Start with the dishes
The first step to a clean kitchen is to tackle the dishes. Clear off any clean dishes that are just sitting in the sink and load up the dirty ones into the dishwasher. If you don’t have a dishwasher, fill up one side of the sink with hot, soapy water and let the dishes soak for a few minutes before scrubbing them down. Try to wipe any residue from pots, pans and dishes before soaking them as it makes them easier to clean.
Declutter surfaces
Kitchen counters and surfaces can quickly become cluttered with all sorts of items. Spend a few minutes putting away any items that don’t belong on the counters, such as mail or homework. Clear any crumbs and spills with a damp cloth or sponge, and don’t forget to wipe down appliances like the microwave, stove and refrigerator.
Take out the trash and recycling
If your trash can is overflowing, take it out and replace the bag with a fresh one. Don’t forget to also take out any recycling that has accumulated in the kitchen. Flatten any boxes and rinse out any containers before placing them in the recycling bin.
Clean the floors
The kitchen floor is often overlooked, but can quickly become dirty with spills and crumbs. Sweep or vacuum up any debris, and then mop or wipe down the floors with a cleaning solution. If you have especially stubborn stains, use a scrub brush to work out the dirt and grime.
Don’t forget the details
Once you’ve tackled the larger tasks, it’s time to focus on the details. Clean any small appliances, such as the toaster or coffee maker. Wipe down cabinet fronts and hardware, and use a degreaser if necessary. Finally, take a quick look around and make sure you haven’t missed any spots, such as the corners of counters or the underside of cabinets.
