Kitchen Cleaning Checklist: How To
Deep Clean a Kitchen

Everyone knows that daily kitchen cleaning keeps things running smoothly. Still, it should also be deep cleaned at least every two weeks. Beyond wiping counters or sweeping, cleaning a kitchen can feel daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. We’ve got your back with a field-tested kitchen cleaning checklist to make your kitchen shine.

Cleaning a Kitchen Like the Pros

If you don’t feel like tackling the work, we get it. Call in one of our professional kitchen and appliance cleaning services and let The Maids® tackle the dirt and grime. But if you’re ready for the challenge, you can use this kitchen cleaning list to get rid of grime, dirt, grease, and germs for a fresh start. Here’s what you’ll need:

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

How To Deep Clean Your Kitchen

Depending on how long ago you did a deep cleaning, some areas can be challenging. Lucky for you, our handy kitchen cleaning lists will help you tackle even the most stubborn buildup. Here’s how to deep clean a kitchen step by step. 

Freezer

Remove all the items from your freezer, toss anything expired or freezer-burned, and put the rest in a cooler. Unplug the freezer and put a pot of hot water inside to manually defrost it. Use soapy water to clean the inside, door seals, and the door. Wipe off the residue with a damp cloth, plug the unit in, and restock. 

Refrigerator 

If you’re cleaning a fridge/freezer combo, you’ll likely need at least two coolers. Empty the fridge, toss 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 the contents.

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 cleaner 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 and clean the inside of the cabinet or drawer and then the outside with warm, soapy water. Consider washing silverware sorters and seldom-used items in the dishwasher to remove buildup. Before restocking, spend time getting the kitchen cabinets organized. 

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, and don’t forget 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.

Use this kitchen deep cleaning checklist to build a schedule on your calendar for weekly, monthly, and seasonal cleanings. Whether you divide weekly tasks by the days of the week or some other routine, the key is to find what works for your lifestyle.

Cleaning a Kitchen With a Proven Schedule

Daily Kitchen Cleaning Checklist

Clean as you go should be your mantra if you want a sparkling clean kitchen all the time. But that doesn’t always work out, does it? If time is short or your energy is low, using these daily kitchen cleaning tips will help keep things under control.

• Clean the sink and garbage disposal after each use
• Empty the dishwasher
• Clean and sanitize countertops with a multipurpose cleaner
• Wipe down the burners and stove top
• Sweep the floor

Weekly Kitchen Cleaning Checklist

If you keep up with daily kitchen cleaning, your kitchen will smell better, look nicer, and feel clean more often. Add this weekly cleaning checklist for an even cleaner kitchen.

• Clean the outside of small appliances
• Disinfect the sink, faucets, and cutting boards
• Sanitize sponges and scrubbers
• Mop the floor
• Wash the dish towels
• Clean the garbage disposal

Monthly Kitchen Cleaning Checklist

Your monthly kitchen cleaning chores are easy to tackle if you’ve kept up with the daily and weekly checklists, so let’s dive in.

• Wash cabinet doors
• Purge food from the pantry
• Purge your freezer
• Damp wipe the tops of the fridge and cabinets
• Clean and sanitize trash cans
• Clean the dishwasher
• Dust light fixtures

Seasonal Kitchen Cleaning Checklist

Yes, there is such a thing as seasonal kitchen cleaning! Most of the tasks here are finishing touches or routine appliance cleaning chores.

• Remove and wash drawer dividers and cabinet organizers
• Empty drawers and vacuum them
• Deep clean the fridge, under it, and behind it
• Deep clean the oven
• Purge mismatched silverware, chipped glassware, and other clutter you never use

Once you fine-tune your kitchen cleaning checklist, you can make the process even easier by enlisting the kids or other members of your family. Crank up some music, promise a treat for a job well done, and start assigning items from your checklist. Play your cards right, and you may not have to do much of the work at all!

The Maids: Your Partner for a Cleaner Home With Less Work

Use our field-tested checklists and handy cleaning guides to make routine cleaning more manageable. Whether you do it yourself or invest in our popular cleaning services, we want you to enjoy a sparkling clean home as often as possible. When you need to get your cleaning routine back on track or simply want to relax and recharge, we’ve got you covered. 

Get a customized cleaning quote for cleaning a kitchen or entire home and get a clean so thorough you can feel it!