Keeping your kitchen clean and organised can sometimes feel like an overwhelming task. But never fear—at We Made This Life, we’re all about finding simple ways to help busy families maintain a tidy, welcoming home. Whether you’re deep cleaning in preparation for spring, or you just fancy a refresh, our friendly guide will talk you through every step and include a free printable Kitchen Cleaning Checklist you can download at the end. Let’s get started!
Why a Clean Kitchen Matters
- Hygiene & Health
Your kitchen is where you prepare meals for your family. Keeping it properly disinfected can help prevent the spread of germs and keep everyone healthier. - Stress Reduction
Cluttered countertops and dirty dishes add visual noise and stress. A clean, bright kitchen makes cooking more enjoyable and encourages everyone to help out. - Efficiency
When you know exactly where everything is, you’ll streamline your cooking process. No more rummaging through messy cupboards to find that elusive spice jar!
Step-by-Step Kitchen Cleaning Routine
Below you’ll find our tried-and-tested method for cleaning each area of your kitchen. Remember to play your favourite music or pop on a podcast to make this cleaning session more fun!
1. Prep Your Kitchen
- Remove all kitchen linens (tea towels, oven gloves, tablecloths, etc.).
- Clear all worktops and remove small appliances (toaster, kettle) to wipe down hidden crumbs.
- Spray disinfectant into the sink and let it sit for about 15 minutes for a thorough cleanse.
- Pull out floor appliances (like your bin or compost caddy) and vacuum any crumbs or debris underneath.
2. Inside the Fridge & Freezer
- Wipe down the entire fridge (shelves, baskets, walls) with warm soapy water or a vinegar solution.
- Clear the top of the fridge and give it a good dusting.
3. Dishwasher Detail
- Wipe around the dishwasher seal to remove built-up gunk.
- Clean out the drain to prevent odours and ensure efficiency.
- Run the dishwasher on its hottest cycle using vinegar and baking soda for a deep clean.
4. Microwave Magic
- Clean your microwave inside and out.
- Wash the turning plate in warm, soapy water and wipe it dry before replacing.
5. Stove & Oven
- Wipe down your stovetop, including knobs.
- Remove oven racks and soak them in hot, soapy water. Give them a good scrub before putting them back.
- Lock your oven door (if applicable) and start the self-cleaning function (or use an oven-safe cleaning product).
- Wipe down any remaining residue once the self-clean cycle is complete.
6. High Surfaces
- Dust the tops of cabinets and any other high surfaces, as these areas often collect a surprising amount of dust and grease.
7. Sinks & Countertops
- Scrub and rinse the sink using a gentle abrasive cleaner or homemade paste of baking soda.
- Clean the surrounding countertops, wiping away crumbs and disinfecting the surface.
8. Walls & Cupboard Doors
- Use a damp cloth to wipe down walls behind the sink and stove, where splashes are common.
- Wipe down cabinet doors, shelving, and handles. Throw out or recycle any expired items in the cabinets.
9. Pantry Organisation
- Sort through your pantry and check expiry dates.
- Reorganise so frequently used items are easy to reach, and store similar items together.
10. Kitchen Table & Bins
- Clear and wipe down your kitchen or dining table.
- Empty, rinse, and disinfect your rubbish bin and compost bin. Allow them to dry thoroughly before putting in new bin liners.
11. Floors
- Vacuum the entire kitchen floor to pick up crumbs and dirt.
- Mop with a suitable cleaning solution. Focus on corners and under cabinets.
12. Finishing Touches
- Replace clean kitchen linens (tea towels, oven mitts, etc.).
- Dust and wipe down any décor items (photo frames, small ornaments) and put them back in place.
Download Your Free Printable Kitchen Cleaning Checklist
We’ve put all these steps together in a handy one-page PDF you can download and print. It’s perfect for popping on your fridge or in your cleaning caddy so you can tick off tasks as you go.
Click here to download your FREE Kitchen Cleaning Checklist
(For best results, print in colour and laminate so you can reuse it again and again!)
Top Tips & FAQs
- Natural Cleaners vs. Chemical Products
- Vinegar and baking soda are brilliant for tackling grease and odours naturally.
- If using stronger cleaning chemicals, remember to ventilate your kitchen by opening a window or door.
- How Often Should I Deep Clean?
- A big deep clean once a month (or even seasonally) works well for many families.
- For daily upkeep, wipe down surfaces, wash dishes or load the dishwasher, and spot-clean spills right away.
- Getting the Family Involved
- Assign small tasks to children, like wiping down cupboard doors or sorting packets in the pantry.
- Make it a fun challenge or put on a timer to see how quickly they can complete each chore.
- Maintenance is Key
- Keep a small cloth and a natural disinfectant spray handy for quick wipe-downs of spills, so your deep cleans are less daunting.
Conclusion
A clean kitchen truly is the heart of a happy, healthy home. By following our step-by-step kitchen cleaning routine and using our free printable checklist, you’ll be able to tackle even the messiest of kitchens with ease. We hope this guide helps you create a tidy, functional space that you and your family will love spending time in.
Don’t forget to download your Kitchen Cleaning Checklist and pop back to We Made This Life for more simple, family-friendly lifestyle tips, recipes, and cleaning hacks!
Happy cleaning!
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