How to deep clean your kitchen

An easy way to update the look of your kitchen at a very low cost is to give it a thorough deep clean. Even the cleanest kitchens sparkle anew after every surface, appliance and fixture is meticulously washed. If you aren’t sure exactly what should be covered during a kitchen deep clean, here’s a guide to get you started:

Pantry and cabinets
The first step toward cleaning your kitchen is getting rid of anything in the pantry, cabinets or on the counters that you no longer need. Clear your fridge and pantry of all expired items, and see if you can donate some canned and boxed goods you don’t use to a local food pantry. Then begin the real cleansing. Start by wiping down the pantry and cabinet shelves, one at a time, using a mixture of warm water and a little bit of white vinegar, or an all-purpose kitchen cleaner. Then wipe down the cabinet doors from top to bottom, front and back.

Appliances
Here’s how to clean each kitchen appliance:

• Stovetop and oven: For a gas stove and oven, first turn off the pilot lights. Remove the burners, if your stove has them, and oven shelves, and soak them in hot water and white vinegar. While those parts are soaking, thoroughly wipe down the stove surface and the bottom, top and each wall of the oven. Also clean the front and back of the oven door. Use a cleaning brush to scrub the soaked burners and racks until they are clear of grime, and replace them.
• Refrigerator: Clear the fridge of all food, take out the shelves, and soak them in warm water and white vinegar. Wipe down the walls of the fridge and the shelves on the door. Scrub the sides, top and door of the fridge, then use a sponge to wipe down the soaking shelves, and replace them. Put all the food back in, making sure to wipe down any messy or sticky containers.
• Dishwasher: The dishwasher should be relatively clean, but wipe down the door thoroughly.
• Microwave and toaster oven: These should be wiped down regularly, but give them a thorough wash with all-purpose kitchen cleaner. Soak the microwave plate and toaster racks or put them through a dishwasher cycle while cleaning the appliances.

Fixtures
To clean your kitchen sink, make sure all dishes are washed and put away, then spray it with kitchen cleaner or your water and vinegar solution, and let it soak in. For stainless steel kitchen sinks, you can find a stainless steel cleaner at the store that will cleanse and polish the surface. Wipe the sink and all faucet parts with a microfiber towel or soft washcloth that won’t scratch the surfaces.

Surfaces
When everything else is cleaned, tackle the countertop and floor. Spray cleaner onto the counter, let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe clean. Use a cloth soaked with warm water and concentrated white vinegar on any surface stains that don’t come out right away. Sweep the floor meticulously, then mop it with whichever floor or wood cleaner works best for your type of flooring.

A kitchen deep clean is perfect for before holiday dinners or other big events you’re having to make your space look brand new.