Every home needs a clean kitchen. It is also important to ensure safety and health, so that the cooking process can be highly enjoyable. While most people focus only on the obvious things, such as washing dishes and wiping counters, the actual problem areas are often hiding in plain sight. If you want your kitchen to be absolutely hygienic and clean, here is a cleaning guide and checklist that will help you to keep everything under control.
The Sink (Inside and Out)
Your kitchen sink is where the most germs can be found. It is a space where dirty dishes, raw meat juices and food scraps land daily. Over a long period of time, grime accumulation around the faucet base, drain and overflow hole can lead to a lot of germs and dirt.
Use baking soda and a non-scratch sponge to scrub the basin. You can disinfect with a kitchen-safe disinfectant or a mix of vinegar and water. It is also important to clean the faucet and handles. Every week, run hot water with a little bleach or vinegar down the drain. It can manage to prevent odors and buildup.
The Refrigerator (Shelves, Drawers, and Door Seals)
You should also clean the fridge, both the inside and the outside. Bacteria and mold can find the perfect breeding ground in spills, expired items, and sticky shelves. You should get rid of all food items and toss out anything that seems to be old or questionable. Wash the shelves and drawers in warm, soapy water.
Use a mild disinfectant or baking soda solution to wipe down the interior. Do not forget to clean the rubber door seals.
The Stove and Oven
You need to soak the burner grates and drip pans in hot, soapy water and scrub them well. Use a degreaser or baking soda paste to wipe the stovetop. If your oven has a self-clean function, use it. Or apply a baking soda and vinegar paste overnight, then wipe clean. You should also use a damp cloth and mild cleaner to clean the knobs and control panel.
The Microwave
Microwaves are used multiple times a day. However, these are rarely cleaned. You need to put a microwave-safe bowl into water. Pour a few drops of lemon juice or vinegar inside. You should heat it on high for 3–5 minutes until steam builds up. Use a damp cloth to wipe the interior. It can loosen the grime and make it come off easily. The turntable and the door seal should be cleaned up too.
Quick Kitchen Cleaning Checklist (Weekly)
You need to clean these in your kitchen properly to ensure sparkling results for yourself.
- Clean sink and faucet
- Wipe counters and backsplash
- Wipe stovetop and clean burners
- Empty and clean trash can
- Wipe outside of fridge and microwave
- Sweep and mop the floor
It is a good idea to set a weekly “kitchen deep clean” slot. Even if you invest 30–45 minutes into the process, the results can be quite stunning. You can get a well-cleaned kitchen where you would find it very enjoyable to cook up your favorite dishes.