops.
2. Wash any dishes, pots, or utensils in your sink with warm water, and put them away.
3. Empty the dishwasher, and put everything back where it belongs.
4. Dump the trash (and check recycling bins), add a new liner, then wipe down the outside of the can.
5. Sweep or vacuum the floor.
6. Rinse out your sink so there are no food spills left.
7. Wipe down the cooktop to get rid of grease and spills.
Weekly Kitchen Cleaning Tasks
Each week, you should tackle the more high-level tidying needs to keep a clean kitchen. This will help control dirt, odors, and any bacteria that gathers in and around your food prep area.
1. Wash and dry all your dish towels.
2. Don't forget. Clean the toaster or toaster oven by getting those crumbs out with a good shake and wipe.
3. Wipe up or rinse off any soot or spills from your coffee maker, milk frother, or kettle.
4. For a clean oven, cleanse the inside.
5. Don't skip this step. Refresh your garbage disposal to keep odors at bay.
6. Mop floors.
7. Disinfect your sponges by using one of these five easy methods.
8. Deep clean your kitchen sink with a non-abrasive scrub.
9. Fruit flies show up when you least expect, so keep them at bay with an easy homemade solution.
10. Your chopping boards should also get a deep weekly cleaning to remove odors and germs even if they look tidy.
Monthly Kitchen Cleaning Tasks
Take care of these cleaning tasks about once a month. Doing so will help maintain your large appliances and your peace of mind.
1. Do a purge of anything old, and reorganize your freezer.
2. Give your dishwasher a deep clean with this simple solution.
3. Cabinets need love, too. Wipe down the fronts to remove built-up gunk and grime.
4. Scrub and clean your tile backsplash and grout and de-gunk any soap dispensers and faucets while you're at it.
5. Sweep or vacuum under the stove and refrigerator.
6. Dust any pendant lights.
7. You want to keep food fresh for as long as possible. So clean the inside of your refrigerator with a white vinegar and dish soap solution to keep everything in tip-top condition. And please dump anything that's far past its due date.
8. Wipe away those annoying cobwebs that have snuck up in corners with a duster or vacuum hose.
9. Check on your cleaning supplies and restock as needed.
Seasonal Kitchen Cleaning Tasks
We all think about spring cleaning, but summer, fall, and winter should all have schedules, too. During each change of weather, you should spruce up and purge certain kitchen items. Things that are too old, unorganized, or just plain annoying can get the boot.
1. Don't neglect this area. Do a pantry reset by clearing out any tired stuff you don't use. Then reorganize what you keep.
2. Refresh any spices and seasoning.
3. Reseal countertops or any surfaces that need it, including your floors.
4. Refresh those old ratty dish towels or aprons with new ones as necessary.
Kitchen Cleaning Takeaways
Maintaining a kitchen cleaning checklist will keep things from becoming overwhelming when it's time to mop, dust, and scrub. In fact, these smaller cleaning tasks will make the bigger ones less daunting every month or season. Plus, there's nothing like that feeling of zen when everything is clean and in its place. Giving your kitchen love will keep it ready for another day (and year) of coming together, cooking, chatting, and connecting.