The Ultimate Kitchen Cleaning Checklist (Printable)

Kitchen Deep Cleaning can be a real chore, but this plan for cleaning and organizing the kitchen is for you!

Summer may be for relaxing and enjoying the sunshine, but for me it also means cleaning time. We have a lot of guests and enjoy the laughter and food that summer brings, but I also want to stay on top of the cleaning so that when guests arrive, I am not stressed out with a long list of cleaning to-dos. I generally run through this list about once a season or every 3-4 months, skipping any steps that aren’t really needed at the time. Some of the items are done more often, but this list is for a good thorough cleaning.

Don’t feel that you need to sprint through this list if that isn’t your style. You can do it all at once or break up the tasks if that works for you. And no need to keep tabs open, I’ve got this all written in a handy printable at the bottom of this post.

General Tips For Kitchen Deep Cleaning

 No matter how you choose to clean, there are some simple tips for general cleaning …

• Start cleaning from the top of the room and work your way down. This will avoid dust and debris from falling onto your already clean surfaces.
• Don’t start with the hardest or most time-consuming project. Have a quick win or two and then tackle the bigger cleaning items.
• Work in sections from one end to the other of the kitchen.
• Dedicate a specific amount of time to cleaning.
• Stay in the kitchen!! Inevitably I find things that don’t go in the kitchen, and I get distracted as I put them away. Usually, I make a pile for those items as I am cleaning and then put them away later. This keeps focus on the kitchen.

Now let’s go deep clean the kitchen!

  Affiliate links included for your convenience to products I use and love. 

Start By Clearing a Space

You need space to clean and move items around or set them down. Take a few minutes to clear the counters and desk area, if you have one. I don’t mean to start tediously organizing the bills pile, that will come later. Move them to another area, if needed, because this is just a quick once-over to get to the real projects.  

Supplies for Kitchen Deep Cleaning

I have never used many cleaners, but a basic kit including window cleaner, degreaser or dish soap, floor soap, a toothbrush, and wipes or sponges. I also use a stainless steel cleaner. Since I have a granite and marble back splash with white grout, I also seal them every six months.

• Microfiber cloths
• A long-handled scrubber
• A toothbrush
• Touch-up paint
• knife or something to get in crevices well
• Stainless Steel Cleaner (Optional, but this one is my favorite)
• Window Cleaner of your choice
• Degreaser or Dish Soap
• Floor Soap

Tip: I actually deep clean my kitchen with only water (even the windows!) and it’s much cleaner, healthier, and easier than it used to be! You can read my full honest review here, but the window cloths are seriously magic. You can see more reviews and purchase them here or through a local consultant.

Kitchen Deep Cleaning List

Light Fixtures

• Replace any blown bulbs
• Wipe off light fixtures, fans, and bulbs. Make sure the bulbs are off and cool when wiping.

Tops of Cabinets

• If your cabinets stop short of the ceiling like mine, the tops are prone to collecting dust. Remove all items. I often use Press ‘n Seal on the tops and you can just change it out when it gets dirty. If you don’t have that, using a hand-held vacuum or duster, dry dust the tops of the cabinets to remove all dust and other loose particles. Spray with an all-purpose cleaner or degreaser and wipe down. Dust items as you put them away.
• Vacuum or dust down any cobwebs.

Cabinets

• Working from the top down, wipe down all cupboard doors and knobs. I find that using a toothbrush to get into the corners of cabinets works very well.
• Once the counters are cleaned, wipe down and place items back onto the counter.

Walls and Doors

• Working from the top down and one side of the room to the other, wipe down walls, trim, doors, light switches, and baseboards if you have them.
• This is also a great time to do any paint touch ups to scratches and dings.

Sink and Disposal

• Wipe down the kitchen sink and around the edges with a toothbrush. If you have a square sink, use the toothbrush to get into all of the little corners.
• To fight odor-causing residues in the drain and disposal, I use a Disposal Cleaner  specific for the job. It’s an easy-to-use tablet is designed for monthly use, or as needed, to scrub your disposal clean with a citrus scent.
• How to use:
  • TURN ON hot water to a low flow
  • PLACE 1 tablet in the disposal
  • TURN ON disposal for 15-30 seconds. Foam may rise.
  • TURN OFF disposal
  • RINSE away foam and any residue down the drain.

Garbage Can

• Pull out the trash can and empty. Using a hose, bathtub or whatever you have, clean out and degrease. If your garbage can is inside a cabinet, clean out the cabinet as well.

Appliances

• Clean the dishwasher, microwave, fridge, and oven as needed.
• If you have stainless steel appliances, use a polishing cloth and cleaner to remove fingerprints and streaks. I personally like this Stainless Steel Cleaner.
• To clean the microwave, add a bowl of hot water and microwave for 2 minutes. Allow the steam to sit in the closed microwave for a few more minutes to make it easier to wipe.
• Vacuum out the back of the refrigerator, where the coils are as directed with your unit.

Food Storage

• Clean out the refrigerator shelf by shelf. Toss any expired food and wipe shelves and drawers thoroughly.
• If you have a pantry or food cupboard, remove all food items. Throw out any expired food or items you no longer intend to use. Wipe off shelves and wash mats if you have them.

Windows

• Remove and wash any window treatments as necessary.
• Dust and wipe down blinds. If the blinds are really dirty, I have been known to take them down and spray them off with a hose and hang to dry outside However, don’t do this if you have real wood blinds.
• Clean glass inside and out.

Flooring

• Sweep and mop the floor as needed.
• For a truly deep clean, consider moving the fridge and dishwasher or at least getting underneath it.
• Shake out or vacuum area rugs and wash if necessary.

If You Are Looking for More Spring Cleaning Tips, Check out these posts:

• Small Pantry Organization Tips
• How to Clean a Glass Stove Top (Even the Worst Burned on Mess)
• Garage Organization in 5 Simple Steps
• The Best Homemade Glass Cleaners (no streaks!)

Make Cleaning Fun

Deep cleaning can be a chore, but it doesn’t have to be torturous. That feeling of a clean kitchen is a great motivator and a job well done. In our kitchen, I enlist the whole family to help to cut down on the time and to make it fun. We play music and I even promise a night pizza. Hey, the kitchen should stay clean for at least one day, right?

Printable Kitchen Cleaning Checklist

Now are you ready to get some cleaning done? Here is a handy printable list to get you started!

Click on the picture above to open a PDF version of the free checklist!

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