What is the Easiest Way to Clean a Kitchen? 11 Steps

Uncategorized - by Chintan Sandesara - December 17, 2024

Imagine this: You’ve just cooked a big meal, and now the kitchen looks like a mess. The counters have flour and crumbs, the stove has sauce splatters, the sink is full of dirty dishes, and food is everywhere.

You’re tired, and the last thing you want to do is spend hours cleaning up. You’re probably thinking, what is the easiest way to clean a kitchen quickly without stressing out? Where to start?

Simply put, the easiest way to clean a kitchen is to —

start by clearing the counters,
then wipe them down,
wash dishes,
and clean the stove and sink.

We’ll walk you through cleaning each part of the kitchen, from the counters to the floors. We’ll show you simple, fast ways to get everything clean.

Plus, we’ll give you tips to keep it clean for longer, so you don’t have to clean as often.

Kitchen Cleaning Schedule

Task	Frequency	Tip
Countertops	Daily	Wipe right after meals
Stove	After each use	Wipe spills immediately
Sink	Daily	Dry after every use
Fridge	Weekly	Clean spills right away
Microwave	Weekly	Cover food when cooking
Dishwasher	Weekly	Leave the door open to air out
Cabinets	Monthly	Wipe once a month
Floors	Daily	Sweep and mop after meals
Trash Can	Weekly	Line it to keep it cleaner
Light Fixtures	Every 2-3 months	Dust regularly

What is the Easiest Way to Clean a Kitchen? 11 Steps

Let’s walk you through each area of your kitchen, show you easy ways to clean it, and share some tips to keep it clean for longer.

It’s all about smart cleaning and prevention.

Step 1: Start with the Countertops

Counters can get messy quickly. Food spills, crumbs, and grease all collect here.

How to clean:

Clear the counter. Put everything away.

Wipe your counters every night with soapy water and a sponge, then dry with a clean rag.

Use a cleaner or a mix of water and dish soap. A microfiber cloth works great. Remember that you must use special cleaners for granite or stone counters.

Tackle tough spots. If something is stuck, spray with a little vinegar and leave for a few minutes, then wipe.

**Tip: To prevent mess, use placemats or trays when cooking.

Step 2: Clean the Stove

The stove gets the most grease, and food splatters. It’s easy to miss.

How to clean:

Remove burners and grates. Soak them in warm, soapy water.

Wipe the stove. Use a degreaser or a vinegar solution. Spray, then wipe with a soft cloth.

Scrub tough stains. Use a non-scratch scrubber.

**Tip: Prevent grease build-up by wiping the stove after each use.

What to Clean	How to Clean	Tips
*Burners*	Wash gas burners with soapy water or put them in the dishwasher. Wipe electric burners with a sponge.	Use a scouring pad for uncoated grates; use a soft sponge for coated ones.
*Stove Surface*	Wipe stains with soapy water or cleaning wipes.	Clean grease spills quickly before they harden. Scrape burnt food with a wet razor blade.
*Control Knobs*	Remove knobs and wash with warm soapy water.	Avoid abrasive soaps or ammonia to keep markings intact.
*Vent Hood*	Wipe with a soapy cloth, rinse, and dry.	Soak filters in warm, soapy water once a month. Use stainless steel cleaner if needed.

Step 3: Clean the Sink

The sink holds food scraps, soap, and grease. It’s important to clean it well.

How to clean:

Rinse the sink. Clear out food and debris.

Scrub. Use dish soap and a sponge or brush to scrub the sink.

Use a toothbrush with soapy water to clean around the faucet, then dry with a cloth to remove water spots.

If your sink’s garbage disposal is dirty, drop frozen vinegar cubes in and run hot water to clean and sharpen the blades.

Deodorize. Pour some baking soda and scrub again. Rinse with warm water.

**Tip: To keep the sink clean longer, dry it after each use.

Step 4: Wipe the Fridge

Food spills and crumbs hide in the fridge. It’s easy to forget about this space.

How to clean:

Empty the fridge. Throw away expired items.

Wipe shelves. Use warm, soapy water to clean shelves.

Clean drawers. Pull out and clean them with a cloth.

**Tip: To avoid spills, store liquids in sealed containers.

Cleaning the Freezer

Empty the Freezer: Unplug the fridge, remove all food, toss expired items, and store the rest in a cooler.

Clean with Solution: Mix 1 cup water, 1 teaspoon dish soap, and 1 teaspoon vinegar. Spray or wipe down all surfaces with it.

Dry and Refill: Dry the freezer with paper towels, plug it back in, and return the food.

Want to learn how to prevent mold in the refrigerator? Then, visit this insightful blog to get an idea.

Step 5: Clean the Microwave

The microwave catches food splatters and smells. It can get dirty quickly.

How to clean:

Soften stains. Microwave a bowl of water with lemon for 2 minutes to loosen stains.

Wipe down. Use a cloth and mild cleaner to wipe inside and outside.

**Tip: Cover food with a microwave-safe cover to prevent splatters.

Step 6: Clean the Oven

How to Clean:

Clean the Oven Grates:

Take the grates out of the oven.
Soak them in warm, soapy water for a few hours.
Scrub with a scouring pad to remove dirt and grease.

Deep Clean the Oven:

Mix ¼ cup salt, ¾ cup baking soda, and ¼ cup water into a paste.
Spread the paste inside the oven (not on bare metal or vents).
Let it sit overnight.
Use a plastic spatula to scrape off the paste, then wipe with a clean rag.

For Electric Ovens:

Remove racks and use the self-cleaning mode.
Wipe off leftover residue with a damp cloth when done.

Tips:

Clean the oven every few months or when it smokes during cooking.
Always soak grates to make scrubbing easier.
Protect metal parts and vents by covering them with foil before cleaning.
Let the racks dry fully before putting them back in the oven.

Step 7: Clean the Dishwasher

Dishwashers can get smelly with leftover food particles.

How to clean:

Clean the filter. Remove the filter and rinse it under warm water.

Wipe the interior. Use a cloth to wipe the door and around the edges.

Run a cleaning cycle. Use a dishwasher cleaner.

**Tip: Leave the door slightly open after each use to prevent odors.

Do you know if stainless steel goes in the dishwasher or not? Read this insightful blog now!

Step 8: Tidy the Cabinets

Cabinets collect grease and dust over time.

How to clean:

Wipe down. Use a soft cloth with a mix of water and dish soap.

Dry. After wiping, use a dry cloth to avoid streaks.

**Tip: Wipe down the cabinet doors every month to prevent build-up. Also, for wooden cabinets, use a cleaner made solely for wood to keep them looking good.

Step 9: Clean the Floors

Kitchen floors get dirty quickly from food crumbs and spills.

How to clean:

Sweep. First, sweep or vacuum to pick up crumbs.

Mop. Use a mop and floor cleaner. Don’t use too much water; it can damage some floors.

**Tip: Clean floors once a day or after every meal to prevent dirt from building up.

Step 10: Clean the Trash Can

The trash can is often overlooked but gets dirty fast.

How to clean:

Empty the trash. Take the bag out and throw it away.

Wash the can. Use soap and water to scrub the inside of the can. Dry it out.

**Tip: Line your trash can with a plastic liner to make cleaning easier.

Step 11: Clean the Light Fixtures

Light fixtures get dusty and greasy, too.

How to clean:

Turn off the lights. Always make sure the lights are off before cleaning.

Dust. Use a microfiber cloth or duster to wipe the light fixtures.

**Tip: Clean light fixtures every 2-3 months to keep them shining.

Final Tips for Preventing Kitchen Messes

Clean as you go. Don’t wait for the mess to pile up. Clean while cooking.

Use trays and mats. Place mats under your dishes and appliances.

Store food properly. Use airtight containers to keep things fresh and prevent spills.

How do Professionals Clean Kitchens?

Here’s how professionals at Maid Wonder clean kitchens step by step:

**The above two images of Maid Wonder’s Kitchen Cleaning Checklist.

Clear the Space: We remove clutter from countertops and put things back in their proper places.

Wipe Everything: We clean all surfaces, like counters, stovetops, and cabinet doors, with the right cleaning products.

Focus on Details: We scrub the sink, faucet, and other spots that collect dirt or grime.

Clean Appliances: We wipe the outside of the microwave, fridge, and other appliances, leaving them spotless.

Sweep and Mop: Finally, we sweep and mop the floors to make the kitchen shine.

It’s all about being thorough and leaving your kitchen fresh and spotless!

Wrapping Up

Hopefully, you have now got the answer to the question, “What is the Easiest Way to Clean a Kitchen?” Cleaning the kitchen doesn’t have to be overwhelming.

By following these simple steps, you can keep your kitchen neat and clean. And with a little prevention, you’ll spend less time cleaning in the future!

Happy cleaning!

FAQs

How to clean a dirty kitchen quickly?

Clear the clutter and load dishes into the sink or dishwasher. Then, wipe down countertops and stovetop with a multi-purpose cleaner. Lastly, sweep or vacuum the floor, focusing on visible messes first.

What is the hardest thing to clean in your kitchen?

The oven and the fridge are often the hardest to clean due to accumulated grease, grime, and food spills. These appliances need more time and effort to be cleaned effectively.

How often should I clean my kitchen?

Aim to do a quick clean-up after each meal and a deeper clean once a week.

What are the best natural cleaning products for my kitchen?

White vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice are great natural cleaners for most kitchen surfaces.

How do I remove stubborn food stains on pots and pans?

Soak the pots and pans in hot, soapy water for a few hours. Then, scrub them with a scouring pad.

How do I clean a microwave quickly?

To clean a microwave quickly, heat a bowl of water with lemon juice for a few minutes. The steam will help loosen food, making it easy to wipe away.

How do I keep my kitchen smelling fresh?

To keep your kitchen smelling fresh, place bowls of baking soda or vinegar in the fridge to absorb smells. You can also apply air fresheners or essential oils.

What are some tips for keeping my kitchen organized?

To keep your kitchen organized, use drawer dividers for utensils, store food in sealed containers, and clean up regularly.

How can I prevent pests from invading my kitchen?

To prevent pests, clean spills right away, preserve food in sealed boxes, and regularly take out the trash. You can also use peppermint oil as a natural pest repellent.