DIY Kitchen Cleaning Checklist and Instructions

My handy kitchen cleaning checklist and instructions are perfect for making sure you get your kitchen cleaned in no-time!

Whether it’s a kitchen deep cleaning day or just a quick run through before having someone over to your house, make sure to read through my kitchen cleaning checklist for areas to cover, and then keep reading for actual kitchen cleaning hacks in each of those areas. I cover everything from how to clean your kitchen sink drain, to how to quickly clean the inside of your microwave.

My DIY Kitchen Cleaning Checklist

This is my kitchen cleaning checklist. Some of these I do daily like countertops and the sink. Others I do weekly, like tile and the stovetop. And, others are more sporadic like the oven and the garbage disposal. (Those are more for kitchen deep cleaning days.)

But regardless of how often, you clean them, all you need to do each time you want to make sure your kitchen is looking great is run through this simple kitchen cleaning checklist. These are the areas to check and either clean, or make sure they’re still clean. And keep reading below for actual tips, kitchen cleaning hacks, and instructions on how to clean those areas of your kitchen. 

• Daily
  • Countertops 
  • Kitchen sink 
• Weekly
  • Microwave
  • Stovetop
  • Hood
  • Kitchen tile 
• A few times/year
  • Dishwasher (monthly)
  • Garbage Disposal
  • Oven
  • Kitchen cabinets

DIY Kitchen cleaning supply checklist

And to make sure you’re prepared to tackle this kitchen cleaning checklist at anytime, make sure to always keep these on hand: 

• White Vinegar
• Baking Soda
• Lemons
• Dish soap
• Soft bristled brush (or even an old toothbrush)
• Microfiber cloths (so much more effective than paper towels and they’re reusable)

How to clean your microwave

My favorite way to clean a microwave is also simple and easy.  Fill a microwave safe bowl or measuring cup with 1 cup of water and squeeze in half a lemon (or a whole, if you’d like).  I usually drop the lemon half in with the water, too.  Microwave on high for 3-5 minutes until the water boils and steams up the microwave; let it sit a minute or two afterwards before opening the door.  Then, using a microfiber cloth, wipe down the inside, tray, and the door.  If there are any stubborn spots, dip the cloth in the hot lemon water and use it to help remove them.  

How to clean your stovetop and kitchen hood cleaning

It’s easy to forget two areas when cleaning a stovetop – the stove exhaust/range hood grease filter and your burner knobs.  

To clean the grease filter/hood, carefully remove and soak it for 15-30 minutes in hot water, a little dish soap, and a few tablespoons of baking soda to cut the grease.  After soaking, scrub clean with a brush.  Rinse and dry completely before replacing.

For your burner knobs, make sure to remove them (you’d be surprised how many people don’t think to do this!).  Then, you can wipe clean anything that has built up underneath them, and also wash and clean your knobs with soap and water.

How to clean your dishwasher

Most people are shocked when they realize they need to clean their dishwasher filters – did you know yours probably has one?   These usually are found in the bottom of your washer, near your spinner.  Remove and soak these in hot water and vinegar once a month, brushing off any grime or buildup.  It goes without saying that the cleaner your filter is the cleaner your dishes will be!  

To clean the dishwasher itself, simply fill a dishwasher-safe bowl with about a cup of vinegar.  Place it on the bottom rack and run the hottest cycle to clean and deodorize your dishwasher. 

How to clean your garbage disposal

Next time you have some lemon wedges and ice left from cooking or making a drink, toss them in your garbage disposal to naturally freshen and sanitize it!  The ice cubes add some abrasion and break up any gunk that might be built up.  I truly do this once a week, any time I use a lemon – I rarely throw them in the trash!

How to clean your oven

Clean your oven naturally by mixing 4 parts baking soda and 1 part water in a bowl.  Remove the racks from your oven, then smear the paste all over the bottom, top, and sides of the oven, and allow it to sit for 30 minutes.  Then use a sponge soaked in vinegar to scrub it clean. Wipe all of the paste and grime off with microfiber cloths – don’t forget to scrub the door!  I suggest laying towels on the floor before you start, to catch the baking soda mixture! 

How to clean kitchen sink drain and sink

Aside from using a lemon to freshen and clean your garbage disposal, a solution of baking soda and vinegar is another easy way to clean your sink.  Add 1/2 cup of baking soda to your drain, followed by a cup of vinegar.  Let it sit for about 10-15 minutes before flushing with hot water – this is a great way to naturally clean your drain.  You can also plug your sink and fill it with a hot water/vinegar solution, let it sit, and then rinse your basin clean.

For stainless steel and porcelain sinks, I love Bar Keeper’s Friend (powder or cleanser form).  Use a non-abrasive sponge to scrub clean and rinse well.  The most important step is to wipe your sink dry with a microfiber cloth when finished – this is often forgotten and will make all the difference regardless of what product you use.

If you notice hard water stains or buildup around your faucet, rub half a lemon to clean and polish it up.  A brush or cloth soaked with vinegar will also work well!

Cleaning kitchen cabinets: – how to clean grease off kitchen cabinets and how to clean inside kitchen cabinets

Kitchen cabinets and grease stains can easily be removed with a mixture of warm water and a little dish soap; the properties of dish soap that cuts through grease will work on your cabinets, too!  Using a microfiber cloth, use the solution to wipe inside and outside of your cabinets.  Merry Maids of Houston trains their teams to start top to bottom, and move left to right – systematic cleaning will make sure you don’t miss any spots or create a new mess!  It’s a good idea to lay towels on the counter or floor to catch anything that might drip off.  

Kitchen Cleaning Services

My friends over at Merry Maids of Houston helped me write this article, so if you’re not feeling like cleaning your own house, or simply want help getting that really deep clean for your entire home and are in the Houston area, make sure to check them out. They use their own brand of cleaning solutions that are both safe and effective. You can view their website here. I received some free cleaning services in exchange for this post, but I’ve also paid my own money for their services many times and they do such a fabulous job!!