How To Deep Clean Kitchen

There's something profoundly satisfying about looking around your kitchen and seeing not just a place to cook, but a space that's been thoroughly cleaned and transformed. I remember the first time I deep cleaned my own kitchen — the way the sunlight hit the newly wiped counters, the way the scent of vinegar and lemon lingered in the air. How my entire mindset shifted. It wasn’t just about cleanliness; it was about reclaiming a space that had been taken for granted. 'How to deep clean kitchen' isn't just a phrase — it's a call to action that can breathe new life into your home.

Deep cleaning a kitchen is not a quick task, but it's also not something you have to do all at once. I learned the hard way that rushing through the process only leads to missed spots and lingering grime. Instead, I found that breaking the task into manageable sections — from the countertops to the backsplash — made the whole thing feel less overwhelming. It's about taking a systematic approach, and that's exactly what I want to share with you. 'How to deep clean kitchen' isn't just about scrubbing; it's about strategy, tools, and a little bit of patience.

What I also discovered was the sheer impact a deep clean can have on your daily routine. After the first time I followed a thorough process, I noticed how much more efficient I was in the kitchen — from the way I moved around to the ease of finding what I needed. It was an eye-opening experience that made me realize the difference between a quick wipe and a true deep clean. Whether you're someone who lives in a small apartment or has a sprawling culinary space, the principles of 'how to deep clean kitchen' apply universally — and they're worth learning.

Start With the Big Picture: Declutter First

As of October 2026, I always start by removing everything from my countertops, including utensils, dishes, and even small appliances. This gives me clear access to the surfaces and allows me to see exactly what needs cleaning. It's easy to overlook the corners and edges when there are objects in the way, so taking this step is crucial.

Decluttering also helps me identify what I no longer need in my kitchen — old spices, expired jars, or broken appliances. I've found that this process alone can make my kitchen feel more open and organized, even before I start scrubbing.

Once the space is cleared, I take a few minutes to sort and store items. This sets the tone for the rest of the deep clean and makes the entire process feel more manageable.

Part of our Kitchen cabinets guide.

Tackle the Countertops with Purpose

I use a microfiber cloth dampened with a solution of water and white vinegar to wipe down all surfaces. This method works wonders for removing grease, grime, and fingerprints without damaging the countertop material.

For stubborn stains or buildup, I apply a small amount of baking soda and let it sit for 10 minutes before scrubbing. I’ve found that this combination is particularly effective on stainless steel and quartz surfaces.^[1]

After scrubbing, I rinse the surface with a damp cloth and dry it thoroughly with a clean towel. This prevents water spots and leaves the countertops looking brand new.

A clean countertop is the foundation of a clean kitchen — don’t skip this step.

Related: What s the best type of flooring for kitchen

Don’t Forget the Backsplash: A Hidden Gem

I start by wiping the backsplash with a solution of warm water and dish soap. This helps to loosen any grime or dirt that has accumulated over time.

For grout that’s stained or discolored, I use a mixture of baking soda and water to create a paste. I apply it to the grout lines and let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing with a soft-bristled brush.

After scrubbing, I rinse the area with a damp cloth and dry it. I’ve noticed that taking the time to clean the backsplash makes the entire kitchen feel more polished and cohesive.

“There's something profoundly satisfying about looking around your kitchen and seeing not just a place to cook, but a space that's been thoroughly cleaned a”— Upcycled Kitchen Cabinet Makeovers editors

Related: Kitchen cabinet hardware

The Sink: A Hotspot for Grime

I start by removing any drain stopper or mesh filter and cleaning it with a mixture of vinegar and baking soda. This helps to prevent clogs and keeps the sink running smoothly.

I use a scrubbing pad and some dish soap to clean the sink basin. For tough stains, I let the solution sit for a few minutes before scrubbing.

After scrubbing, I rinse the sink thoroughly and dry it with a clean towel. This prevents water spots and leaves the sink looking fresh and clean.

Related: Kitchen cabinets for countertops

Cabinets: The Heart of the Kitchen

I start by wiping down the outside of the cabinets with a damp cloth and a mild cleaning solution. This removes dust, fingerprints, and any built-up grime.

For the inside of the cabinets, I use a microfiber cloth and a mild cleaning solution. I wipe each shelf and drawer, making sure to get into the corners where crumbs and spills can hide.

After cleaning, I dry the cabinets with a clean towel. This helps prevent water spots and leaves them looking fresh and new.

Related: Shaker style cabinets

The Floors: Don’t Skip This Step

I start by sweeping the floor to remove any loose debris. This makes the mopping process easier and more effective.

I use a mixture of warm water and a mild floor cleaner to mop the kitchen. I make sure to cover every inch of the floor, especially in high-traffic areas.

After mopping, I let the floor air dry or use a microfiber towel to speed up the process. This leaves the floor looking clean and fresh.

A clean floor sets the stage for a clean kitchen — don’t overlook it.

Related: What household items

The Final Touch: Wipe Down Everything

After completing all the major areas, I go through the kitchen one more time to wipe down any surfaces that might have been missed.

I use a clean microfiber cloth and a mild cleaning solution to make sure everything is spotless. This step helps to catch any overlooked areas and ensures a thorough clean.

Once I'm done, I take a step back and admire my work. A deep-cleaned kitchen is a space that feels fresh, organized, and ready for everyday use.

The Refrigerator: A Deep Clean for Long-Term Freshness

I started by removing all items from the fridge and disposing of expired food. I used a mixture of baking soda and water to wipe down the interior shelves, drawers, and walls. For stubborn stains, I applied a paste of baking soda and vinegar, let it sit for 15 minutes, then scrubbed with a sponge. This process took about 30 minutes and covered all surfaces, including the rubber gaskets on the doors, which are often overlooked.^[2]

I used a disinfectant spray designed for food-contact surfaces, ensuring the fridge was sanitized. I also cleaned the condenser coils, which are located at the back or bottom of the unit. I unplugged the fridge, removed the coil cover, and used a coil brush to remove dust and debris. This took another 15 minutes and improved the fridge's efficiency by about 20%.^[3]

After reassembling the fridge and replacing the shelves, I wiped everything down with a damp cloth and let it air dry. To maintain freshness, I placed an open box of baking soda inside the fridge. This not only absorbed odors but also helped keep the interior smelling clean for weeks. A deep fridge clean every 3–4 months can prevent mold and improve appliance longevity.

The Oven: A Neglected Powerhouse of Grease and Crumbs

Ovens accumulate a mix of grease, food residue, and burnt-on bits that can be tough to remove. Start by removing all racks and wiping them with a degreaser. I used a commercial oven cleaner like Easy-Off, which costs around $10 per bottle, and let it sit for 15 minutes. This allows the cleaner to break down stubborn grime before scrubbing with a non-abrasive pad. Afterward, I rinsed the oven with a damp cloth and wiped it dry. This method saved me hours of manual scrubbing and made the oven look like new.^[4]

Next, tackle the interior of the oven. If you're dealing with heavy buildup, you can use a paste made of baking soda and water. Apply it to the affected areas and let it sit overnight. The next morning, scrub with a sponge and wipe away the residue. This natural method is cost-effective and avoids harsh chemicals. I found that this technique worked particularly well on the bottom of the oven, where food particles tend to settle and harden over time.

For the oven door, which is often overlooked, use a microfiber cloth and a glass cleaner. I sprayed the glass with Windex and wiped in a circular motion to remove fingerprints and smudges. This step took about 5 minutes and made the oven look more professional. If the door has stubborn stains, you can use a mixture of vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Let it sit for 10 minutes before wiping. This method is gentle on glass and effective for most types of stains.

How To Deep Clean Kitchen