Your Ultimate Seasonal Kitchen Cleaning Guide

The kitchen is the heart of our homes, right? It’s where meals are made, memories are created, and, let’s be real, a good amount of chaos ensues. Over time, grease builds up, clutter sets in, and those little appliances that work so hard for us could use a little lovin’ care.

That’s why a seasonal kitchen cleaning is a must! It’s the perfect opportunity to deep clean, declutter, and restore your kitchen to its former glory. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! I’m sharing a simple checklist to help make this task manageable and even enjoyable.

Ready to get your kitchen sparkling? Let’s do this!

1. Make a Plan

Before you start scrubbing and organizing, remember: preparation is key. I promise you, a little planning will make this task so much more manageable and less overwhelming.

What You’ll Need:

• Cleaning gloves
• Microfiber cloths and sponges
• All-purpose cleaner
• Baking soda and vinegar
• Dish soap
• Warm water and a bucket
• Garbage bags
• Mop and broom
• A step stool (for those hard-to-reach areas!)

💡 Pro Tip: Collect all your supplies before you start. There’s nothing more annoying than running out of garbage bags mid-clean!

2. Declutter Like a Boss

Now, let’s talk clutter. A clutter-free space is not only easier to clean, but you might just rediscover some favorite treasures hiding in your cabinets!

Steps:

1. Empty countertops, drawers, and cabinets.
2. Categorize everything into three piles: Keep, Donate, Discard.
3. Put items back and wipe down shelves and drawers.

💡 Pro Tip: Use storage organizers to make the most of your cabinet and drawer space. You’ll thank me later when everything has a home.

3. Deep Clean the Fridge

Your fridge is a kitchen workhorse, and it deserves some TLC. Leftover spills and expired foods create the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and unpleasant odors.

Steps:

1. Unplug the fridge (safety first!).
2. Purge all food and discard expired items.
3. Wipe down shelves and drawers with warm, soapy water.
4. Sanitize the door seals and wipe down interior walls.
5. Categorize items when putting food back (e.g., dairy, meats, leftovers).

🎯 Why it’s worth it: A clean fridge is not only more aesthetically pleasing, but it also helps reduce food waste. Score!

4. Deep Clean the Oven and Stove top

Your oven and stove top could use a hug, am I right? Grease and grime build up quickly, but with a little elbow grease, you can make them shine.

Stove top:

• Remove burner grates and knobs and soak in warm, soapy water.
• Wipe down stove top with all-purpose cleaner and a sponge.
• Remove any drips with a damp cloth.

Oven:

• Soak oven racks in hot, soapy water.
• Mix baking soda and water to form a paste, and spread inside the oven. Let it sit for a few hours (or overnight if you’ve got tough stains).
• Wipe clean with a sponge.

5. Sanitize Counters and Backsplashes

Your counters and backsplashes see their fair share of spills, splatters, and food prep. Let’s bring them back to life.

Steps:

1. Wipe down surfaces with a damp microfiber cloth.
2. Use baking soda and water paste for tough stains.
3. Sanitize with a cleaner appropriate for your countertop material.

🎯 Why it matters: Regular cleaning inhibits bacteria growth and keeps your kitchen looking its best.

6. Clean Small Appliances

How often do you clean your toaster or blender? These hardworking appliances deserve some TLC too.

Steps:

1. Unplug all small appliances before cleaning.
2. Dry with a towel.
3. Reassemble small appliances.
4. Wipe down the microwave with a damp cloth.

7. Scrub the Sink and Shine the Faucet

Your sink is a germ magnet, so let’s make it sparkle.

Steps:

1. Scrub sink with baking soda and a sponge.
2. Rinse with warm water.
3. Wipe down faucet with a cloth for a shiny finish.

8. Organize Your Pantry

A tidy pantry is not only aesthetically pleasing—it’s functional. You’ll save time during meal prep, and reduce food waste.

Steps:

1. Empty pantry completely.
2. Purge expired items.
3. Wipe down shelves and categorize items (e.g., snacks, canned goods, baking supplies).
4. Use labeled containers for dry goods like flour, sugar, and pasta.

💡 Pro Tip: Clear containers are not only pretty, but you can see what you have at a glance.

9. Clean Stove Cabinet and Drawers

Your stove cabinets and drawers are prone to grease and dust. Let’s get them clean!

Steps:

1. Wipe down exterior cabinets with a damp cloth.
2. Use a gentle cleaner on wood cabinets.
3. Vacuum drawer corners to remove crumbs.
4. Line drawers with liners for added protection.

10. Sweep and Mop the Floor

Your kitchen floor gets heavy traffic, so it deserves some extra care.

Steps:

• Sweep or vacuum to remove loose debris.
• Mop with warm water and a floor cleaner.
• For tile or grout, use a paste of baking soda and water for a deeper clean.

11. Don’t Forget Ventilation and Light Fixtures

Dust and grease can collect on these often-overlooked areas.

Ventilation:

• Remove the vent cover and wash it in warm soapy water.
• Replace or clean the filter if needed.

Light Fixtures:

• Wipe with a damp cloth.
• Use a small brush for intricate designs.

12. Polish Stainless Steel Appliances

Stainless steel appliances look stunning—until smudges and fingerprints take over.

Steps:

• Wipe with a microfiber cloth and stainless steel cleaner.
• Follow the grain of the steel to avoid scratches.
• Buff with a dry cloth for a polished finish.

13. Freshen Up Kitchen Linens

Kitchen linens like dish towels and potholders need some love too.

Steps:

• Wash linens in hot water.
• Replace any worn-out items with fresh ones.

14. Restock and Replace Supplies

While you’re cleaning, check your kitchen supplies for wear and tear.

Steps:

• Replace old sponges and brushes.
• Restock essentials like dish soap, garbage bags, and disinfectant wipes.

15. Add Finishing Touches

Time for the fun part—adding those little extras that make your kitchen feel inviting!

Steps:

• Add a fresh scent with an air freshener or a bowl of citrus.
• Place a small plant or seasonal centerpiece on the counter.
• Make sure all trash is gone and garbage bins are clean.

Final Thoughts

Seasonal kitchen cleaning isn’t just about scrubbing—it’s about creating a space that feels fresh, organized, and ready for anything. Follow this checklist, and you’ll have a clean, functional kitchen in no time.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your gloves, turn on your favorite playlist, and let’s get cleaning! Your kitchen (and your future self) will thank you.