The kitchen is the heart of the home — a place where meals are prepared, conversations are had, and memories are made. But it’s also one of the busiest and most-used spaces in the house, meaning it can quickly become a magnet for mess, grease, and grime. Keeping your kitchen sparkling clean isn’t just about appearances — it also helps maintain hygiene and prevent pests.
Whether you’re doing a deep clean or just a quick refresh, here’s a practical guide to cleaning every surface in your kitchen, using straightforward tips that actually work.
1. Worktops and Counters
Best for: Laminate, granite, quartz, wood
Your worktops see everything — chopping, spills, crumbs, and more. The right cleaning method depends on the material, but a general routine should include:
- Daily Wipe-Down: Use a soft cloth with warm soapy water to wipe down surfaces daily. Avoid harsh chemicals that could damage the finish.
- Disinfect Weekly: Use an antibacterial spray or a solution of white vinegar and water (1:1 ratio) to disinfect your counters.
- Avoid Harsh Scrubbing: For natural stone like granite or marble, avoid acidic or abrasive cleaners — opt for a pH-neutral cleaner.
Tip: Always dry worktops with a clean cloth to avoid water stains or mildew build-up, especially on wooden or porous surfaces.
2. Hob and Oven
Hob Cleaning:
- Electric/Induction Hobs: Wipe down with a microfibre cloth and a hob cleaner or a mix of baking soda and water for stubborn marks.
- Gas Hobs: Remove burner caps and soak them in hot, soapy water. Scrub with a non-scratch pad and clean the hob surface beneath.
Oven Cleaning:
- Self-Cleaning Function: If your oven has one, use it monthly. Be sure to ventilate the room while it’s running.
- Manual Cleaning: Remove racks and soak in hot water with washing-up liquid. Scrub the interior with a paste of bicarbonate of soda and water, then spray with white vinegar — it will fizz and help lift grime. Wipe away with a damp cloth.
Tip: Line your oven with a reusable liner or foil to catch spills and reduce cleaning time.
3. Sink and Tap
Sinks can harbour bacteria, especially if food scraps are left behind.
- Daily Clean: Rinse and scrub the sink with hot, soapy water. Rinse thoroughly.
- Deep Clean: Sprinkle bicarbonate of soda around the sink, scrub, then rinse. Pour a mix of vinegar and baking soda down the plughole to eliminate smells.
- Polish Tapware: Use a vinegar-soaked cloth to wipe limescale from taps. For a sparkling finish, buff with a dry microfibre cloth.
Tip: Place half a lemon in the sink’s plughole to keep things smelling fresh between cleans.
4. Cabinets and Cupboards
Kitchen cabinets can accumulate grease, especially near the cooker.
- Exterior: Wipe with warm, soapy water or a gentle all-purpose cleaner. For wooden cabinets, avoid excessive water and dry immediately.
- Handles and Knobs: Disinfect these regularly with an antibacterial spray or wipe.
- Interior: Empty shelves, vacuum out crumbs, and wipe with a damp cloth. Use shelf liners to make future cleaning easier.
Tip: Add a small bowl of baking soda to absorb musty smells in hard-to-reach cupboards.
5. Fridge and Freezer
Fridge:
- Weekly Wipe-Down: Remove old food, wipe shelves with warm, soapy water, and dry thoroughly.
- Odour Control: Place an open box of bicarbonate of soda inside to neutralise smells.
Freezer:
- Defrost as Needed: Turn off, remove food, and allow ice to melt. Clean with warm water and a little bicarbonate of soda.
- Organise: Label and date items to prevent food waste and bad odours.
Tip: Don’t forget to clean fridge seals — use a toothbrush and a mix of vinegar and water to scrub away crumbs and grime.
6. Floors
Kitchen floors see a lot of traffic — food spills, grease, and muddy shoes.
- Daily: Sweep or vacuum to remove crumbs and dust.
- Weekly: Mop using a solution suited to your flooring (e.g., diluted floor cleaner for tiles or wood-specific cleaner for timber).
- Spot Clean: Wipe spills as they happen to prevent stains and sticky build-up.
Tip: Pay attention to edges and corners where dirt collects. Use a handheld brush or vacuum attachment for precision cleaning.
7. Small Appliances
- Microwave: Place a bowl of water with lemon slices inside and heat for 3–5 minutes. Let sit, then wipe clean. The steam loosens grime and the lemon removes odours.
- Toaster: Unplug, remove and shake out crumbs. Clean the exterior with a damp cloth.
- Kettle: Descale with a mix of white vinegar and water (boil, then rinse several times).
- Coffee Maker: Run a mix of water and vinegar through a brewing cycle, then repeat with clean water.
Tip: Always unplug appliances before cleaning and check the manufacturer’s instructions.
Final Thoughts
Cleaning your kitchen doesn’t have to be a chore when you break it down by surface. A mix of daily habits and regular deep cleans can keep your space looking and smelling fresh all year round. From wiping down worktops to descaling your kettle, each task contributes to a healthier, more hygienic home — and a more pleasant cooking experience.
So, pop on your rubber gloves, grab your favourite cleaning products, and give your kitchen the care it deserves.
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