Last week I talked about my speed cleaning routine for the kitchen but sometimes that kitchen just needs a really deep clean! While I probably should ideally do this more often, I generally run through this list about once every 3-4 months, skipping any steps that aren’t really needed at the time.
First off, don’t be overwhelmed with the list! I have put everything that I could think of in the checklist, but you may not need to do each task each time and some things you may do on a more regular basis anyways. You can run through the checklist all at once, or divide it up over a couple of days if that is easier for you. The biggest hurdle is usually just to get started!
No matter how you choose to clean, try following these simple rules to keep yourself on track and cut down on that cleaning time…
- Start cleaning from the top of the room and work your way down. This is the fastest way to get things done and will cut down on dust falling on areas that you have already cleaned.
- Clean the dirtiest things first in case the mess ends up spreading around.
- Work from one side of the room to the other in a systematic fashion.
- Dedicate a specific amount of cleaning time and then set a timer. Work as fast as you can within this time and don’t let yourself get distracted.
- Stay in the kitchen!! I tend to get easily side tracked when I am cleaning, and often get distracted if I leave the room and see other things that need to be done. {Please tell me I am not alone in this!}
Now let’s get cleaning! I’ve gone through the list and divided the tasks into manageable “mini projects” but do whatever works for you!
Before you officially start, take a few minutes to clear away items that do not belong in the kitchen and place them in a bin or basket to put away afterwards. Put any items from the counters into the cupboards if they have a spot to go so the counters are as clear as possible. If you are going to be doing the whole kitchen at once, I like to clear everything off of the counters and place them on the dining room table so that they are out of the way. It takes a few more minutes at the beginning, but will actually save time in the end. NOTE: This is just a quick tidy looking at things that are on the floor, obviously out of place, or that you know that you want to get rid of. Save big organizing projects for later!
Gather your Cleaning Supplies
If you have a basic cleaning kit, you probably have most of your cleaning supplies all ready to go. I try to use green cleaners as much as possible and have cut back drastically on the amount of cleaning products that I use {you can read more about my favorite green cleaners HERE}. I pretty much use my microfiber cloths, polishing cloth, and water/vinegar spray for about 80% of my kitchen cleaning. Here is my cleaning supply list that I use…
- microfiber cleaning cloths {these will bring up dirt and grime much better than standard cloths}
- all-purpose spray {I usually just use a water bottle with 50/50 vinegar and water and some lemon or grapefruit essential oils}
- microfiber polishing cloth {I love my Norwex one}
- norwex micro pads
- dusting mitt or other duster
- dish soap {I like Dawn}
- toothbrush
- vacuum {I use my Dyson Animal and love it!}
- microfiber mop
- steam cleaner {I use the HomeRight steam machine plus}
Light Fixtures
- Wipe down all light fixtures with water and vinegar spray and replace any bulbs that need changing.
Tops of Cabinets
- If your cabinets do not go all the way up to the ceiling, the tops are probably in need of a good cleaning. Remove all items. Using a hand held vacuum {I use my Dyson animal} or duster, dry dust the tops of the cabinets to remove all dust and other loose particles. Spray with an all-purpose cleaner and wipe down. If your kitchen tends to accumulate a lot of dust, you can place wax paper down on the cabinet tops so you just have to change out the wax paper when it needs cleaning. Dust/wipe down all objects as you put them back up.
- While you are up there, check into corners and along ceiling edges and vacuum down all cobwebs.
- Take down and launder any window treatments. Dust the blinds and spray and wipe down any splatters that may be on them.
- Clean your windows {this is even better if done on a sunny day so you can see all of the streaks and grime}. I just use a Norwex window cloth and water but you could add a little vinegar for some extra cleaning power!
- Don’t forget about opening the window as well and cleaning the window tracks. You can see how I quickly clean our window tracks with our HomeRight Steam Cleaner HERE.
Surface Cleaning
- Working from the top down, wipe down all cupboard doors, knobs, walls, backsplash, light switches, counters, faucets etc. with your all purpose cleaner and a microfiber cloth. Use a microfiber polishing cloth and water to polish all shiny surfaces.
- Once the counters are cleaned, wipe down and place items back onto the counter.
Sink
- Wipe down the kitchen sink with vinegar and water and use a toothbrush to clean drain and the rim around the garbage disposal. If you have a square sink, use the toothbrush to get into all of the little corners. Polish with your polishing cloth.
Appliances
- Move out appliances and vacuum or sweep in behind them.
- Clean the dishwasher, microwave, garbage disposal, fridge, and oven as needed {just click on the links for cleaning tips}. If you have a steam cleaner, you can check out this post to see how to easily use your steam cleaner for cleaning kitchen appliances.
Flooring
- Sweep or vacuum the floor.
- Spot clean or mop the floor as needed.
- Shake out area rugs and wash as needed.
Whew!! You made it! Now it is time to relax and enjoy your beautiful clean kitchen….until dinnertime! 😉
DOWNLOAD THE PRINTABLE CHECKLIST HERE
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This post is part of The Household Organization Diet. If you need some organization inspiration, check out THIS POST to learn more about the plan and THIS POST for all of the 2015 updates. You CAN get that house cleaned and organized once and for all! To see all of the previous posts click the Get Organized tab at the top of the blog and go to The Household Organization Diet. I also have all of the posts pinned to my Household Organization Diet pinterest board. Start at any time and make sure you are following along so you don’t miss out…
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For more kitchen cleaning and organization ideas, check out these posts…
Cleaning and Organizing the Kitchen – February Household Organization Diet Printables
This is great, Jenn! I love the tip to put wax paper on top of the cabinets – that’s genius!
I feel like so many areas in my house need a deep clean, even though we’ve only lived her for six months! (Must be the kids!)
Pinned!
Hi Jenn, I enjoyed looking through your blog and I appreciate all of your tips! Thank you. Where did you get the Bon Appetit sticker on your fridge? I Love it. God Bless!
Thanks Emily! I downloaded the image from the Silhouette studio and then just cut it out in vinyl on my Silhouette. 🙂
Love your kitchen. I don’t have space above my cabinets, but for the top of my fridge I use Glad press and seal. It’s stays on and when ready I just peel it off. ♥♥
Press and seal is a great idea! I use wax paper on top of mine but I like your idea better!
These address parts of the kitchen I haven’t given any attention to, but cleaning them would make a huge difference in the atmosphere! I know maintenance is essential after a deep cleaning like this, but I’ll be much more motivated to reduce trash buildup and clutter.
Glad it was helpful. Happy cleaning! 🙂
I love your backsplash! Could you tell me where you got it And what’s called?
I purchased the tile from The Home Depot. It’s a marble subway tile. 🙂
Very good info. Lucky me I discovered your ebsite by chance
(stumbleupon). I’ve book marked it for later!
Love your post! It’s so detailed and helpful. I’m gonna print the checklist for my sister (she decided to deep clean her kitchen this year without a professional help) and also will recommend your post to my clients. Some of them will really appreciate it. Thank you for sharing all this useful information.
Hey Jenn! I see I’m a couple years behind here, but I love your posts! I also…love that large handled bowl on the top of your counter in the corner. Do you know where you purchased that, or what it would be called! Getting organized and looking for favorite pieces for fruit on the counter!
Thanks so much for all the great tips!
~Stacy~
I got that at Homesense (Homegoods if you’re in the States) a few years ago. They always seem to have similar pieces to it though (and the prices are really good). I’ve seen similar ones at Pottery Barn too, although much more expensive.