Wondering how to deep clean your kitchen and refresh it for the new season? Follow this step-by-step guide to declutter, deep clean, and get your kitchen sparkling!
This article was written for MSN.
Table of Contents
- Step 1: Declutter First, Clean Second
- Step 2: Deep Clean Appliances
- Step 3: Clean & Organize Cabinets and Drawers
- Step 4: Refresh Backsplash & Countertops
- Step 5: Scrub the Sink & Taps
- Step 6: Floors—The Final Touch
- Other Cleaning Guides To Check Out
- Final Thoughts
- Connect With Me
There’s something about spring cleaning that makes me feel like I have my life together, at least for a moment. After a winter filled with baking, cozy meals, and one too many kitchen disasters (hello, flour explosion and soup splatters), my kitchen needs a refresh. A deep clean not only makes your space look and feel better, but it also sets you up for a stress-free and organized summer season ahead.
If you’re ready to deep clean your kitchen; from appliances to countertops, cabinets to floors, this guide will take you through everything you need to know to make your kitchen sparkle. Grab your spray bottle, dish soap, and baking soda, and let’s get started!
Step 1: Declutter First, Clean Second
Before you break out the deep-cleaning kitchen products, start by decluttering. Cleaning around clutter is a waste of time, so take a few minutes to:
- Clear countertops – Put away small appliances, spices, and anything that doesn’t belong.
- Check the fridge and pantry – Toss expired items, wipe down shelves, and reorganize.
- Sort through cabinets and drawers – Donate what you don’t use (especially if you haven’t used it in the last few months), and toss broken or mismatched items.
Christopher’s Tip
Keep a box for donations and a trash bag for expired pantry items nearby to speed up the process.
Step 2: Deep Clean Appliances
Now that you’ve decluttered, it’s time to tackle the biggest cleaning task: your appliances.
Refrigerator & Freezer
- Remove all food and wipe down shelves with a mix of soapy water and vinegar.
- Clean spills with baking soda and water to remove odors.
- Defrost the freezer if needed, and vacuum the condenser coils at the back of the fridge.
Oven & Stovetop
- Remove oven racks and soak them in soapy water (this works great in the bathtub).
- Use a baking soda paste to scrub baked-on grime inside the oven.
- Wipe down stovetop burners with a damp cloth and dish soap.
Dishwasher
- Run an empty cycle with vinegar to break down grease and mineral buildup.
- Scrub the filter with warm water and dish soap.
Christopher’s Tip
If you have stainless steel appliances, use a cleaning cloth and a few drops of olive oil to make them shine! Alternatively, there are some great non-toxic stainless steel cleaners now available.
Step 3: Clean & Organize Cabinets and Drawers
Kitchen cabinets and drawers collect dust, crumbs, and grease over time. Here’s how to get them clean:
- Wipe the inside and outside of cabinets with a damp cloth and dish soap (or your favourite non-toxic surface cleaner).
- Use baking soda for sticky residue or grease spots.
- Line drawers with wipeable mats (if you don’t already) to make future cleaning easier.
Christopher’s Tip
If you’re organizing, use clear containers to store pantry staples. This makes it so much easier to see what you have.
Step 4: Refresh Backsplash & Countertops
Your countertops and backsplash see a lot of action. Keep them clean and germ-free with these steps:
- Granite, Quartz, or Marble – Wipe with a mild dish soap solution (avoid vinegar, which can actually damage stone).
- Tile Backsplash – Use a spray bottle with equal parts vinegar and water to remove grease.
- Stainless Steel – Buff with a microfiber cloth and white vinegar to remove smudges.
Christopher’s Tip
For grout stains, make a paste of baking soda and water, apply with an old toothbrush, and scrub gently.
Step 5: Scrub the Sink & Taps
Your sink and faucet can harbour bacteria, so don’t skip this step!
- Sprinkle baking soda around the sink and scrub with a damp sponge.
- Clean taps and handles with vinegar to remove water stains.
- Run lemon peels through the garbage disposal to freshen it up.
Christopher’s Tip
A quick wipe-down around the sink after every use will keep your sink cleaner longer.
Step 6: Floors—The Final Touch
Finally, give your kitchen floors some love:
- Vacuum or sweep to remove dust, crumbs, and pet hair.
- Mop with warm water and a gentle cleaner (skip the harsh chemicals).
- For tile grout, use a mix of baking soda and water and scrub with a toothbrush.
Christopher’s Tip
Don’t forget the baseboards! They collect dust and can make the whole space feel cleaner when wiped down.
Kitchen Cleaning FAQs
Other Cleaning Guides To Check Out
- How to Deep Clean Towels with Vinegar
- How to Properly Clean Wooden Cutting Boards
- How to Clean a Cast Iron Skillet
- How to Clean a Microwave with Vinegar
Final Thoughts
A deep-cleaned kitchen makes cooking and the space more enjoyable. It will make your space more inviting, and life a little bit easier. Whether you’re prepping for summer dinner parties or just want a clutter-free, sparkling kitchen, these step-by-step cleaning tips will help you get there.
So, put on your favorite playlist, grab your cleaning cloths, baking soda, and vinegar, and get ready to refresh your kitchen for the season!
Connect With Me
Want to connect? Follow me on Instagram for more delicious recipes and food tips. And, join me over on Facebook where I share recipes daily!
Christopher is a food and lifestyle expert, recipe developer and the content creator behind May Eighty Five. With over 6 years of creating recipes for your favourite food brands, he also shares tips, tricks and how to’s that he has learnt over the years. Every week, he shares quick, simple and mostly healthy recipes along with some home and entertaining tips. You will find flavorful cocktails, delicious appetizers, tasty mains and some indulgent desserts.