A pristine kitchen is the heart of a healthy home. But maintaining its cleanliness requires more than just a surface wipe-down. A deep kitchen cleaning, done thoroughly by incorporating green cleaning practices, ensures a hygienic environment for your family. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through a checklist made by professional London cleaners, providing effective strategies to make your kitchen gleam while being mindful of the planet.
Preparing for Deep Kitchen Cleaning
Make sure to gather all the needed supplies and equip yourself with the right mindset before you start cleaning.
Gather Supplies
- Eco-friendly all-purpose cleaner;
- White vinegar;
- Baking soda;
- Lemon;
- Lemon essential oil;
- Castile soap;
- Microfibre cloths;
- Old toothbrush for detailed work;
- Mop and bucket;
- Rubber gloves.
Remove Clutter
- Clear countertops of unnecessary items;
- Empty and clean out cabinets and drawers;
- Dispose of expired food items in the fridge and pantry.
Tackling Appliances
Let’s begin with cleaning the most commonly used appliances in the kitchen.
Refrigerator
- Remove all items;
- Create a powerful and eco-friendly cleaning solution by mixing equal parts white vinegar and water and wipe down the shelves;
- Clean the interior of your fridge by using a damp cloth and a mild detergent;
- Replace any worn-out gaskets.
Oven and Microwave
- Mix baking soda with water until you achieve a thick and pasty consistency. This paste can easily remove grease and stains and also eliminate any foul odours. Applying the paste to oven surfaces and allowing it to sit before scrubbing ensures a thorough and swift cleaning process;
- Wipe down the microwave’s interior and exterior;
- Soak your oven racks and microwave turntable separately in a solution of equal parts white vinegar and warm water. Wait for about 10-15 minutes, and then gently remove the stains with a non-abrasive sponge.
Dishwasher
- Run an empty cycle with white vinegar to eliminate odours;
- Wipe down the interior and exterior of the appliance, paying attention to the seals.
Deep Cleaning Surfaces
Now that the appliances are fresh and clean, it’s time to focus on the most commonly used surfaces.
Countertops
- Use an eco-friendly cleaner that is made of plant-based ingredients or essential oils to wipe down the kitchen surfaces;
- Polish granite or stone countertops with a specific cleaner. Specialised cleaners restore and maintain the natural shine and contain pH-balanced formulations, ensuring that the integrity of the stone is preserved;
- Seal natural stone countertops if needed.
Cabinets
- Create a cleaner by mixing two parts of warm water with one part of white vinegar. Soak a microfibre cloth into the solution and use it to wipe down the cabinet doors and handles. Check out why microfibre is a preferred cleaning material by many.
- Clean inside cabinets with a damp cloth;
- Consider reorganising for better functionality.
Sink and Faucet
- Use a soft brush and baking soda to scrub the sink and then rinse with water;
- Soak a cloth in vinegar and clean the faucet.
Paying Attention to Details
If you want to achieve great kitchen cleanliness – paying attention to small details is very important.
Grout and Tile
- Use an old toothbrush and mix baking soda and water to give your grout a thorough scrub;
- Create a floor cleaner by mixing distilled white vinegar and water in equal parts. Add a few drops of essential oil to the mixture for a fresh scent, and mop the entire floor.
Small Appliances
- Clean toaster crumb trays;
- Wipe down your coffee maker and all other small appliances you have in your kitchen;
- To cleanse the filters in cooker hoods, gently take out the filters and immerse them in a mixture of lukewarm water and approximately 240 grams of soda bicarbonate. Following a thorough soaking, delicately scrub the filters with a soft brush, rinse, and allow them to air dry before reinstalling.
Green Disposal of Waste
Don’t forget about the responsible disposal of waste generated during your deep clean!
Dispose of Hazardous Waste
- Safely discard expired cleaning products;
- Recycle old batteries and light bulbs responsibly.
Composting:
- Separate organic waste for composting;
- Invest in compostable bin liners for your kitchen bin.
Useful Diy Kitchen Cleaning Solution Recipes
All-Purpose Cleaner
- 240 ml white vinegar;
- 240 ml water;
- 15 grams baking soda;
- 10 drops of lemon essential oil.
Mix the ingredients in a spray bottle and shake well before using. This solution works great for cleaning countertops and appliances.
Grease-Cutting Mixture
- 125 grams baking soda;
- 30 ml castile soap;
- The juice from one lemon.
Combine the ingredients until you form a paste. Use the concoction on greasy surfaces or tough to remove stains and scrub with a sponge or scrub brush.
Disinfecting Lemon Vinegar
- Lemon peels (from 2-3 lemons);
- White vinegar.
Put the lemon peels into a jar and pour white vinegar over them. Allow it to sit for approximately two weeks, giving the jar an occasional shake. Filter the liquid and mix it with water in a 1:1 ratio to create a potent disinfectant.
Sink and Drain Cleaner
- 125 grams baking soda;
- 240 ml white vinegar;
- 240 ml hot water.
Pour the baking soda down the drain, followed by the white vinegar. Allow the ingredients to sit for a few minutes, then flush with hot water.
Lemon and Castile Soap Dish Soap
- 60 ml castile soap (liquid);
- 480 ml water;
- Juice of one lemon.
Mix the ingredients in a bottle. Use this solution as a natural dish soap. The lemon adds a fresh scent, and castile soap helps cut through grease.
Maintaining Regular Cleanliness
Now that your kitchen is sparkling clean, maintaining it requires consistent effort.
Daily Wipe-down
- Wipe countertops and surfaces daily;
- Quickly tackle spills and stains to prevent them from becoming stubborn.
Weekly Checks
- Check and clean out the refrigerator for any expired items;
- Wipe down cabinet doors and handles.
Considering Domestic Cleaning Services
Sometimes, the task of deep cleaning can be as daunting as navigating a labyrinth. This is where professional cleaners in London step in – skilled, thorough, and attentive. For those who need assistance, booking a cleaning service can be very beneficial, ensuring every nook and cranny of the kitchen receives the care it deserves.
Final Thoughts
Congratulations! You’ve successfully cleaned your kitchen in an environmentally responsible way. By utilising eco-friendly cleaners, you contribute to a sustainable planet. Follow this comprehensive checklist regularly, and your kitchen will remain a shining example of cleanliness and responsibility.
Remember, a clean kitchen is a happy kitchen!
