The Complete Kitchen Cleaning Guide for Those Who Are Always Busy

If you're like most people, your kitchen is the heart of your home. It's where you eat and socialize. It's no wonder that kitchens can get messy fast.

Between spills, crumbs, and general cooking chaos, your kitchen can go from clean to cluttered in no time. That's one of the reasons roughly 7 out of 10 people clean their kitchen multiple times per week.

Of course, you can always hire a professional cleaning service. But even then, you should know the basics to keep your kitchen presentable until your next scheduled cleaning.

Today, we'll cover everything you need to know about kitchen cleaning for busy people. From general tips to deep-cleaning hacks, you'll be equipped to keep your kitchen clean no matter how busy your schedule is.

Let's dive in.

It's all in the Habits

Before we get into specific kitchen cleaning tips, it's essential to understand that your cleaning routine starts with your daily habits.

The cleanest kitchen in the world can quickly become a disaster if you lack the discipline to keep it tidy.

Let's use an example:

Martha is a busy professional who works long hours. She doesn't have time to clean her kitchen every day, so she tries to be extra careful.

She washes her dishes immediately after eating and never lets her sink get too full. She also wipes up spills as soon as they happen.

On the other hand, Martha's sister Karen is slightly lax about her cleaning habits.

Even though she tries to be neat, she doesn't always have time to wash her dishes right away. 

So, they often pile up in the sink.

She also doesn't mind if a few crumbs cover the counter or her stovetop is a bit greasy.

As you can probably guess, Martha's kitchen is usually much cleaner than Karen's.

It's not because Martha is necessarily neater than her sister. It's because she has better habits.

The same is true for you.

If you want a clean kitchen, you need to develop habits to keep it tidy.

Some of these habits might include:

  • Putting food away after cooking
  • Wiping up spills immediately
  • Cleaning the dishes right after eating
  • Wiping down the counters every day
  • Sweeping the floor regularly

Of course, these are just a few examples.

You'll need to develop your own habits based on your specific circumstances.

If you share your kitchen with roommates or family members, you might need to develop additional habits to keep the space clean.

For example, you might need to have a system for who washes the dishes or takes out the trash.

If you're unsure where to start, we recommend looking at your daily routine.

Think about the times when your kitchen is most likely to get messy.

For example, if you're always in a rush in the morning, you might want to develop a habit of washing your dishes at night.

Or, if you're always cooking big meals, you might want to establish a habit of wiping down your counters after every meal.

You can also hire a professional cleaning service to help you develop good habits.

They can show you how to keep your kitchen clean and give you customized tips based on your specific circumstances.

Deep Cleaning Hacks to Make Your Life Easier

Now that we've covered some essential kitchen cleaning tips, let's move on to some deep-cleaning hacks.

These tips will help you tackle the tougher cleaning jobs you might often put off because they're too time-consuming.

Get Rid of Grimy Build-up on Your Stovetop

If you have a gas stove, it's probably covered in a black, greasy residue.

This residue is caused by built-up oils and food particles.

It's vital to clean it regularly because it can be a fire hazard.

Fortunately, there's an easy way to get rid of this grimy build-up.

Simply mix equal parts baking soda and dish soap. Then, use a sponge to scrub the mixture onto your stovetop.

Let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe it away with a damp cloth.

You should see a dramatic difference in the appearance of your stovetop.

De-Gunk Your Oven Door

Your oven door probably gets a lot of use.

And, over time, it can start to get covered in grease and grime.

With a few common ingredients, you can easily clean your oven door.

Start by mixing equal parts baking soda and dish soap. Then, add a little bit of vinegar to the mixture. Vinegar is a natural degreaser and will help you break down the grease on your oven door.

Take a sponge and dip it in the mixture. Then, scrub the door until all of the grime is gone.

Rinse it with warm water and dry it with a clean towel.

Clean Your Fridge With Baking Soda

Baking soda is a great all-purpose cleaner.

It's especially effective at cleaning fridges because it's a natural deodorizer.

To start, mix a cup of baking soda with a gallon of hot soapy water.

Then, use a sponge to wipe down the inside of your fridge. Be sure to get into all of the nooks and crannies.

Once you're finished, rinse the fridge with clean water and dry it with a clean towel.

Clean Your Microwave in Minutes

If your microwave is covered in food splatters, it'll take you a while to clean it.

But, with this hack, you can clean your microwave in just a few minutes.

Start by filling a microwave-safe bowl with water and adding a few slices of lemon.

Then, place the bowl in the microwave and turn it on for five minutes.

The steam from the water will loosen all of the food particles.

After five minutes, take the bowl out of the microwave and wipe the inside down with a clean cloth.

Eliminate Built-Up Gunk in Your Sink

Over time, your sink can develop a brown, gunky film.

This film is caused by built-up soap scum, oils, and food particles.

Fortunately, there's an easy way to get rid of this gunk without any harsh chemicals.

Fill your sink with hot water and add a cup of apple cider vinegar. Also, add a few drops of lemon juice or essential oil.

Let the mixture sit for a few minutes, then use a sponge to scrub away the gunk.

Try to do this once a week to keep your sink looking clean and shiny.

10 Steps to Clean Your Kitchen From Top to Bottom

Now that we've gone over some deep-cleaning hacks, let's talk about how to clean your kitchen from top to bottom.

Kitchen cleaning checklist

1. Gather Your Supplies

Before you start, gather all the supplies you'll need. This will help you work faster and avoid interruptions during your cleaning sessions.

Some vital supplies might include:

  • All-purpose cleaner: For cleaning countertops, appliances, and backsplashes
  • Window cleaner: For cleaning glass surfaces like windows and cabinet doors
  • Dish soap: For cleaning dishes, sinks, and faucets
  • Sponges: For wiping down surfaces
  • Scrub brush: For scrubbing tough stains
  • Rag or paper towels: For wiping up spills
  • Trash bags: For collecting trash and recyclables

2. Clear the Clutter

Remove any items that don't belong in the kitchen, including mail, toys, or clothes. Then, put away any dishes on countertops or in the sink.

Next, clear off your countertops, backsplash, and appliances. Wipe down surfaces with a damp rag to remove any crumbs or debris.

Finally, empty your trash can and recycling bin. This will make it easier to clean these areas and prevent them from smelling.

3. Clean the Window Sills and Curtains

Window sills and curtains can be magnets for dust and dirt. To clean these areas, start by dusting the surfaces with a microfiber cloth.

For curtains, you may need to vacuum or wash them in the washing machine.

Finally, clean the windows themselves with a window cleaner.

4. Wash the Dishes

If you have a dishwasher, start by running it on a regular cycle. If you don't have a dishwasher, wash all your dishes by hand in the sink.

Wash any pots or pans sitting out and any utensils or silverware.

Fun fact: 20% of people never clean their dishwasher! Don't be one of them. Clean your dishwasher every few months to prevent it from getting moldy.

5. Clean the Sink and Faucets

Your sink sees a lot of action throughout the day, leaving it looking dirty and grimy. To clean your sink and faucets, start scrubbing them with a sponge or brush.

For hard-to-reach areas, like the underside of your faucet, you can use an old toothbrush.

Rinse your sink with clean water once you've scrubbed any dirt and grime. Then, dry it with a rag or paper towel.

6. Wipe Down Countertops and Appliances

Now that your sink and dishes are clean, it's time to move to your countertops and appliances.

Wipe down all surfaces with an all-purpose cleaner. Pay special attention to areas that collect dirt and grime, like your stovetop and backsplash.

Once you've wiped down all surfaces, rinse them with clean water and dry them with a soft cloth.

7. Clean the Floors

No kitchen cleaning session is complete without cleaning your floors. Start by sweeping or vacuuming to remove dirt, dust, or debris.

Then, mop your floors with a damp mop or cloth. If you have tile floors, be sure to use a tile-specific cleaner.

For hardwood floors, avoid using too much water, which can damage the wood. Instead, use a dry mop or cloth to remove dirt and debris.

8. Empty and Clean Kitchen Cabinets

Kitchen cabinets can be one of the most challenging areas to keep clean. Over time, they can become cluttered and filled with dust.

To clean your cabinets, start by removing all items from the shelves. Wipe down surfaces with a damp rag or sponge, then dry them with a soft cloth.

For particularly dirty cabinets, you may need to scrub them with a brush or cleaner.

Once you've cleaned the inside of your cabinets, focus on the outside. Wipe down cabinet doors with a damp rag or sponge. Then, dry them with a soft cloth.

9. Clean Small Appliances

Small appliances, like toasters and blenders, can be easy to ignore. But you need to clean them too!

To clean small appliances, start by unplugging them from the outlets. Then, wipe down surfaces with a damp rag or sponge.

For appliances with removable parts, like blenders and juicers, disassemble them and clean all the pieces separately.

10. Polish Stainless Steel Surfaces

Stainless steel surfaces, like your fridge and stove, can become dull and fingerprints. To clean these surfaces, start by wiping them down with a damp rag or sponge.

Then, use a stainless steel cleaner to remove any lingering dirt or grime. Finally, buff the surface with a soft cloth to restore its shine.

Additional Tips for a Better Clean

At this point, your kitchen should be sparkling clean! But you can do a few different things to make the process easier and ensure that your kitchen stays clean.

Make a Cleaning Schedule and Stick to It

Try to establish a regular cleaning routine and stick to it as much as possible.

For instance, you might decide to clean your kitchen every Sunday morning. Or you might choose to do a deep cleaning once a week and a light cleaning every other day.

Also, try to break up your cleaning tasks into smaller, more manageable parts. This will make the process feel less daunting and help you stay on track.

Put On Some Music or Listen to a Podcast

Putting on some music won't make cleaning any less work. But it can help you feel more motivated and make the time go by faster.

If you don't like music, try listening to a podcast or audiobook. This can help you stay focused and make the most out of your cleaning time.

Use the Right Tools

Having the right cleaning supplies can make a big difference in the quality of your cleaning. 

Stock up on all-purpose cleaner, glass cleaner, stainless steel cleaner, and other supplies to help you get the job done right.

You can also invest in some quality microfiber cloths. These are great for dusting and cleaning up spills.

Delegate Some Tasks

If you live with other people, delegate some cleaning tasks to them. This will help you get the job done faster and take some pressure off you.

For instance, you might have your spouse load the dishwasher while you wipe down the counters. Or you might have your kids help you sweep the floor.

Stay on Top of It

The best way to keep your kitchen clean is to stay on top of the cleaning. This means doing a little cleaning every day rather than letting dirt and grime build-up.

Of course, this isn't always possible. But if you can make it a habit to do a quick cleaning every day, you'll find that your kitchen stays cleaner overall.

Outsource the Work

If cleaning your kitchen is too much work, consider hiring a professional cleaning service. This can be a great way to take the stress out of cleaning and keep your kitchen looking its best.

Most cleaning services will offer various plans, so you can choose the one that best fits your needs.

For instance, at Custom Maids, we offer several kitchen cleaning options, including one-time cleanings, monthly plans, and deep cleanings.

We also offer other cleaning services, including window, carpet, and office cleaning.

Ready To Get Your Kitchen Cleaned?

Cleaning your kitchen doesn't have to be a huge chore. By following these tips, you can make the process easier and less time-consuming. 

Contact us today if you're interested in hiring a professional cleaning service. We'll be happy to help you find the right plan for your needs.

Call our team to get a free estimate.

A weekly house cleaning service is the perfect way to spend quality time with your loved ones without having to worry about getting everything done around the house.

You spend so much time providing — let us take care of the cleaning.We'll come in every week (or every other week) and refresh everything just the way you like it. After just the first couple of regular cleans, we'll learn things about you that you wouldn't even know to let us know about

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