Kitchen Cleaning Checklist: From Counters to Cabinets

The kitchen is where hygiene matters most. Food preparation surfaces, appliance interiors, and high-touch handles need consistent cleaning to prevent bacterial contamination and pest attraction. This checklist covers every kitchen surface from daily wipes to monthly deep cleans.

1. 1

   Clear and sanitize all countertops

   Remove everything, spray with food-safe sanitizer, let it sit for the recommended contact time, then wipe clean.

2. 2

   Clean the stovetop and drip pans

   Remove burner grates and drip pans, soak in soapy water, and scrub. Wipe the stovetop surface with degreaser.

3. 3

   Wipe down the range hood and filter

   Degrease the hood exterior and interior. Soak the filter in hot water with degreaser to dissolve grease buildup.

4. 4

   Clean the microwave inside and out

   Heat a bowl of water with lemon for two minutes to loosen food, then wipe interior. Clean the exterior and handle.

5. 5

   Wipe all cabinet fronts and handles

   Kitchen cabinet handles accumulate grease from cooking hands. Degrease every handle and wipe all door fronts.

6. 6

   Clean the refrigerator interior

   Remove all items, toss expired food, wipe shelves and drawers, clean door gaskets, and reorganize.

7. 7

   Scrub the kitchen sink and polish faucet

   The kitchen sink harbors more bacteria than most surfaces. Scrub with a non-scratch pad, rinse, and polish the faucet.

8. 8

   Clean the garbage disposal

   Run ice cubes and salt through the disposal to clean the blades. Follow with lemon peels and cold water for freshness.

9. 9

   Wipe small appliances

   Clean the toaster crumb tray, wipe the coffee maker exterior, clean the blender base, and wipe the kettle.

10. 10

    Clean the dishwasher interior

    Run an empty cycle with dishwasher cleaner. Wipe the door gasket and clean the filter trap at the bottom.

11. 11

    Wipe the dining table and chairs

    Clear the table, spray and wipe the surface, and wipe chair seats and backs where hands rest.

12. 12

    Sweep and mop the kitchen floor

    Sweep to remove crumbs and debris, then mop with a floor cleaner appropriate for your surface type.

13. 13

    Empty and clean the trash can

    Remove the bag, wipe the interior with disinfectant, dry completely, and fit a fresh liner.

14. 14

    Organize the pantry

    Check expiration dates, wipe shelves, and reorganize. Group items by category for easier access.