Kitchens can get dirty so fast. Keeping them clean is important, but sometimes the task can feel daunting. Now and then, it’s a good idea to take some time and give your kitchen a good, deep cleaning. Here are a few tips for deep cleaning your kitchen:
1. Declutter What You Can
Before you actually start cleaning, it’s a good idea to declutter your kitchen as best you can. Decluttering is a great way to begin any deep cleaning task and is a useful winter cleaning tip.
Go through your kitchen and make sure there’s nothing in your cabinets, pantry, or on your countertops that doesn’t need to be there. You can also declutter each area as you go, and once that area is decluttered, you can begin to deep clean each area. This method allows you to take breaks or even deep clean over a few days.
2. Gather Supplies
You are going to need a collection of cleaning supplies, so gather everything you need before you start cleaning. That way, you won’t be scrambling around looking for the window cleaner or looking for an extra rag. Don’t forget a trash bag or large box for any trash or items you no longer want.
Your cleaning supplies will vary, depending on the products you prefer as well as the materials you have in your kitchen. Not having the right materials is a common cleaning mistake. For example, if you have a tile floor, most basic cleaners will get the job done.
However, if you have a countertop material like marble or soapstone, you may need a gentle cleanser. You should also have plenty of rags or microfiber cloths available. Rags and microfiber cloths are a great way to clean without wasting too many paper towels.
3. Clean One Area at a Time
The reason people often feel really overwhelmed with deep cleaning their kitchen is that they try to tackle it all at once. Instead, try one of the spring cleaning tips to start with one section of your kitchen, and when that’s done, move on to another area.
You can also break this down by appliance if that feels easier. If you want to try breaking up cleaning sessions by tackling appliances separately, you will want to include the following, depending on your kitchen and appliance design:
- Refrigerator
- Freezer
- Oven
- Stove
- Kitchen sink
- Floor
- Microwave
- Dishwasher
4. Clean Out the Refrigerator
Cleaning out the refrigerator is often a daunting task, but it feels so good once it’s done.
8 Steps to Deep Clean the Refrigerator
Here are some basic steps for cleaning out and deep cleaning your refrigerator:
- Remove everything and place it in a cooler.
- Review items and throw out anything past expiration or going bad.
- If they are removable, remove shelves and drawers to clean.
- If they are not removable, wipe down shelves and the inside of drawers.
- Wipe down other surfaces inside the fridge.
- If they were removed, replace the shelves and drawers.
- When putting everything back, take the opportunity to improve organization.
- Dust the top of the fridge and wipe down the exterior.
To start deep cleaning your refrigerator, take everything out of it and place it in a cooler to keep it cold while you are cleaning the fridge. As you’re taking all of your food items out of your fridge, this is a great time to throw out anything past its expiration date or going bad.
Once everything is out of your fridge and you’ve thrown out any unwanted items, you can start to clean the inside of your refrigerator. If your shelves are removable, pull those out and wipe them down with soap and water or cleaning solution.
You should also clean out any drawers. Let the shelves and drawers dry or wipe them down well. Once things are clean and dry, you can consider using liners on shelves and drawers to protect surfaces and make future cleaning much easier.
Wipe down any other surfaces of the inside of the fridge, too. Then, if they were removed, put the shelves and drawers back in the fridge. Once you have the shelves and drawers back in your refrigerator, it’s time to organize! Start by grouping items in whatever way makes sense to you. You might also find it helpful to label anything that is not in its original container. Labeling things is a great way to help your fridge stay organized and is a useful fridge organization idea.
Once everything is back in the refrigerator, it’s time to dust the top of the refrigerator and wipe down the front and sides. Be mindful of the type of refrigerator you have. For example, stainless steel will have streaks or can become damaged if you use the wrong products. If you’re unsure of how to clean stainless steel appliances, using a microfiber cloth will help eliminate any streaks.
This is also a great time to declutter anything that is displayed on top or attached to the front of your refrigerator. Take down and throw out old announcements or broken magnets. Then, enjoy a clean and organized refrigerator, inside and out!
5. Scrub the Oven and Stove
Cleaning the oven and stove is one aspect of cleaning the kitchen that many people are not fond of. When you think of cleaning a stove or an oven, you may think about stuck or baked-on grease and tough food stains, and pieces of food that are stuck to the bottom of the oven or to the stovetop. But, it doesn’t have to be a nightmare.
In order to get a sparkling clean oven and matching stove, you can mix one box of baking soda and a generous amount of water that form a paste-like substance. Spread and smear this paste over your entire oven and stove, and let it sit overnight. If you’re using it inside the oven, make sure you avoid the heating elements.
Depending on the condition that your oven and stove are in, you may not need to let this substance sit overnight. Then, use a damp cloth to gently wipe away the dried paste, along with the buildup. Spritzing what remains with a diluted white vinegar solution will cause it to fizz, which can then be wiped off with a damp cloth or sponge. Make sure all cleaner is removed and surfaces are clean, and then dry it all off with a clean, dry cloth.
6. Wipe and Sanitize the Kitchen Sink
Cleaning your sink should be one of the simplest tasks that you have to complete in your kitchen. If you use your sink to wash dishes, you may notice that your sink may have a film or residue that is greasy, and your drain may be dirty.
The good news in this situation is that baking soda can be used to clean just about anything. Evenly spread the baking soda in your sink. Using a toothbrush, apply a little elbow grease, and it’s that simple to get a sparkling clean sink!
7. Clean Out the Freezer
Cleaning out a freezer is a little different than cleaning out a refrigerator. Contrary to popular belief, you do not have to defrost or thaw out your food in order to clean your freezer, unless you have some ice buildup or other reason that would create the need to defrost. You can clean your freezer the same as you cleaned your refrigerator and get the same results.
8. Give the Kitchen Floor a Good Clean
Many people save the kitchen floor for last. When you are ready to clean the kitchen floor, start by sweeping up dirt and debris. Then, provided it’s right for your flooring material, you can use water and an antibacterial cleaning solution to make your kitchen floor sparkle and shine. You will also leave your kitchen smelling fresh and clean by using an antibacterial cleaning solution.
These are just a few tips for deep cleaning your kitchen. While it feels overwhelming to start, tackling it in smaller pieces can help it go much more smoothly. However, if you feel like there’s no amount of cleaning, reorganizing, or rearranging that makes your house feel like home, it may not be the right home for you any longer. Consider building a custom home that is designed to meet your wants and needs. If you’re ready to start designing your dream home, give Custom Home Group a call at 717-284-4090!
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