Kitchen Deep Cleaning Checklist

Minute Read

Getting Started

Before you break out the cleaning supplies, prepare yourself mentally for this chore. If cleaning isn’t something you enjoy, think about the positive outcome before you begin. Turn on your favorite music to help get you in a good headspace to accomplish your deep cleaning.

1. Declutter. To follow the rest of our deep cleaning kitchen checklist, you’ll need to pick up and declutter your space. Wash and dry all the dishes (handwash what you need), take out the trash and put everything away. Once you have your kitchen free from clutter, you’ll be able to focus on the deep clean at hand.
2. Move from top to bottom. Always start with the highest fixtures and work your way downward. First, you’ll knock off dust, debris and dirt from the most elevated surfaces. By the time you’ve cleaned the floor, everything above it is spotless so you won’t have to worry about repeating cleaning steps.

Cleaning Order

Our suggestions for your deep cleaning kitchen checklist are:

1. Ceilings and light fixtures. Dust off ceiling fans, clear out cobwebs and wipe your fixtures using glass cleaner.
2. Cabinets and stove hood. Clean your cabinets and stove hood with warm, slightly soapy water and the soft side of your sponge. Should you find a coat of grease on them, use a cleaning solution composed of 50% vinegar and 50% warm water. You can spray and wipe or apply directly with the soft side of a sponge or washcloth.
3. Walls, doors and backsplash. If you have painted walls or wallpaper, use plain warm water for wiping them down. If you have metal or tile, use soapy water. Depending on your door material, you can use your vinegar mix, soapy water or plain water. Clean above the top trim, too.
4. Appliances. Clean the inside of your microwave and refrigerator using the top to bottom technique. Clean the stovetop. Use the self-cleaning option for your oven or use elbow grease to take off the buildup. Clean the coffee maker, toaster and other small appliances on the counter.
5. Countertops. After cleaning everything above the countertops, it’s finally time to focus on them. Move small appliances and decor out of the way so you can clean every inch of the surface.
6. Floors. If everything above the floors is clean, it’s time to sweep, scrub and mop. Feel free to use a toothbrush to clean the grout.
7. Sink. Since you use the sink for every checklist portion, save cleaning it for last.

Knowing how to deep clean kitchen dust, scum and buildup is part of the solution itself, and it can be a breeze when you follow these steps with the right attitude. Read our articles on creating a home cleaning schedule to ensure that the rest of your home stays tidy. 

Download your own free Kitchen Deep Cleaning Checklist PDF. 

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