How to Deep Clean a Kitchen
A regular kitchen wipe-down keeps surfaces looking clean, but grime builds up in places you don't notice: inside the oven, behind the fridge, inside cabinet doors, and under the stove. Here's how to do a proper kitchen deep clean.
What You'll Need
- Degreaser or all-purpose spray
- Oven cleaner (or baking soda paste)
- Microfibre cloths
- Scrub brush and toothbrush
- Dish soap
- Garbage bags
Step 1: Empty and Clean the Fridge
Remove all items, discard expired food, and remove shelves and drawers. Wash shelves in warm soapy water. Wipe inside the fridge with a mix of warm water and baking soda (2 tbsp per litre). Clean the rubber door seals with a toothbrush — this is where mould hides.
Step 2: Clean the Oven
For a non-toxic method: remove racks and soak in hot soapy water. Apply a paste of baking soda and water to the oven interior, avoiding heating elements. Let it sit 4–6 hours (or overnight). Wipe away with a damp cloth and spray with white vinegar to neutralize any remaining baking soda.
Step 3: Degrease the Stovetop and Hood
The range hood filter is one of the most neglected areas in any kitchen. Remove the filter and soak in hot water with dish soap for 20 minutes. Scrub and rinse. Wipe the exterior of the hood with degreaser. For the stovetop, remove grates and burner caps and soak them while you wipe down the stovetop surface.
Step 4: Wipe Inside All Cabinets and Drawers
Empty each cabinet and wipe the interior with a damp cloth. Check for crumbs, grease splatter, and old food residue. This is especially important for cabinets near the stove.
Step 5: Clean the Dishwasher
Remove and clean the filter (usually at the bottom of the dishwasher — check your manual). Run an empty cycle with a cup of white vinegar on the top rack, followed by a cycle with baking soda sprinkled on the bottom.
Step 6: Clean the Sink and Faucet
Scrub the sink with baking soda and dish soap. Pour boiling water down the drain followed by baking soda and vinegar to clear buildup. Clean the faucet base and handles with a toothbrush.
Step 7: Wipe Counters, Backsplash, and Walls
Grease travels further than you think. Wipe down the entire backsplash and any wall areas near the stove with degreaser.
Step 8: Clean the Floor Last
Move the fridge and stove to sweep and mop underneath — grease and crumbs accumulate there and attract pests.
A professional deep clean covers all of this in one visit. Book at maidless.ca for kitchen deep cleaning across Metro Vancouver and BC.