How to Clean a Kitchen

Countertops should be cleaned daily. Here’s a general method that works for most countertop materials.

• Use a dry microfiber cloth to wipe away crumbs and loose debris to eliminate any grit that can scratch the surface when you start cleaning.
• Add a few drops of mild liquid dish soap and warm water to a spray bottle. Avoid abrasive liquids as these can dull or damage the finish over time.
• Shake the bottle, then spray the counter. Working in small sections, wipe the countertop with a microfiber cloth or sponge, paying close attention to sticky spots or discoloration.
• Let the cleaner sit for a few minutes on spots where you need to break down grease or stubborn stains.
• Go back over the counter with a clean damp microfiber towel or sponge.

If you prefer, use a kitchen-safe cleaner that’s appropriate for your surface type — granite, marble, laminate or tile. Ensure you follow the cleaner’s instructions carefully.

Your kitchen sink offers the ideal environment for bacteria to grow, which is why you need to clean and disinfect the space. 

• Rinse the entire sink with warm water to remove food residue. 
• Sprinkle baking soda lightly throughout the sink or use a disinfectant spray. 
• When using a disinfectant spray, leave it on the surface for the contact time listed on the label (usually 30 seconds to 10 minutes) to effectively kill germs. 
• Use a sponge to gently scrub the sink in a circular motion. Focus on any stained or discolored areas. When scrubbing, pay close attention to the drain. For tough stains that won’t come out right away, add more baking soda and let it sit for a few minutes. 
• When finished, rinse thoroughly with warm water. 
• Wipe down the handles and faucet with a soft cloth dipped in warm soapy water. Pay special attention to build up around the base, using a toothbrush to clean tight areas. 
• Rinse well with warm water. Dry everything with a clean, soft towel or microfiber cloth.

Your appliances work hard for you every day. Over time, they accumulate dirt, grease and food residue. Keeping them looking great on the outside is just as important as keeping them working on the inside.

Before you begin, unplug the small appliances for safety.

• Wipe down appliance exteriors using a few drops of mild liquid dish soap and warm water mixed in a spray bottle. Clean exterior surfaces, focusing on buttons, handles, touch screens and other areas where fingerprints build up. When cleaning stainless steel exteriors, wipe in the direction of the grain and dry immediately with a clean towel to help prevent streaks.
• Microwave - After you wipe down the outside, clean the inside with a mix of one cup water and two tablespoons of baking soda in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat it for five minutes, then let it sit inside the microwave for 15 minutes. Then clean splatters from the inside of the microwave with a damp cloth.
• Stove - Remove the burner grates or coils from the stove and soak them in warm soapy water. Clean the stovetop using a degreaser and clean it with a cloth. If you have an electric stove, clean it with a terry cloth and use a soft-bristled brush to remove dirt from the corners.
• Smooth Top Electric Range - Spray lightly with warm soapy water and clean. For tougher stains, sprinkle with baking soda and cover it with a damp cloth. Let it sit for 20 minutes, then gently scrub it to remove the residue.
• Oven - Remove the racks and grills and soak them in warm soapy water. Sprinkle baking soda on greasy spots, spritz with water and let it sit for 20 minutes, then wipe clean. Clean the door glass with vinegar diluted 1:1. After soaking the racks and grills, scrub them clean and return them to the oven.
• Refrigerator - Spray the refrigerator’s exterior and give it a good once-over. If it’s stainless steel, wipe in the direction of the grain and dry it immediately to prevent streaks. Refrigerators should be cleaned weekly on the inside. Remove the food and throw away anything expired or spoiled. Remove shelves and bins and wash them in warm soapy water. Clean the inside of the fridge with warm soapy water. For help with cleaning the fridge, we recommend reading our guide.
• You can also use a vacuum with the appropriate attachment to clean the appliances as needed.

Kitchen cabinets and drawers are magnets for grease, food splatters, crumbs and dust. The closer they are to the stove, the worse they get. Regular cleaning helps extend their life and keeps your kitchen looking great.

• Remove everything from the cabinets and drawers.
• Clean up any dust or crumbs with a dry cloth or handheld vac.
• Use a mild cleaning solution of warm soapy water and a sponge to clean inside every cabinet and drawer.
• Clean the exterior, including the handles and pulls. Give special attention to areas close to the stove where grease builds up. For grooves, crevices and hard to reach areas, an old toothbrush works well.
• Remove soap residue with a clean, damp cloth. Dry everything with a microfiber cloth or a clean towel.

Now that you’ve finished cleaning your kitchen, the last step is to clean the floor.

• Start with a good sweeping to get rid of crumbs, dirt and other debris.
• Vacuum to pick up the dirt and fine dust.
• After vacuuming, follow up with a good mopping to ensure you get the floor clean.

A clean kitchen isn’t just about looks; it makes the whole space feel more functional. With a little routine care, you can keep it looking great. The trick is to make cleaning the kitchen part of your regular routine.

Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Clear the clutter: Declutter and clear off all the counters daily.
• Know the basics: Give countertops, sinks, stovetops, etc. a regular once-over with a soap and warm water mix.
• Tackle grime early: Treat spills and grease before they set in.
• Tidy your storage: Empty and wipe cabinets and drawers as needed.
• The finishing touch: Sweep and mop the floors to make your kitchen shine.

A little consistency goes a long way. With regular care, cleaning your kitchen won’t feel like a chore and your kitchen will stay clean, organized and functional.

Ready to clean? When you need all-purpose cleaners, mops, dish soap and more, shop online for all your kitchen needs, or go to your local Lowe’s and a Lowe’s Red Vest associate can help you find what you need.