Ultimate Kitchen Cleaning Guide: Tips, Tools, and Techniques for a Gleaming Space

Essentials

• Washing up liquid
• Washing up sponge
• Microfibre cloths
• Rubber gloves
• Kitchen cleaner spray
• Limescale remover
• Mop and bucket
• Vacuum cleaner

Method

1. General Tidy-Up

   • Dispose of rubbish and put away any items left out.

2. Dishwashing

   • Clear any dishes left in or by the sink.
   • Put away clean dishes from the drying rack to make room for new ones.
   • If there is a dishwasher, empty, refill, and run it, ensuring all items are dishwasher-safe. Hand wash non-dishwasher-safe items in hot water and washing up liquid.

3. Surface Cleaning

   • Dust and wipe all accessible surfaces from top to bottom.
   • Wipe the exterior of kitchen cupboards, the cooker hood, and vertical surfaces like fridge/freezer doors.
   • Clean door handles.

4. Worktops and Hob

   • Use kitchen cleaner or a solution of washing up liquid and warm water to wipe worktops.
   • Clean the hob with a soft cloth and non-abrasive cleaner. For gas hobs, remove and wash metal pan supports in the sink.

5. Oven and Microwave

   • Wipe the front of the oven, including knobs and handles, using a general kitchen spray or multi-surface cleaner.
   • Clean the microwave: steam it by microwaving a bowl of water for 3 minutes, then wipe inside. Wash and dry the turntable.

6. Sink and Limescale

   • Clean the sink with a cloth, kitchen cleaner, and hot water.
   • Apply limescale remover around taps if needed, following product instructions.

7. Bins and Floors

   • Remove and dispose of rubbish and recycling properly. Check local disposal rules if unsure.
   • Sweep and/or vacuum the floor using appropriate attachments to avoid damage.
   • Mop the floor: use warm water and floor cleaner, mop in a left-right, back-to-front pattern, rinsing the mop frequently.
   • Back out of the room while mopping to avoid walking on the clean floor. Use a figure 8 motion to cover all areas.

8. Final Steps

   • Pour mop water down a toilet or shower drain to avoid contamination of food surfaces.

Cleaning the kitchen thoroughly is essential for maintaining a hygienic and pleasant environment. Start with a general tidy-up, making sure to dispose of any rubbish and putting away items that are out of place. Clear and wash any dirty dishes, and if you have a dishwasher, make sure to use it for dishwasher-safe items while hand washing the rest. Dust and wipe all surfaces, including kitchen cupboards, the cooker hood, and vertical surfaces such as the fridge/freezer doors. Pay special attention to handles. Use appropriate cleaners for worktops and the hob, and take extra care with gas hobs by washing the metal pan supports separately. Don’t forget to clean the oven front and microwave, ensuring you remove any build-up inside the microwave. Finally, clean the sink and address any limescale issues, remove and dispose of rubbish and recycling, and thoroughly clean the floors by sweeping, vacuuming, and mopping. By following these steps, you’ll ensure that your kitchen is not only clean but also a safe and healthy space for food preparation and daily use.