17 spring cleaning kitchen tips from experts

clean from top to bottom

Breadcrumbs, baked-on grease, and rust are just a few aspects of deep cleaning your kitchen, and it can feel like an insurmountable task, with all of these different elements requiring your attention. This can make it difficult to know where to start.

When tackling your kitchen, Mary Gagliardi, Clorox's in-house scientist and cleaning expert, says to start at the top and work your way down. This is the wisest approach and will prevent you from backtracking.

Clean high walls and ceilings

Cleaning from top to bottom is exactly what it sounds like. Let's start with the ceiling and high walls.

“There's a good chance you'll find more than just paint on your ceiling, and you'll wonder how it got there,” says Trish Duarte, cleaning expert at MaidPro. “Were the kids testing how long spaghetti noodles stick together? Did someone try to make a shake in a Vitamix without a lid?”

How it happens is a mystery, but how to clean it is not. She recommends using a microfiber mop with a long handle for quick and easy cleaning. Soak the mop pad in water and wring it out. You may need to perform several passes. You can also create a foamy mixture by adding a few drops of dish soap to water. Be sure to wash it off.

Clean the top of the range hood and fan

Next, move on to the oven hood and tile splash area. These are areas where grease tends to remain. “Even with powerful exhaust fans, grease becomes airborne, so an effective degreaser is essential,” says Gagliardi. Please take your time here. Several cleanings may be required to effectively remove grease splatters and buildup.

Clean the outside of the dishwasher

Continue cleaning the outside of the dishwasher. “Clean the sides of the door, especially around the hinges, as follows: [a multi-purpose cleaner],” Gagliardi says. Make sure the detergent you use is compatible with your dishwasher's finish.

Martha recommends wiping the dishwasher door panel with a lightly dampened soft cloth, then letting it dry completely. Stainless steel can be cleaned with a commercially available stainless steel spray. To clean the control panel, use a lightly damp cloth (excessive moisture can damage it) and let it dry completely.

Clean the inside of the dishwasher

Melissa Maker, host of the CleanMySpace YouTube channel and founder of Clean My Space, advises that if your dishwasher's filter is removable, remove it and clean it. “Using interchangeable dishwasher cleaning tablets makes cleaning your dishwasher a breeze,” she says Maker. The dishwasher should be empty when you do this.

work on the refrigerator

Now you can move it to the refrigerator. “Take everything out, check expiration dates, and use an all-purpose cleaner to wipe everything down, including shelves and drawers. You can also add baking soda if there are stains,” says Maker. “Rinse well and then put the removed item back in properly.”

remove dirt in the microwave

An often overlooked area, the microwave should also be included in your spring cleaning routine. “Microwave a mug of plain water for 2 minutes, then wipe up any loose food from the inside with a damp paper towel,” Gagliardi says. To keep your microwave clean in the future, consider purchasing a splatter-proof microwave cover.

clean the oven

When spring cleaning your oven, start by removing the racks, says Manufacturer. Next, you can use a commercial oven cleaning spray to quickly remove even the most stubborn layers of oil. Follow label instructions for this. Alternatively, you can use natural his DIY oven cleaner. “Make a paste with 3 parts baking soda, 1 part water, and 1 part dish detergent,” the manufacturer says. “Wipe the inside of the oven with a damp paper towel to remove any small debris. Apply the paste to the inside of the oven and let it sit for 30 minutes.”

Finally, scrub with a sponge, rinse thoroughly with water, and dry with a clean microfiber cloth.

clean doors and knobs

You may be concerned about the amount of dirt that has accumulated on things like doorknobs and cabinet handles. “Clean dusty door frames and the tops of kitchen cabinets with disinfectant wipes,” Gagliardi says.

Clean cabinets, drawers, and pantries

After you hit the appliances, Maker says, tackle cupboards, cabinets, and pantries. “It's a good idea to have a handheld vacuum cleaner with a brush,” she says, adding that microfiber cloths and all-purpose cleaners can also be helpful. “I use an enzyme cleaner to deal with heavy oil build-up.”

Work location by location. Empty everything from cupboards and drawers and wipe them down inside and out. Maker says he'll clean anything that needs to be redone, then put everything neatly back in its place.

clean the trash can thoroughly

One of the biggest culprits for kitchen odors is the garbage can, no matter how politely you throw it away.

“As one of the most frequently used kitchen appliances, trash cans can harbor a lot of germs and odors,” says Katie Dills, cleaning expert and chair of the Cleaning Authority. “While you're taking the bag out, prepare a solution of half vinegar and half water and wipe down the can. This will help remove any lingering odors in the bin.”

wipe the counter top

Next, wipe down the countertop. “Remember that counters are food-contact surfaces, so whether you mix your own bleach and water solution or use something ready-to-use, To clean and disinfect your counters, don't forget to rinse them with clean water at the end, says Gagliardi.

organize

“Once you've polished the surface, the next step is decluttering,” says Jen Lowe, professional organizer and owner of NEAT Method Toronto. “Decluttering an entire room can seem daunting and time-consuming. If you're having trouble decluttering your entire kitchen, start small with drawers and cabinets to save time. It’s okay to declutter an entire room as much as you allow,” she says.

Consider using a five-step process like the NEAT method. This includes getting everything out of your space, categorizing your items and editing out duplicates and worn-out items as needed, space planning, purchasing and implementing the organization products you need, and keeping everything in check. labeling, etc. You can easily find what you are looking for.

Keep frequently used items nearby

Always keep accessibility in mind when restoring items. It's helpful to have the items you use most often on hand.

“If your morning routine includes coffee, you should place all the items you use to prepare coffee, such as your mug, coffee maker, and coffee, in the same general area of ​​your kitchen to prepare them. “You want to make sure that you're not walking around the space to complete a task,” Lowe says.

Don't forget the baseboards and floors

The final step is to lower your gaze and tackle the floor and baseboards. Pay special attention to cluttered areas, such as behind trash cans and pet feeding areas.

“My kids are grown and no longer play hoops with leftovers, but the wall behind the trash can is still vulnerable to buildup from drips and debris,” Duarte says. “Mix a few drops of dish soap and two cups of warm water in a spray bottle. Use a soft cloth like microfiber and avoid abrasive sponges as they can scratch and damage the paint. That is important.”

Set yourself up for year-round success

Finally, consider taking 10 minutes to clean up at the end of the day. This could include implementing one-touch rules. “That means we process something only once before we put it back where it should be,” Lowe says. “Another tried-and-true rule is the one-in, one-out rule. This means bringing new items into your home only if you're prepared to part with the same number of things. Masu.”

Establish a regular cleaning routine

It may seem mundane, but a regular cleaning routine will make spring cleaning your kitchen much easier. “If you prevent dirt and dust from building up over time, cleaning will go faster,” Gagliardi says. “Also, people's kitchens and lifestyles are different, so you can't assess what needs attention only every two months and what needs attention more often than once a month.” Masu.”