How to Deep Clean Your Kitchen: A Step-by-Step Checklist

Everyday kitchen cleaning keeps things under control, but a few times a year your kitchen needs a full deep clean. That means the places you usually skip: the range hood filter, the inside of the fridge, the cabinet tops and behind the appliances. Following the right order saves time, because you always clean from top to bottom and dry to wet.

Set aside 2–4 hours, put on some music, and work through this checklist.

What You'll Need

Dish soap and warm water
Baking soda
White vinegar in a spray bottle
A degreaser (optional)
Microfiber cloths and a non-scratch sponge
An old toothbrush
A vacuum and a mop
Trash bags

Step 1: Clear Out and Declutter

Clear the counters completely.
Empty the dish rack and the sink.
Take out the trash and recycling.
Toss expired food from the fridge and pantry.

Step 2: Start High

Dust light fixtures and the ceiling fan.
Clean the tops of upper cabinets, which collect sticky grease.
Wipe down the range hood and soak the metal filter in hot water with dish soap and baking soda for 15–20 minutes, then scrub and rinse.

Step 3: Cabinets and Walls

Wipe cabinet doors, frames and handles with warm soapy water.
Spot-clean walls and the backsplash, especially behind the stove.
Wipe light switches and outlet covers (with a barely damp cloth).

Step 4: Appliances

Refrigerator:

Take everything out and remove the shelves and drawers.
Wash shelves and drawers in warm soapy water. Let glass shelves come to room temperature first so they don't crack.
Wipe the inside with a mixture of 2 tablespoons of baking soda in 1 quart of warm water.
Dry everything and put the food back, wiping jars and bottles as you go.

Oven and stovetop: Use the baking soda paste method on the oven, and degrease the stovetop and knobs.

Microwave: Steam clean with lemon or vinegar water for 3–5 minutes, then wipe.

Dishwasher: Clean the filter, wipe the door edges and seal, and run an empty hot cycle with a dishwasher cleaner.

Small appliances: Descale the coffee maker, clean the toaster crumb tray and wipe the outside of everything.

Step 5: Pull Out Appliances (If Possible)

If you can safely move the fridge or stove, vacuum and mop the floor underneath and behind. Vacuum the fridge's coils (check your manual for their location), which helps it run more efficiently.

Step 6: Counters

Wash counters with warm soapy water. Use the right cleaner for your counter type:

Laminate: Diluted vinegar is fine.
Granite, marble or quartz: Use mild dish soap or a stone-safe cleaner. Never vinegar or lemon on natural stone.

Step 7: Sink and Faucet

Scrub the sink with baking soda, spray with vinegar (for stainless steel), rinse and dry. Clean the faucet and use a toothbrush around its base. Freshen the garbage disposal by running ice cubes and lemon peels through it with cold water.

Step 8: Floors Last

Sweep or vacuum, including corners and under the cabinet toe kicks. Mop with a cleaner suitable for your floor type.

Deep Cleaning Schedule

Monthly: Fridge clean-out, microwave, cabinet fronts, range hood filter.
Every 3–6 months: The full checklist above.
Once a year: Behind and under appliances, and fridge coils.

FAQ

How long does a kitchen deep clean take? Usually 2–4 hours, depending on the size of your kitchen and how long it's been.

Can I split it over several days? Yes. Do the fridge one day, the oven and stove another, and cabinets and floors on a third.

What's the most-forgotten spot? The range hood filter, which often hasn't been cleaned in years.