Work top to bottom
Starting with upper cabinets and light fixtures and working down to floors prevents re-cleaning surfaces that catch falling dust or debris from higher areas.
Don't skip appliance interiors
Regular kitchen cleaning often covers only visible surfaces. A deep clean should include the inside of the refrigerator, oven, microwave, and dishwasher filter — areas that accumulate buildup out of daily view.
- Wipe refrigerator shelves and check for expired items
- Run a dishwasher cleaning cycle or wipe the filter and door seal
- Clean the oven interior, including racks, if it's been more than a few months
Address grease and grime near the stove
The area around and above a stove accumulates a thin film of grease over time, even with regular wiping. A degreasing cleaner on the stovetop, backsplash, and range hood filter usually reveals buildup that daily cleaning misses.
Finish with floors and baseboards
Kitchen floors and baseboards collect crumbs, splatters, and dust that regular sweeping can miss in corners and under appliances that can be pulled out occasionally for a thorough clean.
