How to clean the kitchen: a practical step-by-step guide

A well-kept kitchen is not only nice to look at - it is above all safe and hygienic. Below you will find a proven procedure that saves time, effort and wallet. The procedure is "top down" and combines quick daily routines with deep cleaning.

1) Preparation and plan (5-10 minutes)

Gadgets: 2-3 microfiber cloths, sponge, soft brush, bucket, mop, rubber gloves, garbage bags, universal cleaner (pH-neutral), kitchen degreaser, glass cleaner, or baking soda and vinegar.

Security:

• Ventilate.

• Do not mix chemical preparations (especially chlorine + acids).

• Do not use vinegar on natural stone (marble, travertine) and aluminum. For stainless steel, clean in the direction of the "grains".

Tip - soaking saves you time: Leave the product on for 5-10 minutes and do something else in the meantime. Dirt loosens, you scrub less.

2) Quick daily "reset" (10-15 minutes)

1. Utensils and work surface: Store the dishes, wipe the line with a pH-neutral cleaner.

2. Hob: Wipe with a lukewarm cloth with a drop of detergent; non-abrasive on glass.

3. Sink and faucet: Rinse, dry, polish (for stainless steel in the direction).

4. Table and chairs: Quick wiping, crumbs in the trash.

5. Floor: Vacuum up the crumbs, or wipe with a damp mop.

6. Waste: Bind the basket so it doesn't smell.

Keep the daily routine short - it will leave the kitchen permanently "usable" and simplify deep cleaning.

3) Deep cleaning step by step (60-90 minutes, once every 1-2 weeks)

3.1 Upper cabinets, shelves, hood

• Cabinets outside and inside: Wipe with a pH-neutral cleaner. A degreaser will help with grease - leave it on for 5-7 minutes.

• Handles and edges: Wipe thoroughly, they tend to be the dirtiest.

• Hood:

  • Wipe the cover with a degreaser.

  • Grease filters remove and soak in hot water + degreaser. (Avoid strongly alkaline solutions for aluminum filters - they may turn cloudy.)

  • Rinse and allow to dry completely.

3.2 Appliances

• Microwave: Bowl with water and lemon slices, heat for 3-5 minutes. Steam loosens dirt; wipe clean.

• Oven:

  • Apply the paste from baking soda + some water, leave on for 30-60 minutes, then wipe off.

  • Clean the glass of the door with glass cleaner (or water with a little detergent), polish it dry.

• Hob:

  • Glass ceramic/induction - non-abrasive sponge, special glass cleaner, squeegee.

  • Gas grates - soak in hot water with detergent, remove grease with a degreaser.

• Refrigerator (once every 1-2 months):

  • Switch off, take out the contents, wash the drawers with a solution 1 liter of lukewarm water + 1-2 tablespoons of baking soda.

  • Clean the seal gently and dry. Return the food sorted.

• Dishwasher: Clean strainers, seals and arms; run a "cleaning" program with a product intended for this purpose.

3.3 Worktop, tiles, walls

• Proceed from left to right, top to bottom.

• Wall tiles (especially around the cooking zone) degrease, clean the joints with a brush.

• Natural stone: only pH-neutral cleaners, dry after washing.

3.4 Sink and drain

• Wash the sink with detergent, greasy areas with degreaser; on stainless steel polish along the direction.

• Siphon/drain: To prevent odors, pour hot water once in a while; use baking soda + vinegar off aluminum surfaces and not in combination with chlorine.

3.5 Floor

• First vacuum/sweep, then mop with clean water + suitable cleaner for the given type of floor. Clean from the farthest corner to the door.

4) Ecological and gentle procedures

• Universal solution for common wiping: 1 l of lukewarm water + a drop of detergent.

• Baking soda (fine abrasive): It works great on dried dirt in the sink or on bald spots.

• Vinegar (degreasing, shine): Diluted 1:1 with water - do not use on marble, travertine, some joints and aluminum.

• Microfiber: Saves chemicals and time, leaves less streaks.

5) Prevention - clean less

• Cover the pan when frying, so the grease doesn't fly around the kitchen.

• After cooking, briefly wipe the hob and line - dried grease is many times more work.

• Clean the hood filters continuously (e.g. every month).

• Keep your fridge organized (first in, first out) to reduce spills and sticky stains.

• Wash and dry the basket, sprinkle the bottom with a little baking soda against odors.

6) The most common mistakes (and how to avoid them)

• Mixing chemistry: Never mix chlorine and acids - dangerous fumes are produced.

• Dry scrubbing: Mostly it's enough let it work and then wipe.

• Abrasives for glass and stainless steel: Will cause scratches. Choose mild products and soft cloths.

• Vinegar everywhere: It does not belong on stone and aluminum. Use pH-neutral cleaners.

• One bucket for everything: The dirty solution smears the dirt. Change the water, use more towels.

7) A cleaning plan that works

Daily (10-15 min): dishes, line, hob, sink, crumbs from the floor, waste.
Weekly (45-60 min): cabinets from the outside, tiles, wet floor, microwave, quick check of the fridge.
Monthly (60-90 min): oven, hood and filters, cabinets inside, deep cleaning of the refrigerator and dishwasher.

8) Short checklist

• Line and hob wiped without streaks

• Sink washed and dried, faucet polished

• Tiles degreased, joints clean

• Appliances (microwave/oven) without deposits

• Hood and filters clean and dry

• The fridge is cleaned, the food is sorted

• The floor is vacuumed and mopped, the basket is taken out

Do you need cleaning outside the home?

If you also need regular cleaning at work, see our professional office cleaning - we adapt to traffic, monitor hygiene standards and save your time.

Summary: The key is to work from the top down, a short daily reset and a clever combination of pH-neutral cleaners with soaking. In this way, you will achieve a clean, hygienic and long-lasting kitchen without unnecessary scrubbing and odors.