HOW TO DEEP CLEAN THE KITCHEN

No matter how you choose to clean, try following these simple rules to keep yourself on track and cut down on that cleaning time…

• Start cleaning from the top of the room and work your way down.  This is the fastest way to get things done and will cut down on dust falling on areas that you have already cleaned.      
• Clean the dirtiest things first in case the mess ends up spreading around.
• Work from one side of the room to the other in a systematic fashion.
• Dedicate a specific amount of cleaning time and then set a timer.  Work as fast as you can within this time and don’t let yourself get distracted.
• Stay in the kitchen!! 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Before you officially start, take a few minutes to clear away items that do not belong in the kitchen and place them in a bin or basket to put away afterwards.  Put any items from the counters into the cupboards if they have a spot to go so the counters are as clear as possible.  If you are going to be doing the whole kitchen at once,  I like to clear everything off of the counters and place them on the dining room table so that they are out of the way.  It takes a few more minutes at the beginning, but will actually save time in the end.  NOTE: This is just a quick tidy looking at things that are on the floor, obviously out of place, or that you know that you want to get rid of.  Save big organizing projects for later!

Gather your Cleaning Supplies

If you have a basic cleaning kit, you probably have most of your cleaning supplies all ready to go.  I try to use green cleaners as much as possible and have cut back drastically on the amount of cleaning products that I use {you can read more about my, I pretty much use my microfiber cloths, polishing cloth, and water/vinegar spray for about 80% of my kitchen cleaning. Here is a cleaning supply list that can be used.

• microfiber cleaning cloths {these will bring up dirt and grime much better than standard cloths}
• all-purpose spray {I usually just use a water bottle with 50/50 vinegar and water and some lemon or grapefruit essential oils}
• microfiber polishing cloth {I love my Norwex one}
• norwex micro pads
• dusting mitt or other duster
• dish soap {I like Dawn}
• toothbrush
• vacuum {I use my Dyson Animal and love it!}
• microfiber mop
• steam cleaner {I use the HomeRight steam machine plus}

Light Fixtures

• Wipe down all light fixtures with water and vinegar spray and replace any bulbs that need changing.

Tops of Cabinets

• If your cabinets do not go all the way up to the ceiling, the tops are probably in need of a good cleaning.  Remove all items.  Using a hand held vacuum {I  use my Dyson animal} or duster, dry dust the tops of the cabinets to remove all dust and other loose particles.  Spray with an all-purpose cleaner and wipe down.  If your kitchen tends to accumulate a lot of dust, you can place wax paper down on the cabinet tops so you just have to change out the wax paper when it needs cleaning.  Dust/wipe down all objects as you put them back up.
• While you are up there, check into corners and along ceiling edges and vacuum down all cobwebs.

• Windows
  • Take down and launder any window treatments.  Dust the blinds and spray and wipe down any splatters that may be on them.  
  • Clean your windows {this is even better if done on a sunny day so you can see all of the streaks and grime}.  I just use a Norwex window cloth and water but you could add a little vinegar for some extra cleaning power!
  • Don’t forget about opening the window as well and cleaning the window tracks.  You can see how I quickly clean our window tracks with our Home Right Steam Cleaner.