Your kitchen deserves better than being the background for dirty dishes and scattered mail.
Now, we know what you’re thinking: a top-to-bottom kitchen scrub sounds like an endurance test, the kind that eats up your whole weekend and leaves you questioning your life choices.
But with a clever plan, it’s totally doable in a single day. Ready to learn some tips and shortcuts to spruce up that room without breaking a sweat? Keep reading.
Prepare Your Cleaning Supplies
Before you roll up your sleeves, you need to grab all the necessary supplies. Nothing kills motivation faster than realising you’ve just filled the sink with soapy water, only to discover you’re out of sponges.
This is why having everything within arm’s reach will make the whole day run like clockwork.
Here are the basics:
- All-purpose cleaner. This is your MVP for tackling every surface.
- Sponges and microfibre cloths. They’re brilliant for scrubbing grime and polishing things up.
- Mops. These will get your floors shiny in no time.
Just be strategic about what you buy. Go for products that actually work but don’t blow the budget, and if they’re eco-friendly, too, that’s a win all around.
You’ll also want to keep a rubbish bag nearby. Once you start cleaning the shelves and pulling things out of cupboards, you’ll find expired snacks, old wrappers, and a few items that make you wonder how long they’ve been there.
Declutter the Space
A clutter-free space will make cleaning a breeze and uncover plenty of room to work with. It’s like giving your kitchen a breath of fresh air.
So, start by clearing off countertops and tables. Shift those gadgets, utensils, or that pile of junk mail that’s been camping out for weeks. Don’t forget the sink as well. Clear it out and tuck the dishes away.
A clever trick is to divide your items into three piles: keep, discard, and donate. You can keep the trusty kettle or your favourite mug, for example. As for broken appliances or that sad, bent whisk that’s past its glory days, you should definitely discard them.
You can donate spares, like an extra spatula or those unused measuring cups. Someone out there will love them.
While you’re at it, store everyday items close by. For instance, place the olive oil bottle near the stove for quick access, or keep tea towels by the kettle for spill emergencies.
With the clutter out of the way, the kitchen is now ready for a proper scrub-down.
Tackle the Fridge and Freezer
Your fridge and freezer are masters of disguise, hiding expired sauces, freezer-burned veggies, and the occasional mystery container you’re too scared to open.
Starting here sets the tone, because once these are fresh, the rest of your kitchen will instantly feel more under control.
To do this, spread a towel on the floor to catch any drips, and then empty the fridge and freezer. Throw away expired jars or those odd-looking items nobody has touched in weeks.
While the shelves are empty, grab a bowl of warm water mixed with mild detergent and wipe the shelves, drawers, handles, and even the door seals. Those sneaky spots collect more grime than you think.
Once all surfaces are sparkling and dry, organise and label items before popping them back.
Clean the Oven and Stove
If there’s one part of the kitchen we all avoid, it’s the oven. Between greasy splatters, charred bits, and that lingering smoky smell, it’s basically a scrapbook of every meal you’ve ever cooked.
Start by removing the oven racks and soaking them in warm, soapy water. Let them sit while you deal with the main event.
For the inside of your oven, spread on a cleaning paste or oven-specific detergent and give it time to work its magic—about 15 minutes usually does the trick.
Meanwhile, turn your attention to the stovetop. Spray it with a degreaser and scrub the burners, grates, and any sticky spots.
For the fiddly nooks and crannies, a toothbrush will work wonders. Once the grime has loosened, wipe everything down with a damp microfibre cloth, polish the oven door until it shines, and slide those racks back in.
Focus on the Cabinets and Countertops
With the fridge humming happily and the oven no longer holding your meals hostage, it’s time to face the cabinets and benchtops.
These areas don’t always look dirty at first glance, but if you open one of the drawers, you’ll probably find crumbs, dust, and sticky patches.
First off, take everything out of your cabinets and drawers. Then, use a wet cloth to wipe away the dust and crumbs.
When you see sticky spots, clean them with a mild cleaner and wait for everything to dry before putting your things back.
While you’re at it, take a moment to sort through what you have. If something has expired, out it goes.
If some packets are half-empty and messy, transfer them into clear containers. This way, you’ll actually find the rice when you need it.
Don’t forget your benchtops. Wipe them down with a disinfectant and pay attention to the edges where dirt tends to get stuck. Once your countertops are clear, it’ll be harder for the mess to sneak back in.
Don’t Forget the Floors
You’ve made it through cleaning the fridge, the oven, and the cupboards, so now, it’s time to give the floors the attention they deserve. Crumbs, splashes, and the odd sticky patch can undo all your hard work if you skip this step.
Sweep or vacuum to clear dust and crumbs. Having done that, use a steam mop or floor cleaner to tackle those stubborn marks, especially where foot traffic is heavy.
And if you’ve got tiles, don’t forget the grout lines. A small scrubbing brush or an old toothbrush, if you’re feeling thrifty, works a treat.
Once you’re done, let the floor dry completely before walking through, so you don’t undo your hard work with fresh footprints or risk an embarrassing slip.
Lock in the Shine
With the floors sparkling, you’re nearly at the finish line. But before you wrap up and call it a day, check for the little things that often get missed: the light switches, cupboard handles, and microwave buttons everyone pokes with grubby fingers.
Wiping these down will only take a minute, but it will make the whole space feel spotless.
To keep it from slipping back into chaos, stick to a few habits. A weekly wipe-down, for instance, will keep small messes from snowballing, and tidying as you cook means you’ll never face another mountain of dishes after dinner.
And if you’d rather spend your weekends doing something else, you can call in a maid cleaning service to keep your house gleaming without lifting a finger.
Conclusion
So, what are you waiting for? Crank up the music, grab a cloth, and make today the day your kitchen gets its glow-up.
By dinnertime, you’ll have a kitchen that feels fresh, and a little buzz of pride every time you walk in. Not bad for a day’s work, right?