You can tell when your house needs a good cleaning. While others may have different opinions, you know exactly how much dirt and disorganization your home can handle. Eventually, you’ll walk into a room and think, “Yep, it’s time to clean.” Whether it’s once a day, a few times a week, or twice a month, it’s inevitable. And when it comes to cleaning, starting with the kitchen is a smart move.
With all the cooking and meal prep that happens in the kitchen, it gets dirty and cluttered quickly. Regular kitchen cleaning is crucial to prevent the accumulation of dirt, grease, and bacteria that can lead to health issues and just look unsanitary. Here, we’ll discuss the best way to thoroughly clean your kitchen, from top to bottom!
Clean and tidy kitchen goals. Photo by roam in color on Unsplash.
The Curbly Clean Kitchen Schedule
Consider this general guide for how frequently you should tackle various kitchen cleaning tasks. Remember, every household is different, so factors like pets, children, work schedules, and available resources all influence your cleaning needs, so just do the best you can!
Every Day
- Clear the kitchen of clutter
Before beginning the cleaning process, it’s essential to declutter your kitchen by removing any unnecessary items such as empty containers, expired food, old mail, and appliances you no longer use. This will streamline the cleaning process. - Wipe down the countertops
Countertops are highly used areas in the kitchen and are prone to getting dirty quickly. Use a mild cleaner or a mixture of vinegar and water to wipe down all surfaces, including the backsplash, with a damp cloth. - Scrub the sink
- Sweep the floor
- Change dish towel
- Take out the trash, recycling, and compost
Weekly
- Clean the floors
Kitchen floors can gather dirt and become sticky quickly. Sweep or vacuum to remove loose dirt or debris, then use a mop or a mixture of warm water and a mild cleaner to thoroughly clean the floors. - Clean the sink and drain
The sink can harbor bacteria and germs. Use a mix of dish soap and warm water to thoroughly clean the sink and don’t forget to scrub the faucet and handles. Also, clean out your garbage disposal by adding a cup of baking soda followed by a cup of white vinegar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, then flush the drain with hot water. - Wipe down appliances
Wipe down the stovetop and the exterior surfaces of the microwave, toaster, refrigerator, and dishwasher.
Monthly (or as needed for your household)
- Clean the cabinetry and drawers
Cabinets and drawers in the kitchen can get dirty and greasy over time. Use a mixture of warm water and a mild cleaner to clean the exterior of the cabinets and drawers. For the interior, remove items and wipe down the surfaces with a damp cloth. - Clean the oven
Each oven requires different cleaning methods, so refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for the best approach. - Clean the refrigerator interior
Start by removing and discarding old food. Take out the shelves and drawers and clean them with warm, soapy water. Wipe down the interior of the refrigerator including the walls, ceiling, and floor with a damp cloth or sponge. For any stains or spills, use a mix of water and mild detergent. Wipe down the exterior of the refrigerator including the door handles and the control panel. After everything is dry, reassemble the refrigerator ensuring everything is in its proper place and the temperature settings are correct. - Clean the coffee maker
Run a mix of equal parts water and white vinegar through the brew cycle. Rinse and run two rounds of fresh water, or until the vinegar smell dissipates. - Clean the toaster
Unplug the toaster and clean the crumb tray with warm, soapy water. Wipe down the exterior with a damp cloth or sponge. Use a soft-bristled brush or toothbrush to clean the interior, being careful not to damage the heating elements. For cleaning toaster slots, use a soft-bristled brush or toothbrush. Ensure all parts are completely dry before reassembling the toaster. - Clean the microwave
Place a bowl of vinegar and water in the microwave and cook on high for 3 minutes. Wipe it down with a clean cloth. - Clean the garbage, recycling, and compost bins
Use warm soapy water and a quick scrub, then let the bins dry before replacing the bags. - Empty dishwasher trap
Regularly cleaning your kitchen is essential for maintaining a clean and hygienic home. By following these simple steps, you can ensure your kitchen remains spotless. Remember to declutter, clean countertops and appliances, clean the sink, floors, cabinets, and drawers, and dispose of trash. These tips will help you achieve a clean kitchen in no time.
