Kitchen Deep Clean Checklist + Printable PDF

A Comprehensive Guide to Deep Cleaning Your Kitchen: Deep Clean Checklist + Printable PDF

This detailed kitchen deep clean checklist will help make the task of deep cleaning your kitchen easier.

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on deep cleaning the kitchen! Your kitchen is one of the most used rooms in your home, so regular cleaning is essential.

However, a deep clean is necessary every so often, which is what we are tackling today. Deep cleaning can be a daunting prospect, but it is manageable with the right tools, supplies, and approach (including these kitchen cleaning hacks.)

So, let’s get started!

Preparing for Kitchen Deep Clean

Before diving into the deep cleaning process, it is essential to prepare and organize to make the process faster and more efficient. Here are some steps to follow:

Gather all the cleaning supplies you will need. We’ve provided a list below.
Decide how you are going to tackle the job. Will you try to do everything in one go? It really depends on your preferences and schedule. It is a big job, so I find it easier to spread the task over a week and do a few areas a day.
Before you start cleaning, it is a good idea to clear everything off the counters. You can move them to another room to make the space. This will give you more space to work and make it easier to clean the countertops thoroughly.
It would be best if you also emptied the sink. You will need easy access to the sink to fill buckets and rinse cloths. It is just easier if there are no dirty dishes in the way.

General Tips for the Kitchen Deep Clean

Always clean your kitchen from the top of the room and work your way down. This will prevent any cleaning solution or debris from falling onto a surface you have already cleaned. You will see this approach reflected in our checklists.
Deep cleaning the kitchen is a big task, so dedicate a specific amount of time to it. Whether you schedule an hour a day for a week or an entire day, ensure you have enough time to complete everything.
While doing a job like this, it’s easy to get sidetracked. Turn off your phone! If you find items that don’t belong in the kitchen, put them in a box, and wait to leave the room until you finish your cleaning tasks. Staying focused will help you get the job done faster.

Supplies for Kitchen Deep Cleaning

Cleaning solutions: You will need various cleaning solutions to effectively deep clean your kitchen, including all-purpose cleaners, degreasers, and abrasive scrubbers. Choose products that are safe for the surfaces you will be cleaning, and make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Sponges, microfiber cloths, and lint-free cloth
Scrubbers
Old toothbrush
Squeegee for windows
Gloves
Trash bags
Buckets and containers
Brooms and mops
Extendable cobweb brush or duster
Step Ladder
Vacuum cleaner

These supplies will make tackling any cleaning tasks in your kitchen more manageable and help you get the job done.

Kitchen Deep Clean Checklist

Are you ready to dive in? Here is our deep cleaning checklist. We’ve broken the list into sections so you can tackle the job in one go or do one section at a time. Remember, we will start at the top and move down.

Ceiling

Using a broom covered with a microfiber cloth or cobweb duster, start at the top of your kitchen ceilings and clean away any cobwebs or dust. Cobwebs are often found in the corners or by light fixtures.
The cobweb duster can also be used to dust moldings and ceiling fans.
If your ceiling needs cleaning, use a paint roller with an extendable handle and your cleaner of choice.

Light Fixtures

Use a damp cloth or sponge and a cleaning solution to clean the fixtures themselves. Use a dry microfiber cloth to remove dust and cobwebs from the light fixtures. This will help improve the lighting and make the fixtures look clean and shiny.
If your light fixtures have removable covers, take them off and wash them in warm soapy water. Rinse them thoroughly and let them air dry. Once they are dry, put them back in place.

Walls and Doors

Use a microfiber cloth to remove dust and cobwebs from the walls and doors.
Use a damp cloth or sponge and a cleaning solution to wipe down the surfaces of the walls and doors. Make sure to remove any dirt, grime, spills, or stains.
Clean switch plates and outlets: Clean the switch plates and outlets using a damp cloth or sponge and a cleaning solution. Make sure to eliminate any grime or dirt accumulated over time.
Clean door handles: Clean the handles using a damp cloth or sponge and a cleaning solution.
Clean any baseboards last.

Kitchen Cabinets

Tops of The Cabinets

Use a damp cloth and cleaning solution to wipe down the cabinet tops. The surfaces in kitchens tend to get covered with a thin layer of grease, so you will need a degreaser.

Exterior of Cabinets

Use a damp cloth or sponge and a cleaning solution to wipe down the surfaces of the cabinets. Pay attention to the corners and edges, which may be particularly dirty or stained.
Clean the handles and hinges of the cabinets using a damp cloth and a cleaning solution. If you have ornate handles, a soft toothbrush will help you clean all those nooks and crannies.

Inside the Cabinets

Before beginning the cleaning process, remove everything from the interior of the cabinets. Place these items on the counter. If you don’t have enough space, place everything in boxes and set them aside.
Use a damp cloth or sponge and a cleaning solution to wipe down all surfaces within the cabinet, including shelves, walls, drawers, and doors.
Pay special attention to the corners where dirt and grime may have accumulated. Use a toothbrush and a cleaning solution to get into hard-to-reach areas.
Put all the items back into the cabinets in an organized manner.

Countertops

Wipe down surfaces: Use a damp cloth or sponge and a cleaning solution to wipe down the surfaces of the countertops and stove.
Clean the backsplash: Use a wet cloth or sponge and a cleaning solution to wipe down the surfaces of the backsplash.
Dry: Use a clean, dry cloth to dry the surfaces of the countertops and stove, including the stove hood and filters.
Replace items: Once the countertops and stove are clean and dry, replace the items you removed and organize them neatly and efficiently.

Windows

Clear the windows: Remove any curtains or blinds, and clear the windowsills of any objects or debris.
Use a microfiber cloth to remove dust and cobwebs from the windowsills and the surrounding areas.
Clean window tracks. Sprinkle baking soda along the tracks and add a few drops of vinegar. Wait for the fizzing to subside. Use an old toothbrush or microfiber cloth to remove loosened dirt and grime.
Use a spray bottle filled with window cleaner to wet the windows.
Use a microfiber cloth to clean the windows, and then use a squeegee for a streak-free finish.
Once the windows are clean and dry, replace the curtains, blinds, and any other items you removed.

Sink and Disposal

Clear the sink if you haven’t already. Use a damp cloth or sponge and your cleaning solution to clean thoroughly. I find I need one that is slightly abrasive.
Take an old toothbrush and brush around the edge of the sink where it meets the countertop.
Clean the disposal if you have one. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Wipe down the faucets and hoses.
Wash the kitchen sink strainers.
Use a dry lint-free cloth to dry the sink and faucet.

Trash Can

Remove trash or debris from the garbage can.
If the can is filthy, you can take it outside and hose it down first.
Use a damp cloth or sponge and a disinfectant cleaning solution to clean the interior and exterior of the garbage can.
Let the can air dry.
Sprinkle baking soda or a deodorizing powder in the bottom of the can to help neutralize any remaining odors. (Here are more tips for deodorizing your trash can.)
Replace the garbage bag if you use them.

Pantry

Remove items from the pantry and inspect them for expiration dates, damage, or mold. Toss any expired or questionable items.
Wipe down shelves and surfaces with a damp cloth and cleaning solution.
Vacuum or sweep the pantry floor to remove any remaining dirt or dust.
Clean the pantry floor with a damp mop and cleaning solution.
Organize items back into the pantry, storing them neatly and efficiently. Wipe down any jars or bottles that are sticky.

Fridge

Remove all food and discard anything that is expired or has gone bad.
Wash down the interior with a mixture of warm water and baking soda.
Remove everything from outside of your fridge.
Wipe down the exterior with a damp cloth and your cleaner of choice. Pay special attention to the top of the refrigerator, as it seems to be a dust magnet.
If you have an older model, you may need to pull the fridge out and vacuum the coils.
Return food items to the refrigerator, grouping similar items together.

Stove

Remove the burners if you have them. Take out the drip pans and let them soak in warm soapy water while you clean the stove.
Clean the stove surface and exterior using the cleaner recommended by the manufacturer.
Clean the drip pans and replace them.
Clean the oven interior, including the door, with your oven cleaner of choice. If you have a self-cleaning oven, you can run the cycle once you have finished cleaning the kitchen.

Dishwasher

Remove all dishes and utensils.
Remove any food particles from the filter.
Clean the inside of the dishwasher door. Use a toothbrush and a mixture of white vinegar and baking soda to gently clean the rubber gasket.
Clean the interior with a combination of white vinegar and baking soda.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to clean the spray arms, filter, and drain.
You can also run the machine through its cycle with Orange Tang or CLR.
Wipe down the exterior with a damp cloth.

Congratulations! You have made it through this mammoth list! Just one more thing to do, and you are done!

Deep Cleaning Kitchen Floor

Remove loose dirt, dust, or debris from the floor using a broom or vacuum cleaner.
Use a damp mop and cleaning solution to clean the floor. Make sure to follow the instructions on the cleaning product.
Let the floor air dry.

Final Thoughts

The kitchen is one of the most challenging rooms to clean! We hope that our checklist will be helpful as you prepare to tackle this task.

Just imagine how much better your kitchen will look and feel once you are done? So roll up your sleeves, put on some music, and get ready to deep clean your kitchen from top to bottom.

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