The Ultimate Guide to Deep Cleaning Your Kitchen
The kitchen is the heart of the home, but it's also where grease, grime, and food residue accumulate quickly. A thorough deep clean goes beyond daily wiping and tackles the areas you don't clean regularly. This guide walks you through a complete kitchen deep clean from top to bottom.
Before You Start
Gather Your Supplies
- All-purpose cleaner
- Degreaser
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- Microfiber cloths
- Scrub brushes
- Rubber gloves
- Trash bags
Clear the Space
Remove everything from countertops, empty the sink, and clear the kitchen table. You'll need workspace and want to clean surfaces thoroughly.
Top-to-Bottom Cleaning Order
1. Ceiling and Light Fixtures
Start at the top to avoid re-cleaning lower surfaces. Dust ceiling corners, clean light fixtures, and wipe down ceiling fans if you have them.
2. Cabinets and Cabinet Fronts
Exterior: Mix warm water with dish soap. Wipe all cabinet fronts, handles, and edges. Pay special attention to areas near the stove where grease accumulates.
Interior: Remove everything from cabinets. Wipe shelves, check expiration dates, and reorganize as you replace items.
3. Range Hood and Exhaust Fan
The range hood collects significant grease. Remove filters and soak in hot, soapy water with degreaser. Wipe down the hood exterior and interior. Replace or clean filters according to manufacturer instructions.
4. Appliances
Refrigerator
- Remove all food
- Take out shelves and drawers
- Wash shelves in sink
- Wipe interior with baking soda solution
- Clean door seals
- Vacuum coils (back or bottom)
- Organize as you replace food
Oven
- Remove racks and soak
- Use oven cleaner or baking soda paste
- Let sit per product instructions
- Scrub and wipe clean
- Clean oven door inside and out
- Replace clean racks
Microwave
- Heat bowl of water with lemon for 3 minutes
- Wipe interior while steam loosens food
- Remove and wash turntable
- Clean exterior and control panel
Dishwasher
- Remove and clean filter
- Wipe door seals
- Run empty cycle with vinegar
- Wipe exterior
5. Countertops and Backsplash
Clear everything off counters. Clean thoroughly with appropriate cleaner for your surface type. Scrub grout lines on tile backsplashes. Don't forget corners and edges where crumbs hide.
6. Sink and Faucet
Sink
- Sprinkle baking soda
- Scrub with brush or sponge
- Rinse thoroughly
- Polish stainless steel with vinegar
Faucet
- Remove aerator and soak in vinegar
- Wipe down faucet and handles
- Polish chrome or stainless steel
Garbage Disposal
- Grind ice cubes to clean blades
- Grind lemon peels for freshness
- Flush with cold water
7. Floors
Sweep or Vacuum: Remove all loose debris, paying attention to corners and under appliances.
Mop: Use appropriate cleaner for your floor type. Work from far corner toward door. Move appliances if possible to clean underneath.
8. Baseboards and Trim
Wipe down all baseboards, door frames, and trim. These collect dust and grease but are often overlooked.
Don't Forget These Often-Missed Spots
- Top of refrigerator: Dust and grease accumulate here
- Inside trash can: Wash and disinfect
- Under sink: Clean and organize
- Window sills: Wipe down and clean tracks
- Switch plates and outlet covers: Wipe down
- Pantry: Organize, check dates, wipe shelves
Maintenance Tips
After your deep clean, maintain it with these habits:
- Wipe spills immediately
- Clean as you cook
- Run dishwasher nightly
- Sweep daily
- Weekly wipe-down of appliance exteriors
When to Hire Professionals
Deep cleaning a kitchen thoroughly takes 4-6 hours. If you don't have the time, energy, or mobility for this intensive task, professional cleaners can handle it efficiently. They have commercial-grade products and equipment that deliver superior results.
Conclusion
A deep-cleaned kitchen is more hygienic, more pleasant to cook in, and easier to maintain. Schedule deep cleans quarterly or semi-annually, with regular maintenance in between. Your kitchen is where you nourish your family – it deserves to sparkle.
Ready for a professionally deep-cleaned kitchen? London Cleaners offers comprehensive kitchen cleaning services that save you time and deliver exceptional results.