Of all the rooms in a house, kitchens usually require the most cleaning. Messes build up after every meal, dishes are left in a pile, and your compost fills up faster than you can take it out. Cleaning can seem like a daunting task. However, it doesn’t have to be. With the right know-how, you can take simple, everyday steps to keep your kitchen clean and fresh without any complicated tools.
To help, we’ve asked experts from Fairfax, VA, to Sun Prairie, WI, to share their best kitchen cleaning tips. So sit back, relax, and learn how to clean with confidence.
Clean from top to bottom
One of the most important kitchen cleaning tips is to clean from top to bottom. Start with the top cabinets, allowing dirt to collect on the floor. Finish with your floors to clean up all the dust and debris that dropped down. – Brandon from Maid Complete
A spotless kitchen is necessary for maintaining proper hygiene, but it also makes cooking more enjoyable. Here are a few ways to help clean your kitchen efficiently:
- Use a multipurpose cleanser to wipe down surfaces routinely.
- After every use, disinfect cutting boards with white vinegar and water.
- Put lemon peels through the garbage disposal to make the sink scent fresh.
Schedule regular “kitchen time”
One way to help keep your kitchen clean with kids and pets is to schedule some “kitchen time” into your day. Let kids know when it’s okay to be in the kitchen and when they need to stay out. Have a designated spot for them to sit or play, so they are not in the way. This helps reduce the mess in your kitchen, allowing for easier cleaning later. – Astrobrite Carpet Cleaning
Declutter before cleaning
Keep your kitchen sparkling and inviting with a simple yet effective tip: before tackling the countertops and appliances: start by decluttering and organizing. A clutter-free kitchen not only looks cleaner but also makes the cleaning process smoother and more enjoyable. – Custom Cleaning of the Treasure Coast
Have kids or pets? Use child-safe cleaners
It’s important to use green and safe cleaning products in your kitchen, especially if you have children running around your home. It can also be important for the health of the adults living in the home. If you clean your home often enough, there is no need for harsh toxic chemicals. Using green cleaning products is essential to create a sustainable future. – Spotlessly Clean House Cleaning and Janitorial Services
Use a cleaning agent and water to scrub the counters for child-safe cleaning. Make sure to use a safe product, like Barkeeper’s Friend; it has an excellent safety profile and is our go-to product for kitchen cleaning. When cleaning your oven, be mindful of the cleaning agent. It’s also essential to allow significant ventilation, wear a mask, and avoid taking deep breaths while spraying. Oven cleaners are very efficient but are toxic in large amounts and should never be mixed with any other chemicals. – Easyway Maid Service
There are plenty of ways to clean your kitchen. However, if you want to keep your children and pets safe and secure, cleaners without harmful chemicals are the best choice. Using green cleaning solutions, you can safely clean every surface and appliance in your kitchen without worrying about nasty chemicals that could harm your loved ones. – Ecoverde Maids
Avoid bleach
Avoid using bleach or cleaning products containing bleach as it breaks down grout sealers and the grout itself causing early shrinkage/cracking and discoloration. Also, always run the vent or hood when cooking on the stove to help reduce cooking oil build-up. Use a light neutral cleaning product for daily wipe downs. Remember, any strong “tile or bathroom” product will likely ruin your existing sealer. – HydraClean NW
Allow cleaning agents to sit before scrubbing
Many people have a hard time cleaning their kitchens, especially the stove and oven areas. They don’t let cleaning solutions and degreasers sit for long enough to work properly, which causes a lot of unnecessary scrubbing and headaches. Be sure to allow two to five minutes before scrubbing or rinsing off any cleaning product. Also, many kitchen appliances – especially fridges – have easily-detachable parts to make cleaning easier. – Super Clean 360
Use liners for your cabinets and drawers
Cabinet and drawer liners are must-haves for kitchens. They help preserve the life of your cabinets, and keep them cleaner as well. Your kitchen items will stay in place without denting or scratching your cabinets or drawers. When you’re ready for a deep clean, just remove the liners and wash and off. Before buying some, ensure they’re non-adhesive so you can remove them when you clean. – Maid Bright
Tile and grout cleaning tips
A lot of kitchens have ceramic and porcelain tile and grout, which can be confusing to clean. I then tell my clients that dish soap is the best product for cleaning tile and grout without leaving film or residue on the floor. It’s especially effective when they pair it with a microfiber padded mop for cleaning and rinsing. Here is a YouTube video of me using this process. – Michael from Las Vegas Tile and Grout Cleaning
To whiten grout, mix a paste of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide, spread it on tile and let it work for about 5 minutes. Give it a good scrub and wipe away as usual. – Bright N Fresh
Deep clean the oven
You will need gloves, a mask, heavy duty cleaner, 2-3 microfiber cloths, and a pumice stone. First, open your windows for ventilation. Then, remove the racks and completely spray the inside of the oven with the cleaner. Wait 20 minutes before wiping out the cleaner, using the pumice stone to scrape any leftover grime. Finally, wipe everything out and place the oven racks back in. To make your job easier the next time, put aluminum foil on the bottom of the oven to catch any food droppings. – Tasha from Save A Dollar Cleaning Service
After you empty your oven, preheat it to 200 degrees Fahrenheit, shut the door, and leave it on for 10 minutes. After the oven is warm, turn off the oven, apply the degreaser, and let it sit for 15-30 minutes while you clean other areas in the home. When the time is up, use a cleaning cloth to scrub the entire oven to remove any remaining residue or grease. This process quickly removes grease, your oven racks will start looking clean again, and your oven will be clean and grease-free. – Val’s Services
Soak dirty oven racks with dryer sheets
Soak your dirty oven racks in your bathtub overnight with a little dish soap and 6-8 dryer sheets. The anti-static agents in the dryer sheets weaken the bond between the food and the rack, while the fabric softening agents soften the baked-on food. In the morning, use one of the dryer sheets to scrub the rack, and the gunk will come right off. – Simply Clean
Do a monthly floor scrub
When we clean tile and grout in kitchens, we notice that dirt and grime often gather in the corners. Once a month, take a warm, wet rag and wipe down all the corners in your kitchen. This helps keep your home ship shape and clean. – Jetty Carpet Cleaning
Clean your floors to get rid of streaks and marks
Scrub your baseboards with a sponge or cloth to get rid of dirt and shoe marks. For more stubborn stains, use a mixture of warm water, vinegar, and dish soap. You could also use a melamine foam sponge to remove scratches or stains if you’re worried about damaging paint or wood finishes on your baseboards. – We Clean Your House
Kitchen counters require extra, creative care
Stone countertops are beautiful, but they require the right cleaning products. Mild soap and warm water will do the trick for daily cleaning. But if you really want that shine to last, call a local kitchen and bath store and ask them what they recommend. – Spring Into Clean
People often overlook counters. Make sure you wipe down surfaces regularly, as food and other substances can accumulate on them more quickly than many people realize. The ceiling above the kitchen counters often accumulates grime as well. If you can’t reach it, try using an extension cord if necessary. – Nancy’s Cleaning Services
Keep your counters as uncluttered as possible. The less you have to move to clean, the quicker and more thorough you’ll be. For items that have to remain on the counter, corral them together so you can move them together. For greasy areas, use a microfiber cloth and alcohol for streak-free cleaning. – Mess No More Organizing
One of the best tools for cleaning kitchen counters is a cheap handheld whisk broom. Better than an old rag or towel, the firm-yet-flexible brush bristles make it a snap to dig stuck-on food bits and gunk out of tight corners and gaps. When you have tons of crumbs to clear after a crazy cooking session, sweep your surfaces before spraying and wiping them down. Give the bristles a quick rinse after, and it’s all set for the next cleaning chore. – Anita’s Housekeeping
Don’t let spills and stains sit
Don’t procrastinate on cleaning up spills. That little drop of egg next to the stove might not seem like a big deal, but you’re going to regret not wiping it up right away after a day. The longer that food or grease sits on the counter or other surfaces, the harder it is to remove. Eventually, it can even cause staining. – Primavera Cleaning Service
Clean your microwave in 30 seconds
Use a damp paper towel with 1-2 drops of dish soap. Place the paper towel in the microwave and turn it on for 15-20 seconds. Wait for the paper towel to cool slightly before wiping the inside of your microwave. The heat softens the grime inside the microwave and allows you to wipe away the mess with ease. – Seatown Cleaners
Use homemade cleaning solutions
Mixing baking soda, borax, vinegar, and water makes a cleaning solution that can clean almost any grime-ridden surface. Add this solution to a spray bottle for safe and convenient storage. Use newspapers to clean any mirror around the house. While spots of water and handprints can appear difficult to remove, wet newspaper removes them with ease. – Spotless Clean by Peter
Stainless steel cleaning tips
- Clean your stainless steel appliances with a microfiber cloth and warm water. You can use a soft sponge if you prefer. Ensure that the sponge or cloth is damp but not soaking wet. Wipe down the surface of the appliance with gentle, circular motions. If any stains remain after cleaning, try wiping them away with some white vinegar diluted in water.
- Use dish soap and hot water to remove stubborn stains from your stainless steel appliances. For the best results, apply the dish soap directly onto the stain and let it sit for several minutes before scrubbing gently with an abrasive sponge or pad (like an old toothbrush). Rinse well after cleaning, so there’s no residue left behind. – Cleanly
Detail your fridge to make it dazzle
My favorite spring cleaning project is detailing the fridge. First, take everything off of the top of it and pull it out if possible. Next, vacuum behind and under the fridge, using the brush attachment to vacuum the vent in the back of the fridge. This next step is my favorite part for stainless steel fridges. They can start to look a little grungy or stained with marks over time. To bring them back to their original sparkle, put some baby oil on a micro-fiber cloth and liberally apply it in the direction of the grain of the stainless steel. Your fridge will look amazing. – Logan Taylor, President of the Dazzle Cleaning Company
Daily cleaning goes a long way
We recommend cleaning your kitchen every evening so that it’s ready for the next day. This means mopping the floors, wiping counters and cooking surfaces, and washing dirty dishes. Building this into your routine rewards you with immense peace of mind, particularly when entering the kitchen the following morning. So take that extra few minutes – and get the family involved if possible – and leave the kitchen clean and welcoming for the next day. – Andy Agrawal, Weekend Maids
Don’t overlook the kitchen drain
Wondering how to get rid of the foul odor from your kitchen drain? Pour some dishwashing liquid and hot water down the drain and let it sink. Then, to kill the bacteria, pour a mix of one cup of baking soda and one cup of fresh lemon juice. Say goodbye to any clogs and stale odor. – Spekless
Always clean surfaces gently
When cleaning different types of surfaces around your kitchen, always be as gentle as possible. This goes for granite, wood, and all other common surface materials found in most kitchens. Soft cloths are the way to go. If you can’t get rid of some stubborn floor stains, use a kitchen sponge, but be careful not to overdo it with the abrasive side. – Oasis Natural Cleaning
Ensure your waste bins are clean
Germs thrive in kitchen bins because of rubbish, food juices, and peelings. To clean your bins effectively, use soapy water. Simply mix soap and water and scrub away anything stuck to the inside or outside of the bin. To keep the smells at bay, throw some lemon or orange peel in the bin and let them work their magic. – TidyChoice
Clean your kitchen as you use it, especially with kids
Keeping your kitchen clean with kids in the house isn’t as tiresome as one might think. One of the easiest tricks to keep your kitchen clean is to clean as you go. Another simple trick is to involve the kids in the cleaning process. Assign your child(ren) one task associated with keeping the kitchen tidy. Finally, reduce the clutter in your kitchen. At Rise and Shine Cleaning Service, we tell clients that our cleaning technicians will clean all accessible surfaces. The less mess there is, the more we can clean. – Rise and Shine Cleaning Service
Clean while you’re using it. This way, there’s no chance for grime to build up, it takes a shorter time to clean, and your kitchen will remain clean. The best way to clean your kitchen countertops is to use the magic eraser sponge, dish soap, and a microfiber cloth. Put some soap and water on the sponge, scrub, and wipe it with the microfiber cloth. – Maids in Brown
Don’t overlook commonly-missed areas
Even if it doesn’t seem like it, your kitchen has many hidden areas most people simply overlook when cleaning. For example, how long has it been since you’ve cleaned behind your fridge or wiped down your range hood? Other commonly-overlooked areas are kitchen cabinet tops, cabinet exteriors, and cabinet handles. Finally, don’t forget about your microwave or oven. – All-Star Cleaning Services
The main kitchen cleaning stumbling blocks are overlooking some non-obvious areas during simple weekly vacuuming and using harmful chemicals. Even if you arm yourself with a hand vacuum and a damp rag, there is a chance you won’t clean everything. Don’t forget about your kitchen sinks, sink faucets, countertops, baseboards, coffee pots, dishwasher, microwave, trash cans, and the area behind the refrigerator. Be sure to use natural, organic supplies for thorough kitchen cleaning. Also, sanitize cooking utensils and cutting boards when deep cleaning the kitchen, and don’t use sponges. – Sunlight Cleaning Company NYC
When cleaning your kitchen, remember to hit these frequently missed areas:
- The kitchen drain: Everyone cleans the sink, but it’s easy to miss the drain where grime builds up, and unwanted smells can develop.
- Under your stove knobs: Going around them pushes the grease and dirt further under.
- Your dish rack: Your clean dishes deserve a clean space to dry, so regularly cleaning your dish rack is essential to keep it free of germs and mildew. – Brilliantly Clean
Use natural cleaners on kitchen appliances
When it comes to cleaning your range of kitchen appliances, my advice is always to go natural. There’s no reason to use harsh chemicals on your coffee maker, food blender, or toaster. Yes, all these appliances can accumulate a hefty amount of dirt, grime, and grease. Still, there’s nothing a bit of baking soda, vinegar, or lemon can’t get rid of. If there are some tough stains you’re struggling with, you can always add some rubbing alcohol, borax powder, or sudsy ammonia; be careful not to overdo it and damage any appliances. Always start mild and work your way up to more aggressive chemicals. – Castle Keepers
Keep your family healthy using natural cleaners
We cannot be absolutely certain if long-term exposure to cleaning chemicals puts us at health risks, so we recommend using eco-friendly cleaning products. Regular maintenance cleaning saves you time and effort down the line, and you do not have to resort to aggressive cleaning chemicals and methods to get the job done. – Blue Spruce Maids
Dishes can become a headache
Sometimes dirty dishes are the messiest thing in your kitchen. If you have a dishwasher, start by scrubbing dishes with the detergent of your choice. Then, put on your favorite music and wash them thoroughly. When you finish washing the dishes, dry them and immediately put them away in your kitchen cabinets. This allows you to see what you need to clean next. – Cleany
Regular cleaning is essential with pets
This means regular cleaning, tackling all of the most-used surfaces around your kitchen. For pet hair, your vacuum cleaner, a bucket, and a mop are your best friends. When it comes to kids, make sure to clean up immediately after them to prevent tougher stains from developing. – Rochester Residential and Commercial Cleaning
Vinegar is a natural grease cleaner
Did you know you have a powerful yet safe grease fighter in your kitchen cabinet? For a green clean, use white vinegar for its ability to break down stubborn grease buildup. Use a spritz of white vinegar on your stovetop, hood, or any non-porous surface where you find grease buildup. For best results, let the vinegar sit for a few minutes before wiping it up. This allows the vinegar to break down the grease. If there is a lot of grease, add a few drops of dish soap or baking soda to the vinegar to get the job done. – Green Maids Cleaning, LLC
To keep stovetops from accumulating grease, use a spray bottle of vinegar and a cloth to regularly wipe down after cooking. For already stuck-on grease, spray vinegar and scrubbing powder all over and scrub with a scrub sponge. If there is any leftover grease, you can use a pumice stone to remove the remaining grease. Only use pumice on porcelain surfaces, as it can scratch other surfaces. – Comforts Cleaning Services
Use the suitable cleaning materials depending on the surface
Cleaning can be a chore, but it can be much easier with the right cleaning supplies. Different cleaning materials will work best depending on the surfaces you need to clean.
- Wooden surfaces: Use a soft brush or sponge to avoid damaging the surface.
- Plastic surfaces: Use a soft cloth to avoid scratching the surface.
In general, avoid using harsh cleaning solutions on any surface. These can be damaging and make it more difficult to clean in the future. – Magic Helpers
Make use of the magic eraser
Our favorite house cleaning product is the magic eraser. This spongy material is perfect for cleaning appliances, doors, walls, and even baseboards. We love to use this tool because it helps us the most when removing dirt and grime. It doesn’t leave any scratches, either. – Alpine Specialty Services
Is kitchen cleaning not enough? Try redesigning your kitchen
Sometimes the layout and lack of storage space in your kitchen can make kitchen cleaning and maintenance difficult. Current design trends can help you organize your kitchen area more effectively and pave the way for an efficient cleaning routine. Nature-inspired biophilic design is becoming a classic, fail-proof kitchen style for modernist homes. Forest-bathed kitchens do not have to be over the top. You can tweak the approach to give off a clean, minimalist vibe that embodies the simplicity of contemporary style while also bringing in the outdoors. – Kitchen Magic
Remodel your kitchen surfaces to reduce cleaning stress
From the perspective of interior design, there is so much you can do to save yourself time and energy down the line. The right choice of cabinets can truly do wonders. Aesthetics aside, modern kitchen cabinetry boasts exceptional functionality, making cleaning and maintenance easier while helping you stay organized. Also, be careful when choosing countertops. You don’t want materials that scratch and stain easily. Granite and natural stone can be great options.
Choose a variety of colors, materials, and textures when remodeling your kitchen. This can help stains be less noticeable. Finally, consider including a backsplash tile and tile flooring in your project. This makes cleaning infinitely easier. – Kitchens by Charles Weiler
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