If you've ever spent four hours cleaning your kitchen and felt like it still wasn't right, the issue is usually order. Pros work top-down and outside-in for a reason. Here's the sequence.
Step 1: Empty the sink, fill it with hot soapy water
Put any small dishwasher-safe items in there to soak while you do everything else. The sink is also where you'll rinse rags, wring out sponges, and dump dirty water as you go.
Step 2: Move loose items to the dining table
Counters, the stovetop, the top of the fridge, the windowsill — get them clear. Don't clean around stuff.
Step 3: Top down — ceiling and walls first
- Ceiling fan blades and light fixtures (dust first, then wipe)
- Top of cabinets (if accessible)
- Vent hood, including the filter
- Walls and backsplash
Step 4: Inside appliances
- Microwave (heat a bowl of water with vinegar for 3 min, then wipe — steam loosens everything)
- Oven (degreaser or oven cleaner per label)
- Refrigerator interior — pull shelves, wash in the sink, dry
- Dishwasher interior — run a vinegar cycle
Step 5: Cabinet fronts and handles
Microfiber + degreaser. Top to bottom on each cabinet.
Step 6: Countertops
Clear, wipe, dry. Don't put stuff back yet.
Step 7: Stovetop and outside of appliances
Save these for late so you're not re-doing them after dripping crumbs from upper cabinets.
Step 8: Sink and disposal
Drain the sink water (everything's been soaking). Wash items, dry, put away. Scrub the sink. Disposal: handful of ice + a lemon half.
Step 9: Floor — sweep, then mop
Last. Always last. Everything else has been dropping crumbs and dust onto the floor.
Step 10: Put items back, intentionally
Now that the surfaces are clean, decide what actually needs to be on the counter vs. in a cabinet. A clean kitchen with cluttered counters still looks cluttered.
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