How Do You Clean A Kitchen: Deep Clean Guide

The best way to start cleaning a kitchen is to remove all clutter from the counters and sink, and then work from the top down, saving the floor for last. This guide will show you exactly how to achieve a sparkling clean kitchen through a thorough, step-by-step process.

Preparing for Your Kitchen Deep Clean

A successful kitchen deep clean starts with good prep work. You need the right supplies and a clear workspace. Think of this as setting the stage for spotless results.

Gathering Your Cleaning Arsenal

To tackle every surface, you need a variety of tools. Having everything ready saves time later.

Here is a list of essential items:

Microfiber cloths (many of them!)
Scrub brushes (stiff and soft bristles)
Sponges (non-scratch for delicate surfaces)
Rubber gloves
Trash bags
Old towels or newspaper
Spray bottles
A sturdy step stool

Deciphering Your Cleaning Agents

You have options for what you spray on your surfaces. Some prefer harsh chemicals for tough jobs. Others like gentler solutions. Natural kitchen cleaners are effective and safer for food prep areas.

Common Deep Clean Solutions:

Solution Type	Primary Use	Ingredients	Notes
All-Purpose Spray	General wiping, light grease	White vinegar, water, lemon peels	Good for everyday use.
Heavy-Duty Degreaser	Ovens, stovetops, range hoods	Baking soda paste, dish soap	Great for degreasing kitchen appliances.
Glass Cleaner	Windows, appliance fronts	Water, rubbing alcohol	Leaves a streak-free shine.
Disinfectant Spray	Sanitizing kitchen surfaces	Diluted bleach or hydrogen peroxide	Use after cleaning messes.

Step 1: Decluttering and Emptying Cabinets

Before any scrubbing happens, you must clear the space. This allows full access to all surfaces.

Clearing the Countertops

Take everything off the counters. Put items away where they belong. This might mean putting spices back in the rack or clearing mail to another room. Only essential appliances should remain.

The Kitchen Cabinet Cleaning Guide

This is the toughest part of clearing out. Empty one cabinet or drawer at a time.

Toss expired items. Check all food dates.
Wipe down contents. Clean jars and bottles before putting them back.
Clean the interior. Wipe down the shelf surfaces thoroughly.

This process lets you see every corner. It’s also a good time to check for leaks or pest issues inside.

Step 2: Tackling High Areas and Fixtures

Always clean from high to low. Dust and grime fall downward. If you clean the floor first, you’ll just have to clean it again.

Cleaning the Range Hood and Vent

The range hood collects a lot of grease. This needs focused effort for degreasing kitchen appliances.

Remove Filters: Take out the metal filters. Soak them in very hot, soapy water or a degreasing solution. Let them sit while you work elsewhere.
Wipe Exterior: Spray the outside of the hood with your degreaser. Let it sit for five minutes. Wipe thoroughly with a clean cloth.
Clean Fan Area: If you can safely reach, wipe down the area above the filter opening.
Rinse and Replace: Wash the soaked filters well. Dry them completely before putting them back.

Dusting Light Fixtures and Ceiling Vents

Use a long-handled duster or a vacuum with a soft brush attachment. Gently dust light fixtures, ceiling fans, and air vents. This prevents dust from settling back down later.

Step 3: Deep Cleaning Appliances

Appliances are major grease traps and need specific attention for a true deep clean kitchen.

The Refrigerator Deep Clean

The fridge needs time to thaw or empty out. Work quickly to keep energy costs down.

Empty Everything: Remove all food items. Place refrigerated items in a cooler.
Remove Shelves and Drawers: Take out all removable parts. Wash them in the sink with warm, soapy water. Use a soft brush for tight corners.
Wipe Interior Walls: Spray the inside walls, ceiling, and floor of the fridge with a mild cleaner or baking soda paste. Wipe clean with a damp cloth.
Don’t Forget Seals: Clean the rubber door gaskets carefully. Use a cloth dipped in warm water.
Exterior Care: Wipe down the doors. If you have stainless steel, use a dedicated stainless steel cleaner or a cloth dampened with oil after cleaning.

Oven and Stovetop Scrubbing

Oven grime is tough. Choose your method based on how dirty it is.

For Self-Cleaning Ovens:

Run the cycle as directed by the manual. This can take hours.
Ensure the kitchen is well-ventilated.
Once cool, wipe out the ash residue.

For Manual Oven Cleaning:

Remove racks and use them in a bathtub or large basin for soaking with heavy-duty cleaner.
Apply a thick paste of baking soda and water inside the cold oven. Let it sit for several hours, or even overnight.
Use a plastic scraper or non-scratch pad to lift the grime. Wipe clean with wet cloths.

Stovetop Focus:

If you have a gas range, remove the grates and burner caps. Soak these as well. For electric coils, clean around them carefully. Wipe the entire surface. For tough baked-on spots, use a razor blade scraper held at a low angle on glass tops very carefully.

Microwave Inner Sanctum

Microwaves steam themselves clean easily.

Place a bowl of water mixed with lemon slices or vinegar inside.
Heat on high until the window steams up (about 3–5 minutes).
Let it sit closed for 5 minutes. The steam loosens grime.
Carefully remove the hot bowl. Wipe the inside walls, ceiling, and turntable with a sponge.

Step 4: Conquering Countertops and Backsplashes

Cleaning kitchen counters is vital because this is where you prepare food. You must clean before you sanitize.

The Two-Step Rule: Clean, Then Sanitize

Cleaning: Use your all-purpose cleaner or warm, soapy water to remove crumbs, grease, and spills. Scrub stubborn spots gently.
Sanitizing: After cleaning, spray the entire surface with a disinfectant. Let the disinfectant sit for the time listed on the bottle (this “dwell time” kills germs). Then, wipe dry or let air dry.

Material Considerations

Different materials need different care:

Granite/Marble: Avoid harsh acids like straight vinegar. Use pH-neutral cleaners designed for stone.
Laminate/Solid Surface: These are durable. You can use most natural kitchen cleaners like diluted vinegar mixtures.
Stainless Steel: Wipe with the grain. Polish afterward if desired.

Backsplash Refresh

Backsplashes often catch grease splatter from cooking. Use a stronger degreaser here if needed. For tile, use an old toothbrush to scrub grout lines.

Step 5: Sink and Faucet Revival

The kitchen sink often harbors the most bacteria. Sanitizing kitchen surfaces here is paramount.

Sink Scrub Down

Rinse Debris: Flush away any food particles.
Scrub: Sprinkle baking soda or use a paste cleaner inside the basin. Use a stiff brush to scrub the entire surface, paying attention to the drain area.
Disinfect: Spray the entire sink area with your chosen sanitizer. Let it sit for the required time.
Rinse and Polish: Rinse thoroughly with hot water. Buff the basin dry with a clean towel to prevent water spots.

Faucet Detailing

Hard water leaves mineral deposits around the faucet base and spray head.

Wrap the faucet base with a cloth soaked in white vinegar. Let it sit for 30 minutes to break down buildup.
If the spray nozzle is clogged, soak the head briefly in a baggie filled with vinegar secured by a rubber band.
Wipe down the handles and spout until they shine.

Step 6: Kitchen Cabinet Cleaning Guide (Exterior Focus)

Now that the interiors are done, focus on the outside of the cabinets. Oil and grime build up on handles and doors, especially near the stove.

Cleaning Cabinet Exteriors

This addresses kitchen cabinet cleaning guide specifics.

Hardware First: Remove knobs and pulls if possible for the deepest clean. Soak them in soapy water. If you leave them on, scrub around them vigorously with a toothbrush.
Door Surfaces: Use warm water mixed with a small amount of mild dish soap. Dip a cloth, wring it out well, and wipe down the faces of the doors.
Greasy Spots: For stubborn areas near the stove or trash pull-out, a specialized degreaser works well. Test in an inconspicuous spot first, especially on painted or stained wood.
Drying: Always dry wood cabinets immediately to prevent water damage or swelling.

Step 7: The Floor Finish

This must be the last step. Focus on the best way to clean kitchen floors based on your material.

Addressing Spills and Stains

Look for sticky spots or old, dried spills before starting the general wash. Treat these with a targeted spot cleaner or a small amount of degreaser.

Material Specific Floor Care

Floor Type	Cleaning Agent Recommendation	Technique Tip
Tile/Grout	Hot water, dish soap, or vinegar solution	Use a stiff brush for grout lines.
Vinyl/Linoleum	Mild detergent or commercial floor cleaner	Avoid abrasive scrubbers.
Hardwood	Damp mop only; specialized wood cleaner	Use very little water; dry immediately.

Mopping Technique

Mop using hot water. Change your mop water frequently. Dirty water just spreads grime around. Work backward from the door so you don’t step on the wet floor.

Maintaining Your Clean Kitchen

A deep clean is great, but routine maintenance prevents future overwhelming jobs. Kitchen cleaning tips for daily upkeep are key.

Daily Tidy-Ups (Five Minutes)

Wipe down cleaning kitchen counters after every meal.
Load or run the dishwasher.
Wipe the stovetop after cooking.
Wipe the sink basin.

Weekly Maintenance (30 Minutes)

Spot clean cabinet exteriors.
Clean the microwave interior.
Wipe down the exterior of large appliances (fridge doors, dishwasher front).
Quick sweep or vacuum of the floor.

Deep Clean Scheduling

Establish a regular frequency of kitchen cleaning schedule.

Monthly: Clean the inside of the refrigerator, wipe down baseboards.
Quarterly (Every 3 Months): Execute a full deep clean kitchen routine. This includes cleaning out pantry shelves, cleaning oven interiors, and washing down cabinet exteriors fully.
Twice Yearly: Tackle upholstery (if applicable), clean behind appliances, and thoroughly clean the range hood filters.

Fathoming Professional Kitchen Cleaning Methods

Sometimes, you need expert help, or you just want to borrow their techniques. Professional kitchen cleaning methods often rely on strong, specialized equipment and powerful, food-safe chemicals.

Professionals often use steam cleaners for deep sanitization, especially on grout and tight corners. They use high-quality microfiber cloths designed to trap dust and bacteria effectively. They also often employ specialized enzymatic cleaners for breaking down tough organic stains like dried food residue.

While you might not own industrial-grade equipment, mimicking their systematic approach—top to bottom, clear everything before cleaning—is vital.

FAQ Section

How often should I sanitize kitchen counters?

You should sanitize cleaning kitchen counters daily, especially after handling raw meat or poultry. A quick wipe with a disinfectant spray after the final daily clean is ideal.

What is the safest natural cleaner for my granite countertops?

For granite, the safest natural kitchen cleaners are mild dish soap mixed with water, or specialized stone cleaners. Avoid vinegar or lemon juice if they are undiluted, as the acid can etch the sealant over time.

How do I speed up the process of degreasing kitchen appliances?

Use heat. For degreasing kitchen appliances like the range hood or stove, applying a hot, greasy cleaner or letting a degreasing spray sit for 10–15 minutes before wiping allows the heat to soften the bond between the grease and the surface.

Can I use the same solution for cleaning kitchen counters and sanitizing kitchen surfaces?

No. Cleaning removes dirt and debris. Sanitizing kills germs. You must always clean first, then apply a separate sanitizer. Your all-purpose cleaner cleans, but it is not guaranteed to kill everything unless it is specifically labeled as a disinfectant.

What is the key difference between a regular clean and a deep clean kitchen?

A regular clean focuses on visible dirt, spills, and maintenance (counters, sink, stovetop). A deep clean kitchen involves clearing all spaces, cleaning behind and inside appliances (like the oven and fridge), and detailing areas that are usually missed (like baseboards and cabinet interiors).