Cluttered cabinets, a dusty refrigerator top, and an oven that smokes every time you bake are not the components of an ideal kitchen. Revive this important room in your home with a step-by-step tutorial on intensely cleaning the kitchen. You will need a bunch of cleaning materials and at least 90 minutes of time.
Set the mood for a productive cleaning session. Listen to music, an audiobook, or a foreign language tape. The time will pass a lot more quickly with an enjoyable atmosphere.
Materials
Trying to sort through the pantry cabinet for your oven cleaner might make you frustrated enough to start decluttering the cabinet, which will take you away from a regimented way of approaching this chore. So, first, gather all of the necessary supplies:
1. Dust mop (preferably with a long handle)
2. Stepladder
3. Cleaning cloths
4. Small bucket with handle
5. Sponges
6. Vacuum with attachment
7. All-purpose cleaner, dish soap, or mild cleaner of choice
8. Oven cleaner
9. Shelf or cabinet liner and drawer dividers
10. Broom and mop or towel
Begin With a 15-Minute Cleanup
Clear out the clutter and dirty dishes. This will give you room to do the actual intense cleaning projects. Do not worry about cleaning the floors yet.
Clean the Walls
Dust the ceiling and corners of walls; you will need a dust mop to reach the high spots. Determine if the walls need to be washed in dirty spots. Spot wash and don't forget air vents, doorknobs, doors, and switch plates. Walls will likely need to be washed more often in this room than in others. You may not have noticed that the hand mixer or blender sloshed goop all over the wall; clean the grease, grime, and spilled food from your walls.
Dust and Clean Art and Photos
Be careful when cleaning framed art and photographs. Never spray cleanser or water onto the frame. The liquid can seep behind the glass and damage the pictures. Instead, lightly wet a clean cloth to wipe the frame and glass.
Clean the Ceiling Fan
Do not forget to dust off the ceiling fan. You may need to use a gentle cleanser like Murphy's Oil Soap. Remove any light fixtures and gently wash and dry them before replacing.
Wash Drapes, Curtains, and Blinds
Take down draperies, curtains, and blinds to wash or have cleaned according to the manufacturer's directions. Vacuum and clean windowsills and corners. Wash the insides and outsides of the windows. Remove the screens, rinse, and replace.
Tackle the Oven and Refrigerator
Apply oven cleaner to the oven and as it does its magic, get started on the refrigerator. Leave the windows in the kitchen open to avoid the overpowering smell from the oven cleaner.
Do not forget to vacuum the coils of your unplugged refrigerator. This is a great time to sweep and mop underneath it too if you can find some help to move it. Sort through the freezer and refrigerator. Throw out any expired food, mostly empty containers, and items that you bought and never used. Put the stuff to keep on the counter.
Take out the refrigerator shelves and drawers. Wash them and work on getting rid of any remaining refrigerator odors. Wipe down the entire inside of the refrigerator and freezer before replacing shelves and food. If you have a fresh box of baking soda, open it, and leave it in your refrigerator to keep odors at bay.
Once the fridge is done, return to the oven, wipe away the grease and residue, and follow the directions on the oven cleaner.
Work on the Stove
Take the knobs, burners, burner covers, and spill catchers off of the stove. Follow your the owner's manual for information on proper cleaning methods for your model. If you no longer have it, you should be able to find the directions online with a simple search of the make and model of your stove. Some stovetops lift up to allow easy access to spills and crumbs. Wipe down the entire stove and be mindful of the best ways to clean a cooktop, gas burners, electric burners, and a range hood.
Turn to the Appliances
Unplug all appliances first. Wipe and clean the toaster, blender, microwave, and other small appliances. If the spills in the microwave are fossilized, bring a water-filled cup to boiling in the microwave. The steam should help loosen the gunk. If the microwave smells, boil lemon juice in the microwave. Do not forget to clean the turntable.
Reorganize Kitchen Cabinets and Drawers
Clean out kitchen cabinets. Line the cabinets if needed. Remove mismatched lids and bowls. Take out anything that is not being used on a regular basis. Reorganize and wash down the inside and outside of cabinets. Wipe down and clean out any drawers. Organize your flatware. This is a great time to install drawer dividers to better organize your kitchen drawers.
Clean the Dishwasher
Run the dishwasher empty. Try adding vinegar or baking soda to the empty dishwasher before running it. If your dishwasher has a food trap in the bottom, clean it out. Wash down the outside of the dishwasher.
Work on the Countertops and Sink
Wash the countertops in your kitchen and the skin. Do not forget the backsplashes. If you have a garbage disposal, now is the time to pour baking soda with warm water or a lemon peel down the disposal to freshen the drain. Put ice cubes through the disposal to sharpen the blades.
Sweep and Mop the Floors
Sweep and mop the floors. Do not forget the baseboards. One of the best ways to get a floor really clean is to use a rag or towel while on your hands and knees.
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