Give your kitchen a thorough clean just in time for the festive season with this step-by-step guide. Whether you’re hosting, cooking up a storm, or simply wanting a fresh, organised space before the rush of December, this checklist helps you tackle every corner efficiently.
How often should you deep-clean your kitchen
A festive season deep clean is perfect for resetting your space – but it shouldn’t happen only once a year. Include these intervals to keep your kitchen hygienic and running smoothly:
- Daily: wipe down counters, wash dishes and clean spills immediately.
- Weekly: clean stovetops, sanitise the sink, wipe the exteriors of appliances, and sweep and mop floors.
- Monthly: clean the fridge shelves, degrease the oven door, dust cupboard tops, and declutter the pantry.
- Seasonally: every 3 to 4 months, fully deep-clean the interior of the oven, sanitise the fridge, degrease the dishwasher, pull out appliances, and wipe down.
- Annually: do a full pantry cupboard overhaul, resealing grout, and replacing or repairing worn items.
Step-by-step guide
1. Open all the windows
Let fresh air in before you begin to help ventilate any cleaning product fumes and keep the space comfortable.
2. Dust down cupboards and shelves
Start from the top and work down. Dust cupboard tops, shelves, light fixtures, extractor hoods, and any decorative items before moving to surfaces and counters.
Read our guide: How to remove grease build-up from kitchen cabinets
How to remove grease build-up from kitchen cabinets
3. Tackle the fridge
Remove any old leftovers, expired condiments and forgotten items. Then, unpack the fridge completely. Take out all shelves and drawers, and wash them in hot, soapy water. Wipe the interior with hot soapy water, or, for stubborn grime, use a bicarbonate of soda paste. To sanitise, spray the interior with a mixture of water and vinegar and let it air dry.
Defrost the freezer if needed (or use bowls of hot water to help melt ice buildup). Remove any old or expired products. Then, completely pack out the freezer. Wipe down the exterior, paying attention to handles and seals. You can also sanitise with the same solution as above at this point.
Repack the fridge and freezer. Finally, pull the fridge away from the wall to dust and vacuum the back and the floor underneath. Push the fridge back in place. Finish off by wiping down the exterior, focusing on handles.
Read our fridge guide: A guide on how to deep clean your fridge
4. Tackle the stove
Use non-abrasive scouring pads or a microfibre cloth to avoid scratching the surfaces. For gas stovetops, make a DIY cleaner: 1 part white vinegar with 1 tablespoon dish soap, and 2 cups water.
Clean all knobs, drip trays and burner caps thoroughly. Wipe down the vent hood – either follow the brand’s manual or clean with hot soapy water.
Now, move on to the oven. Remove oven racks and spray with oven cleaner, and leave to soak in the sink. Spray the oven interior, including the door, with oven cleaner. Let it sit for at least 20 minutes. Scrub the interior with a scouring sponge and wipe clean with hot soapy water. Rinse and replace the racks.
Read our gas stove guide: How to clean and maintain a gas stove
5. Degunk the dishwasher
Remove racks and scrub with hot, soapy water. Unscrew and remove the filter, scrub with an old toothbrush, and rinse with hot water. Replace and then remove the spray arms. Use a toothpick to clear any clogs and rinse with hot water. Replace. Wipe the interior and exterior with hot soapy water or a vinegar and dish soap solution for tough grease or mould. If the dishwasher smells musty, run a hot cycle with vinegar and bicarb, or use a store-bought cleaning tab.
Read our guide: The best way to keep your dishwasher smelling fresh
6. Clean the counters
Remove everything from the countertops. Wipe with warm, soapy water and spot-clean stains or sticky patches with vinegar. If you’d like to take it further, clean the grout with: 1/4 cup hydrogen peroxide and 1/2 cup bicarbonate of soda paste. Scrub and wipe well.
7. Tackle the sink
Scrub the sink and faucet with hot, soapy water, ensuring to tackle tight crevices around the drain and taps. To freshen the drain, pour 1/2 cup of bicarb and 1/2 cup vinegar or lemon juice, then finish with a kettle of recently boiled water to clear any grease.
For persistent odours or blockages, use an environmentally friendly probiotic drain cleaner following package instructions.
Read our guide: The best ways to unclog a kitchen sink
8. Lastly, clean the floor
Sweep and vacuum first, ensuring you reach under appliances where possible. Mop with warm, soapy water or your preferred floor-safe cleaner. Allow to dry before moving items back.
Also See: The dirtiest places in the kitchen: 5 Sneaky culprits you’re probably overlooking
The dirtiest places in the kitchen: 5 sneaky culprits you’re probably overlooking
