How To Deep Clean Your Kitchen To Tackle Even The Most Stubborn Buildup

Everyone knows that daily kitchen cleaning keeps things running smoothly. Still, it should also be deep cleaned at least every two weeks. Deep cleaning a kitchen can feel daunting, but it doesn’t have to be.

Here’s what you’ll need (followed by specific steps to take in each key area):

• Disinfectant
• Nylon scrub brushes
• Dishwashing detergent
• Microfiber cloths
• Baking soda
• White vinegar
• Latex or rubber gloves to protect hands

Refrigerator

If you’re cleaning a fridge/freezer combo, begin with at least two coolers. Empty the fridge/freezer, toss the old food, and put the rest in a cooler. Take out any bins or shelving and wash separately, then wash the inside, seals, door, and fixed shelves. Wipe off the dirt and cleaning residue with a damp cloth, then restock.

Oven

If your oven isn’t self-cleaning, remove the racks and wash them in the sink with soap and water. Spray the inside of the oven with a solution of four tablespoons of baking soda to one liter of water, and let it sit for an hour. Scrub the oven with a nylon scrub pad, wipe off the dirt and cleaning residue, and put back the racks.

Dishwasher

Remove the spray arms, filter, racks, and utensil holders, and clean them with hot, soapy water. Add two cups of distilled white vinegar to the bottom of the dishwasher and run a regular cycle. Use soapy water to clean the inside and outside, wipe off the residue on the exterior, and run a cycle with water only. Replace the dishwasher parts, and you’re done.

Sink

Mix a paste of baking soda and water and use a non-abrasive sponge to scrub away stains and grime. Rinse the sponge and sink, clean the sink again with soap and water, then rinse it with hot water. Use a damp microfiber cloth to clean the faucet and handles, then buff them to a shine with a dry one.

Cupboards and Drawers

Remove every item, clean the inside of the cabinets and drawers, then clean the outside with warm, soapy water. Consider washing silverware sorters in the dishwasher to remove buildup. Before restocking, organize the kitchen cabinets.

Countertops

Cleaning natural countertops made with stone like quartz and granite requires different cleaning approaches. For most countertops, using a water and dish-detergent solution and a sponge is safe. Wipe off the soapy residue with a clean, damp cloth and buff the counter to a shine with a dry one.

Floors

Cleaning a tile or vinyl kitchen floor is simple. Sweep or vacuum as much dirt and debris as possible, including the corners. Mop the kitchen floor with soapy water, then use a clean, damp mop to remove the residue. Let the floor air dry, and enjoy the shine.

Garbage Cans

Scrub the inside and outside of the garbage can with soapy water and a nylon scrubber. Rinse the soapy residue and dirt and let the trash can air dry. Spray the inside with disinfectant and let it dry before inserting a trash bag.

Whether you tackle a kitchen deep-clean on your own or choose to invest in our popular cleaning services, at The Maids of Cincinnati, we want you to enjoy a sparkling clean home as often as possible.

Terry Sanderson has owned The Maids for more than 15 years. For more helpful ideas, visit The Maids’ Tips, Tricks and Cleaning Hacks” section at maids.com/blog.