Beyond just dusting and decluttering, refreshing your kitchen space can create a welcoming environment that inspires culinary creativity. From scrubbing away winter residue to reorganizing cabinets, our kitchen spring cleaning guide will walk you through the steps to ensure your kitchen not only sparkles but also becomes a functional and inviting hub for the brighter days ahead.
Declutter
Pantry & Fridge
Firstly, remove any expired food, spices, or condiments – spices and condiments often go overlooked but typically expire around 1-2 years after purchase.
Next, after purchasing refills of those expired products, restock your pantry like a grocery store with newer items towards the back to ensure things are used before they expire.
Deep-Clean Appliances
Refrigerator & Freezer
Remove all items, and clean shelves, and drawers. Wash any removable parts and wipe down surfaces in the fridge with mild dish soap or a solution of water and vinegar.
Baking soda is a natural odor absorber and neutralizer. Place an open box or a small dish of baking soda in the refrigerator every 1-3 months to help absorb and neutralize strong smells caused by food, spills, or other sources.
Oven, Stove, & Range Hood
When spring-cleaning your oven, always follow your appliance’s manufacturer recommendations and use appropriate safety precautions, such as wearing rubber gloves and ensuring proper ventilation, when using cleaning products. Regular cleaning helps keep your stove and oven in top condition and ensures safe and efficient cooking.
Firstly, clean glass surfaces such as oven door panes using a soft cloth with a solution of soap or baking soda and water, followed by a glass cleaner. Avoid using oven cleaners, scouring pads, or sharp metal scrapers as that may scratch the glass.
To clean the interior of the oven, wipe with a damp cloth and the same mild solution of soap or baking soda and water. For more stubborn stains, use an ammonia-based or oven-specific cleaner following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Soak stove burner grates and drip pans in warm soapy water. For gas stovetops, lift the stovetop and clean underneath; for electric stovetops, lift coil burners and clean underneath.
For more tips for cleaning the ventilation hood, check out an article from manufacturer SubZero-Wolf here.
Dishwasher
Cleaning your dishwasher is essential to ensure it functions efficiently and keeps your dishes spotless. Rinse the filter under warm water to remove any debris. To clean and deodorize the interior of the dishwasher, sprinkle with baking soda or storebought dishwasher cleaner and run a hot water cycle.
Microwave
Cleaning a microwave can be a quick and straightforward process with the right approach.
Wipe down the interior of the microwave with a solution of soap and water. To tackle any stubborn stains, mix equal parts water and white vinegar (or lemon) and place the microwave-safe bowl in the microwave on high for 3-5 minutes to create steam. Wipe down the interior with a sponge or cloth, the stubborn stains should now be loosened.
If the exterior of the microwave is stainless steel, use mild stainless steel cleaner.
Clean & Refresh
Sink
Using warm soapy water or a kitchen disinfectant and a nonabrasive sponge or cloth, wash your sink. Clean and sanitize drain stoppers. Wipe down the faucet and disinfect the handles.
Countertops
For granite and quartz countertops, avoid harsh chemicals, bleach, and abrasive cleaners, as they can damage the surface. Use a diluted solution of water and mild dish soap to wipe clean counters.
Generally, butcher block countertops can be cleaned the same way, but if your butcher block countertops have any stubborn stains you can’t get out, a mixture of salt and lemon should do the trick. Before using this solution on the stain, be sure to test out a small inconspicuous area on the butcher block to make sure it does not cause discoloration in your specific wood.
Cabinets & Drawers
Wood cabinets are safe to clean with Murphy’s soap, but if your cabinets are painted they need to be cleaned with a milder solution. Washing your kitchen cabinets with a soap and water mixture is a simple yet effective way to maintain their cleanliness and shine. This gentle cleaning method helps remove everyday dirt, grease, and grime without damaging the cabinet finish. After washing, wipe down the surface with a dry cloth to eliminate any excess moisture and avoid it getting into the cabinet finish.
Floors
Shake out kitchen rugs and wash them. Sweep or vacuum the kitchen floor. Wash floors using soap, vinegar, and warm water or your preferred floor cleanser.
As you finish up your kitchen spring cleaning, take a moment to appreciate the freshness and order you’ve brought to your space. With the clutter gone, surfaces shining, and everything in its place, you’ve set the stage for a more functional and enjoyable cooking experience. Enjoy the simplicity of a clean kitchen, ready for whatever comes your way.
Looking to take your clean kitchen aesthetic to the next level with a remodel project? Check out our blog post about hidden storage and paneled appliances to maintain a clean-looking kitchen, here.
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