You want your kitchen to be clean, not only for aesthetic purposes but also for reasons of hygiene, safety, and functionality. The only way you will be able to avoid the development of grime, stains, and bacteria that build up throughout the period is through regular maintenance. Do not stop at the quite obvious tools, also learn how to clean a grinder to keep it intact in its perfect shape.
From deep cleaning to just cleaning up, here is a kitchen cleaning checklist to keep you on point with everything.
Daily Cleaning of the Kitchen
The easiest way not to make cleaning harder than it should be is to simply keep up with daily tasks. These small quick tasks below will prepare your space for the next meal.
Wipe Down Counters and Surfaces
Wipe down all the countertops, tables, and other surfaces that come into contact with food with a type of kitchen disinfectant. Give extra attention to the areas that have been used the most for preparation so that any bacteria that might have developed does not linger.
Wash Dishes or Load the Dishwasher
Scrape food off of dishes after dinner and place them into the dishwasher, or simply wash them by hand. This helps to prevent dried food from hardening onto the dishes and also avoids any buildup from bacteria that might be there. Besides that, it just keeps your kitchen nice and clean for the next meal.
Clean the Sink
Clean the sink with a scrubber and a disinfectant after doing the dishes. Do not forget the faucet and edges of the sink where grime usually accumulates.
Take Out the Trash
Take out your kitchen trash every day so that you will not have to deal with disgusting odors and pests. If you compost, make sure your compost container is sealed tightly and regularly emptied.
Sweep the Floor
Sweep the floor every evening to remove crumbs and other fragments. This little routine can make all the difference in the overall cleaning of your kitchen.
Weekly Kitchen Cleaning Tasks
The weekly tasks help the kitchen stay fresh and prevent deeper messes from setting in.
Clean the Appliances
Wipe down the exterior of refrigerator, microwave, and stovetop. Heavy stains or burnt-on food may need deeper cleaning. Make sure to clean handles and control panels.
High-Touch Areas Disinfecting
Places like handles of drawers, light switches, and appliance knobs collect germs over time. These areas can be cleaned using disinfectant wipes or a spray to keep the kitchen free of germs.
Mop the Floors
Mop your kitchen floors at least once a week to pick up dirt and grime that the broom may be missing. Use a floor cleaner with the appropriate type of floor you have in your home.
Clean the Refrigerator Shelves
Pull expired food from the fridge on a weekly basis and wipe down the fridge shelves with a damp cloth and a mild cleaner to keep your fridge clean and fresh.
Monthly Kitchen Cleaning Tasks
Of course, it is a good idea each month to do a deeper cleaning of areas that might not require day-to-day attention yet need regular maintenance.
Clean Inside the Oven
Take the oven racks out and place them in warm, soapy water. Using a baking soda paste or oven cleaner inside of the oven, begin to work off built-up grease and grime.
Degrease the Range Hood and Fan
Over time, grease from cooking collects on the range hood and fan. Wipe them down using a degreasing cleaner; clean or replace the filter as needed.
Organize Pantry and Cabinets
Take everything out of the pantry and your cabinets. Wipe down the shelves and chuck expired items. Put the remaining food and utensils back in neatly to make it much easier to locate what you need when you need it.
Clean Small Appliances
And don’t pass over those smaller appliances, grinders, too-toasters and blenders, and electric coffee makers. Wipe down outside and inside parts if applicable to ensure all is functioning properly.
Seasonal or Deep Cleaning Tasks
Deep cleaning your kitchen every several months helps you start anew in the space and address those areas frequently overlooked.
Deep Clean the Refrigerator and Freezer
Completely empty your refrigerator and freezer. Defrost your freezer, if necessary, and give the inside and outside of both appliances a good cleaning. Be sure to vacuum the coils behind or underneath the refrigerator for better energy efficiency.
Clean the Cabinets and Drawers
Wipe down the outside and inside of all the cabinets and drawers to clear them from dust and dirt. It is also a good opportunity to reorganize things and get rid of clutter.
Wash Windows and Curtains
Do not forget about the kitchen windows and curtains. Clean the windows from fingerprints and smudges. Launder or clean the curtains and blinds to give the place a fresh look.
Clean the Dishwasher and Garbage Disposal
Even appliances designed to make cleaning easier need a little TLC. Run a cycle with a dishwasher cleaner to keep mineral deposits under control, and clean your garbage disposal with baking soda and vinegar to keep it smelling sweet.
Summary Checklist
- Daily: Wipe down surfaces, do dishes, clean the sink, take out the trash, sweep the floors.
- Weekly: Clean appliances, sanitize handles, mop floors, fridge shelves.
- Monthly: Oven cleaning, range hood degreasing, pantry organization, small appliance cleaning.
- Seasonal: Deep clean fridge and freezer, wash windows, clean cabinets, clean dishwasher.
As you integrate this kitchen cleaning checklist into your life, you will find yourself able to use your room with the cleanliness, organization, and readiness that you deserve. This regular maintenance makes your kitchen not only more pleasant but also extends the life of appliances and surfaces.
