What are the 7 steps of cleaning a kitchen?

The 7 Steps of Cleaning a Kitchen: Your Ultimate Guide to a Spotless Space

Look, I get it. You’ve just finished cooking an amazing meal, and your kitchen looks like a tornado hit it. Sound familiar? 🙂

I’ve been there more times than I care to admit – standing in my kitchen, spatula still in hand, wondering how I managed to use every single dish and surface for what was supposed to be a “simple” dinner. But here’s the thing: cleaning your kitchen doesn’t have to feel like climbing Mount Everest.

SAVE IT FOR LATER

After years of trial and error (and let’s be honest, some epic kitchen disasters), I’ve figured out the 7 foolproof steps that’ll transform your chaotic cooking space back into the clean, organized heart of your home. These aren’t just random tips I pulled out of thin air – they’re battle-tested strategies that actually work.

Step 1: Clear the Clutter and Put Things Away

First things first – you can’t clean what you can’t see.

Before you even think about grabbing that sponge, you need to deal with the chaos. I’m talking about those random kitchen gadgets scattered across your counters, the mail pile that somehow migrated to your breakfast bar, and yes, even that coffee mug from this morning that you swore you’d wash “later.”

Here’s what I do:

• Start with the countertops – Put away everything that doesn’t belong in the kitchen
• Return items to their designated homes – Spices back to the spice rack, utensils to their drawer
• Load the dishwasher with any dirty dishes that are lying around
• Clear your sink completely – you’ll need that space for the next steps

This step alone makes a huge difference in how manageable your kitchen feels. Ever notice how a cluttered space makes you feel overwhelmed before you even start? That’s not just in your head – visual clutter actually increases stress levels.

Step 2: Tackle the Dishes and Sink Area

Now we’re getting to the meat and potatoes of kitchen cleaning (pun totally intended).

Your sink is basically command central for kitchen cleaning, so you want it sparkling and ready for action. I learned this the hard way after trying to clean my entire kitchen with a grimy, food-covered sink – talk about working backwards!

Here’s my dish-washing game plan:

• Scrape all food scraps into the garbage or compost bin
• Rinse dishes with hot water to remove loose debris
• Wash dishes in order: glasses first, then plates, utensils, and finally pots and pans
• Use hot, soapy water and don’t be stingy with the dish soap
• Clean your sink thoroughly with baking soda and a scrub brush

Pro tip that changed my life: Fill your sink with hot, soapy water before you start cooking. Toss utensils and small items in as you go. Trust me, this simple habit will save you so much time later.

The sink itself deserves special attention. I scrub mine with a paste made from baking soda and water – it cuts through grease and leaves everything shining without harsh chemicals.

Step 3: Wipe Down All Surfaces and Countertops

Time to show those countertops some love!

This is where you’ll really start seeing results. There’s something incredibly satisfying about transforming sticky, crumb-covered surfaces into gleaming expanses of clean counter space.

My surface-cleaning routine:

• Remove everything from your countertops (yes, everything)
• Start with dry debris – sweep crumbs into your hand or use a dry cloth
• Use an all-purpose cleaner or make your own with equal parts water and white vinegar
• Work from back to front to avoid re-contaminating clean areas
• Don’t forget the backsplash – it catches more splatters than you’d think

Here’s something most people miss: clean your small appliances while you’re at it. That coffee maker, toaster, and blender base collect more grime than you realize. A quick wipe-down keeps them looking fresh and prevents buildup.

FYI, different counter materials need different approaches. Granite and marble don’t play well with acidic cleaners, while laminate can handle most standard cleaners just fine.

Step 4: Clean and Organize the Stovetop

Ah, the stovetop – where culinary magic happens and grease splatters accumulate with impressive determination.

Your stovetop probably sees more action than any other kitchen surface, which means it needs regular attention to stay functional and hygienic. I’ve seen stovetops so caked with grease that they’ve become fire hazards. Don’t be that person!

My stovetop cleaning method:

• Remove burner grates and drip pans if you have a gas stove
• Soak removable parts in hot, soapy water while you clean the main surface
• Use a specialized stovetop cleaner or make a paste with baking soda and water
• Scrub gently but thoroughly – burnt-on food requires patience, not force
• Clean control knobs and handles – they’re grease magnets

For electric stovetops, wait until the elements cool completely before cleaning. Glass-top stoves need special scrapers for stubborn spots, but regular cleaning prevents most buildup.

The secret weapon in my stovetop arsenal? A old toothbrush. It gets into all those nooks and crannies around burners where regular sponges can’t reach.

Step 5: Address the Appliances (Inside and Out)

Your appliances work hard for you – time to return the favor!

Most people clean the outside of their appliances regularly but forget about the interiors. Big mistake! A dirty microwave affects food taste, and a grimy oven can cause smoke and odors.

Appliance cleaning checklist:

• Microwave: Place a bowl of water with lemon slices inside, heat for 2 minutes, then wipe clean
• Oven: Use the self-cleaning cycle or make a baking soda paste for manual cleaning
• Refrigerator: Remove expired items, wipe shelves, and clean door seals
• Dishwasher: Run an empty cycle with white vinegar to remove buildup
• Small appliances: Wipe exteriors and clean according to manufacturer instructions

Here’s something that’ll blow your mind: your refrigerator coils collect dust and pet hair, making your fridge work harder and use more energy. Clean them every six months with a vacuum attachment.

I clean my microwave weekly using the lemon-water trick. It’s natural, effective, and leaves everything smelling fresh instead of like last night’s fish dinner.

Step 6: Sweep and Mop the Floors

The floor is literally the foundation of your clean kitchen, so don’t phone it in here.

Kitchen floors take a beating – they deal with spills, crumbs, grease splatters, and whatever you track in from outside. A proper floor cleaning routine prevents sticky buildup and keeps your kitchen genuinely hygienic.

My floor cleaning process:

• Sweep or vacuum thoroughly – get under appliances and in corners
• Pre-treat any sticky spots with warm water or appropriate cleaner
• Mop with hot water and floor cleaner suitable for your flooring type
• Work from the farthest corner toward the exit to avoid stepping on clean areas
• Let air dry completely before walking on it with shoes

Different floor types need different approaches. Hardwood requires pH-neutral cleaners, while tile can handle stronger solutions. Never use abrasive cleaners on natural stone floors – learned that expensive lesson the hard way!

Ever wonder why restaurant kitchens always look so clean? They mop their floors multiple times per shift. You don’t need to go that extreme, but regular mopping prevents grime buildup that becomes impossible to remove.

Step 7: Final Touches and Organization

The home stretch – time to add those finishing touches that make your kitchen shine.

This final step separates a “clean enough” kitchen from a truly pristine space. It’s about the details that make you feel proud of your kitchen and ready to cook your next masterpiece.

Final touches checklist:

• Replace dish towels and sponges with fresh ones
• Empty the trash and recycling bins – nothing ruins a clean kitchen like overflowing garbage
• Wipe down light switches and cabinet handles – high-touch areas that collect fingerprints
• Organize frequently used items for easy access
• Take a step back and admire your work – you’ve earned it!

I always finish by lighting a candle or diffusing essential oils. After all that cleaning, you want your kitchen to smell as good as it looks.

Pro organization tip: Keep cleaning supplies in a caddy under your sink. When everything has a designated spot, you’re more likely to stay on top of regular maintenance.

Why These 7 Steps Actually Work

Look, I’ve tried countless cleaning “systems” over the years, and most of them overcomplicate things or miss crucial steps.

This 7-step method works because it follows a logical progression. You start by clearing space to work, then tackle the messiest areas first, and finish with details that maintain your hard work.

The key is consistency over perfection. You don’t need to deep-clean every single time – just follow these steps regularly, and your kitchen will stay manageable.

IMO, the biggest mistake people make is trying to clean everything at once without a system. They bounce between tasks, get overwhelmed, and give up halfway through. Sound familiar? :/

Making It Sustainable

Here’s the truth nobody talks about: the best cleaning system is the one you’ll actually use.

I’ve found that doing a quick version of these steps daily prevents the need for marathon cleaning sessions. Spend 15 minutes each evening doing a modified version, and your weekly deep clean becomes much more manageable.

Daily maintenance tips:

• Clean as you cook – wash utensils while food simmers
• Wipe spills immediately before they become sticky disasters
• Do dishes after each meal instead of letting them pile up
• Sweep high-traffic areas daily

The goal isn’t perfection – it’s maintaining a kitchen that’s clean, functional, and welcoming. Your future self will thank you when you can start cooking without first spending an hour cleaning up yesterday’s mess.

Remember, your kitchen is the heart of your home. It deserves to be a space that inspires you to create, connect, and nourish the people you love. These 7 steps will help you maintain that vision without turning cleaning into a dreaded chore.

Now go forth and conquer that kitchen – you’ve got this!