A clean kitchen is not only more visually appealing, but it is also important for food safety and sanitation. Having a kitchen cleaning checklist helps ensure all areas and tasks get routinely cleaned for a fresh, germ-free environment. This checklist will cover key areas that tend to attract dirt, grease and bacteria in the kitchen.

Having a checklist allows you to quickly run through cleaning tasks without forgetting any spots. It can help you develop a regular cleaning routine to stay on top of dirt before it builds up. A checklist also allows multiple people in a household to know what needs to be cleaned.

This kitchen cleaning checklist will cover cleaning countertops, disinfecting high-touch surfaces like handles and knobs, cleaning inside the microwave, shining stainless steel appliances, scrubbing the sink, wiping down appliance exteriors, sweeping and mopping floors, and wiping down cabinets. Following this checklist will result in a sparkling clean kitchen from top to bottom!

Clean Countertops

Start by removing everything from the countertops and clearing off any debris. This allows you to fully access the entire surface area. 

Next, mix together an all-purpose cleaner. You can make your own by combining equal parts warm water and vinegar in a spray bottle. For a more powerful cleaner, add a few drops of dish soap as well. Shake the bottle to fully incorporate the ingredients.

Spray the all-purpose cleaner directly onto the countertops. Use a clean microfiber cloth to wipe down the entire surface. Apply pressure as you wipe to remove any stuck on grime or food residue. 

Rinse with a damp cloth and wipe dry with a towel. Your countertops will be sparkling clean! Make sure to go over every inch, including around the edges and any built-in appliances.

 Disinfect High-Touch Surfaces

Disinfecting high-touch surfaces is one of the most important parts of a kitchen cleaning routine. Germs and bacteria easily spread from hands to surfaces, so disinfecting helps eliminate illness-causing microbes.  

Focus on disinfecting doorknobs, handles, light switches, and cabinet hardware. Anywhere that hands frequently touch should be disinfected. Use an antibacterial spray or wipes specifically designed for disinfecting. Lysol and Clorox make reliable disinfecting products. Thoroughly wipe down each surface, allowing the disinfectant to sit for a few minutes before wiping dry with a clean cloth.

Be sure to regularly disinfect lesser thought about spots like the handles of the refrigerator and oven, faucet handles, trash can lids, and the buttons on small appliances. Getting in the habit of quick daily disinfecting of high-touch areas helps prevent the spread of germs in the kitchen.

Clean Inside Microwave

One of the most used and often forgotten areas of the kitchen is the inside of the microwave. Food splatters and spills can quickly build up inside, leaving hardened messes that are difficult to remove. Here are some tips for cleaning the inside of your microwave:

- Combine equal parts water and vinegar in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave the solution on high for 2-3 minutes, allowing the steam to loosen any baked-on food. 

- Carefully remove the hot bowl and use a soft cloth to wipe down the inside walls and ceiling of the microwave. The heated vinegar solution will help break down grime and food residue. Pay close attention to the corners and edges.

- Remove the turntable and wash it in warm soapy water. Use a soft brush or sponge to scrub away any stuck-on bits. Rinse and dry thoroughly before replacing in the microwave.

- Clean the outside window and surfaces of the microwave using a multi-surface cleaner or mild soap and water solution. Buff dry with a soft cloth.

Regularly cleaning the inside of your microwave will help it operate more efficiently and look its best. Taking just a few minutes to steam clean with vinegar can dissolve splatters and return your microwave to a sparkling clean state.

Shine Up Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is a popular material in many kitchens for its durability, ease of cleaning, and modern aesthetic. However, stainless steel can lose its luster over time with fingerprints, smudges, and water spots. Restoring the shine to your stainless steel appliances and fixtures can make the kitchen look freshly-cleaned. 

Use a dedicated stainless steel cleaner or a mix of mild dish soap and water applied with a soft microfiber cloth. Rub the surface gently in the direction of the grain - avoid scrubbing across the grain, as this can create tiny scratches. The microfiber cloth will help lift up dirt and grease buildup. Make sure to buff the surface completely dry to avoid streaks. Focus on frequently handled areas like refrigerator doors, stove knobs, and the sink. A routine wipe-down helps maintain the stainless steel's brilliance. With the proper cleaning method, you can keep stainless steel gleaming for years to come.

Scrub Sink

The kitchen sink takes a beating and can collect grime, stains, and bacteria over time. Give your sink a deep clean by using a gentle abrasive like baking soda. Sprinkle baking soda directly in the sink and use a damp sponge or scrub brush to gently scrub away any stains and buildup. The baking soda will help break down residue without damaging the sink surface. Pay close attention to the drain area and faucet base where grease and soap scum often accumulate. 

After scrubbing, rinse the sink thoroughly with hot water to wash away any leftover baking soda or debris. For extra shine, you can follow up with a stainless steel polish or cleaner. Taking the time to thoroughly scrub and rinse the sink will help remove bacteria and leave you with a fresh, clean basin. A sparkling stainless steel or porcelain sink makes the whole kitchen look cleaner.

Clean Appliance Exteriors

Wiping down the outside of appliances is an important part of keeping your kitchen clean. Start by using a soft cloth dampened with warm water to remove any dust or crumbs on the exterior surfaces of appliances like your refrigerator, oven, microwave, and dishwasher. Pay close attention to handles, doors, and control panels where grease and dirt can accumulate. 

For a deeper clean, use an appliance cleaner formulated for wiping down exterior appliance surfaces. Spray or apply the cleaner directly to the cloth, not the appliance, to avoid drips. Wipe down all exterior surfaces using a gentle circular motion. Take care not to let any cleaner drip near vents or openings. 

Finish by using a clean, dry microfiber cloth to polish away any leftover cleaner residue. This helps appliances shine while also ensuring no chemical buildup occurs on the exterior. Be sure to unplug appliances before cleaning around openings or vents to prevent any electrical hazards. Properly cleaning the outside of kitchen appliances helps them look their best while also removing dirt and bacteria.

Sweep and Mop Floors

Sweeping the floors first helps remove any loose debris or dirt that could get pushed around and make more of a mess when mopping. Start by thoroughly sweeping the entire kitchen floor. Pay close attention to corners and under appliances where dust and crumbs tend to accumulate. 

Once the floor is free of debris, fill your mop bucket with your preferred floor cleaner and water. Refer to the floor cleaner's label for the correct ratio of cleaner to water. Work in sections when mopping the floor to avoid the cleaning solution from getting dirty too quickly. Dip the mop head in the cleaning solution, wring it out so it's damp but not dripping, and mop a section of the floor. Rinse the mop head, wring it out again, and move onto the next section. Continue mopping in this pattern until the entire kitchen floor is clean. Let the floor air dry completely before walking on it.

Wipe Down Cabinets

Keeping your cabinets clean not only makes your kitchen look nicer, but also helps extend their life by preventing buildup and grime. Here are some tips for wiping down cabinets:

- Mix together a cleaning solution of warm water and a small amount of dish soap or other mild detergent. Avoid using anything too harsh or abrasive that could damage the cabinet finish. 

- Dip a soft cloth or sponge into the cleaning mixture, wring out excess liquid, and wipe down cabinet doors, fronts and sides. Get into crevices and details.

- Pay special attention to handles and knobs where grease and dirt can accumulate. 

- For wooden cabinets, wipe along the wood grain to avoid streaks. 

- Use a clean dry microfiber cloth to buff each section dry as you go, to prevent streaks and water marks.

- For stubborn dirt or grease, let the cleaning mixture sit for a few minutes before wiping to help loosen the grime. 

- Be gentle around labels, as excess scrubbing can cause them to peel.

- For glass cabinet doors, use a glass cleaner or mixture of vinegar and water for extra sparkle.

Regularly wiping down cabinets keeps them looking fresh, removes grease splatters and dust, and helps maintain the finish. A quick wipe down makes the whole kitchen appear cleaner.

Conclusion

Keeping your kitchen clean should be a regular habit. A clean kitchen not only looks great, but it helps prevent the spread of germs and bacteria that can cause illnesses. This checklist covered several key tasks for thorough kitchen cleaning:

- Cleaning countertops, appliances, floors, cabinets, and other surfaces helps remove dirt, grease, and grime that accumulate in a kitchen. Using disinfectants on high-touch areas helps kill germs.  

- Microwaves, sinks, and stainless steel appliances all need special care and cleaning methods. Following tips for these specific items keeps them looking their best.

- Sweeping and mopping floors thoroughly removes debris, sticky spills, and dirt from under appliances and hard-to-reach areas. This prevents contamination and helps floors stay cleaner longer.

- Wiping down cabinets, both interior and exterior, keeps them free of grease buildup, dust, and splatters.

Regularly going through these cleaning tasks helps maintain a fresh, sanitary kitchen. Dedicating time each week or month to fully clean the kitchen prevents bigger messes and problems from developing. A clean kitchen promotes good health for you and your family.