Spring Cleaning - The Kitchen

Ack! Spring cleaning the kitchen can be such a big job that it can tire you out just to think about it—much less do it. But if you have a strategy, a plan, and the right tools, it doesn’t have to be so bad.

This includes a great music mix, podcast, or audiobook to keep your mind distracted while your hands work; cleaning supplies (I love my Skoy cloth ); and a dust mask for protection.

Executing a strategy allows you to accomplish quite a bit in just a few hours.

Kitchen

Kitchens get dirty and greasy no matter how much you clean them during the year. The thought of deep cleaning even a small kitchen can be overwhelming, so think of your kitchen in zones or blocks and tackle them one at a time.

In addition, think of each major appliance—such as the fridge or stove—and the pantry as a block. Start in one corner and work your way around the room using a top‑down approach.

By the way, deep cleaning your kitchen doesn’t require a ton of supplies if you use just a few all‑purpose cleaners.

Cleaning the Oven

If you have a self‑cleaning oven, remove the racks and start the cleaning cycle. If you don’t have a self‑cleaning oven and it isn’t heavily soiled, apply your cleaning solution now. For heavily soiled ovens, let the solution sit overnight.

Electric ranges: Remove drip pans and soak them in hot water with House Wash. If the range top lifts, raise it carefully and clean underneath. A steam cleaner works well here if you avoid heating element mounts.

If your electric range has a glass cooktop, use steam, vinegar, and baking soda to remove cooked‑on food. Spray with diluted vinegar, steam, let sit for 5–10 minutes, sprinkle baking soda, scrub, and rinse. Repeat if needed.

Gas ranges: Most have removable grates and griddles. Lightly soiled parts can go in the dishwasher; heavily soiled parts should soak in hot water.

Vent hood: Clean the filters regardless of range type. Remove the filters and soak them in very hot water to break down grease buildup.

Cabinets, Backsplash, and Counters

Start at the top of the wall cabinets. Clean cabinet tops and any exposed wall area first, then wash the inside and outside of cabinet doors.

Remove contents, sort items, wipe down the interior, replace shelf liners if needed, and return contents to the cabinet.

Clean the backsplash next. A steam cleaner such as the Vapamore MR‑100 Primo Steam Cleaner makes quick work of grease and grime.

After the backsplash, clean the countertops. Steam loosens soils and sanitizes at the same time. If using House Wash, rinse thoroughly and sanitize with Vital Oxide .

Drawers, Base Cabinets, and Organization

Empty drawers and cabinets, wipe down interiors, clean inserts, inspect liners, and return only items you actually use. This is a great time to discard mismatched containers, excess baskets, and unused linens.

Once finished with a block, clean the base of cabinets and the area where cabinets meet the floor—this crevice collects a surprising amount of debris.

Pantry and Refrigerator

Tackle the pantry one shelf at a time. Inspect canned goods, discard expired items, wipe shelves, vacuum the floor and corners, and clean the pantry door before closing.

Clean the refrigerator using the same process. Remove shelves and bins, wash with hot soapy water, clean interior walls, and sanitize with Vital Oxide after food is removed.

Finish with the Floors

Vacuum cracks between floors and cabinets, move appliances if possible, clean refrigerator coils, and deep clean the floor. Pay extra attention to areas near the stove and fridge where spills commonly occur.

Once the kitchen is spotless, grab your phone and order take‑out. That kitchen is too clean to mess up!

Up Next: Spring Cleaning – Living Areas

In case you missed Part 1: Spring Cleaning – The Bedrooms

’Til next time!
Cheryl