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Quick and Easy Breakfast Ideas

Complete Kitchen Cleaning Checklist

Woman cleaning a kitchen countertop
A step-by-step guide to efficiently cleaning your most-used room (in just a few hours, or over the course of a few days).

The Cabinet Fronts

  • Wipe from top to bottom. Using a microfiber cloth dampened with water and a few drops of mild cleanser, follow the direction of the grain. Rinse the cloth and repeat.

The Stovetop

  • Scour the surface. A microfiber cloth moistened with water and cleaner will do the trick.

The Countertops

  • Clean the countertops with a microfiber cloth. Wet it with water and mild cleaner, and wipe the countertops using a circular motion. Then mist with water and wipe down with a clean cloth. Wash the tile backsplash using the same method.

The Dishwasher and Microwave

  • Wipe down the outsides. Try a cloth dampened with water and dish soap.

The Garbage Can

  • Disinfect with an all-purpose cleaner. Spray on both the inside and the outside and wipe with a clean cloth.

The Sink

  • Scrub in a circular motion from the top to the drain with a cloth and cleaner. Use an old toothbrush to remove any mold lurking in the edges of the drain or faucet. Rinse the area.

The Dish Rack

  • Soak in a sink filled with water and a little dishwashing liquid. Scrub off food particles with an old toothbrush. Dry with a clean cloth.

The Cabinets and Drawers

  • Empty, then vacuum with a brush attachment. Wipe shelves with a cloth dampened with water and dish soap.

The Refrigerator

The Small Appliances

  • Clean with a damp cloth. Moisten it with water and dish soap.

The Oven

  • Clean the inside as directed. When finished, wipe down the door, hardware, and handles.

The Burner Grates

  • Remove from the stovetop. Then scrub with a brush and cleaner.

The Floor

  • Sweep, working from the walls to the middle of the room. To clean corners, blow out the dust with a hair dryer, then sweep up, or vacuum using a crevice attachment. Then mop in small sections, dipping the mop in a pail of clean water and detergent and squeezing out excess liquid in between each section.

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Did we forget anything on this checklist? What would you add?

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