The Strategic Kitchen Cleaning Checklist for Daily, Weekly, and Deep Cleaning

Keeping the kitchen clean is a never-ending chore. Prep and cook food. Wipe up any spills. Do the dishes. Repeat.
Life is hectic and making time to clean the kitchen can be tough. By making a cleaning schedule (and sticking to it!), cleaning the kitchen won’t be an insurmountable chore. Here’s a strategic kitchen cleaning checklist broken down by daily and weekly chores. We’ve also included what you need to do for those times when a deep cleaning is in order.
Being the heart of the home and the place where we all gather to visit, prep food, and eat, a messy kitchen makes daily living unpleasant. Dirt, grime, grease, and bacteria left on countertops and cooktops can lead to the perfect breeding ground for food contamination and foodborne illnesses.
Leftover crumbs and improper food storage can also invite in unwelcome pests like weevils or mice. And we don’t want that, do we?
Use this strategic kitchen cleaning checklist as a starting point and customize it to suit your own schedule and cleaning standards.
Let’s gather a few supplies, and dive right in!
Kitchen cleaning supplies
Before you start, let’s round up a few supplies first:
- Microfiber cloth(s)
- Sponges
- Gloves
- Glass cleaner
- All-purpose cleaner
- Oven cleaner
- Broom or vacuum
- Mop or wet Swiffer
- Garbage bags
- White vinegar
- Baking soda
- A box or bin to remove unwanted items
Daily kitchen cleaning checklist
Doing these cleaning tasks on the regular makes meal prep and cooking so much more enjoyable.
Cleaning tip: A mild abrasive like baking soda is great for cleaning stainless steel sinks, and sink drains. Give your sink a quick rinse with water and sprinkle baking soda all over it. Use a sponge to work in small circles all over the surface and edges of the sink. Finish with a quick vinegar rinse followed by a water rinse.

Weekly kitchen cleaning checklist
Once a week, spend 20-30 minutes to do a few light cleaning tasks for a sparkling clean kitchen.
null!– wp:kadence/iconlist null –> nulldiv class=”wp-block-kadence-iconlist kt-svg-icon-list-items kt-svg-icon-list-items_19ab9a-72 kt-svg-icon-list-columns-1 alignnone”>nullul class=”kt-svg-icon-list”>nullli class=”kt-svg-icon-list-style-default kt-svg-icon-list-item-wrap kt-svg-icon-list-item-0 kt-svg-icon-list-level-undefined”>nulldiv style=”display:inline-flex;justify-content:center;align-items:center” class=”kt-svg-icon-list-single kt-svg-icon-list-single-fe_checkCircle”>nullsvg style=”display:inline-block;vertical-align:middle” viewBox=”0 0 24 24″ height=”20″ width=”20″ fill=”none” stroke=”currentColor” xmlns=”http://www.w3.org/2000/svg” stroke-width=”2″ stroke-linecap=”round” stroke-linejoin=”round” aria-hidden=”true”>nullpath d=”M22 11.08V12a10 10 0 1 1-5.93-9.14″>null/path>nullpolyline points=”22 4 12 14.01 9 11.01″>null/polyline>null/svg>null/div>nullspan class=”kt-svg-icon-list-text”>Clean out fridge by tossing out nulla href=”https://rusticwise.com/how-long-can-eggs-last-in-the-fridge/” class=”rank-math-link”>expired itemsnull/a> and wiping up any noticeable crumbs and spillsnull/span>null/li>nullli class=”kt-svg-icon-list-style-default kt-svg-icon-list-item-wrap kt-svg-icon-list-item-1 kt-svg-icon-list-level-undefined”>nulldiv style=”display:inline-flex;justify-content:center;align-items:center” class=”kt-svg-icon-list-single kt-svg-icon-list-single-fe_checkCircle”>nullsvg style=”display:inline-block;vertical-align:middle” viewBox=”0 0 24 24″ height=”20″ width=”20″ fill=”none” stroke=”currentColor” xmlns=”http://www.w3.org/2000/svg” stroke-width=”2″ stroke-linecap=”round” stroke-linejoin=”round” aria-hidden=”true”>nullpath d=”M22 11.08V12a10 10 0 1 1-5.93-9.14″>null/path>nullpolyline points=”22 4 12 14.01 9 11.01″>null/polyline>null/svg>null/div>nullspan class=”kt-svg-icon-list-text”>Wipe the exterior of kitchen appliances such as fridge, dishwasher, oven, toaster, and coffee potnull/span>null/li>nullli class=”kt-svg-icon-list-style-default kt-svg-icon-list-item-wrap kt-svg-icon-list-item-2 kt-svg-icon-list-level-undefined”>nulldiv style=”display:inline-flex;justify-content:center;align-items:center” class=”kt-svg-icon-list-single kt-svg-icon-list-single-fe_checkCircle”>nullsvg style=”display:inline-block;vertical-align:middle” viewBox=”0 0 24 24″ height=”20″ width=”20″ fill=”none” stroke=”currentColor” xmlns=”http://www.w3.org/2000/svg” stroke-width=”2″ stroke-linecap=”round” stroke-linejoin=”round” aria-hidden=”true”>nullpath d=”M22 11.08V12a10 10 0 1 1-5.93-9.14″>null/path>nullpolyline points=”22 4 12 14.01 9 11.01″>null/polyline>null/svg>null/div>nullspan class=”kt-svg-icon-list-text”>Clean and disinfect high-touch areas such as cabinet knobs, fridge handles, and light switchesnull/span>null/li>nullli class=”kt-svg-icon-list-style-default kt-svg-icon-list-item-wrap kt-svg-icon-list-item-3 kt-svg-icon-list-level-undefined”>nulldiv style=”display:inline-flex;justify-content:center;align-items:center” class=”kt-svg-icon-list-single kt-svg-icon-list-single-fe_checkCircle”>nullsvg style=”display:inline-block;vertical-align:middle” viewBox=”0 0 24 24″ height=”20″ width=”20″ fill=”none” stroke=”currentColor” xmlns=”http://www.w3.org/2000/svg” stroke-width=”2″ stroke-linecap=”round” stroke-linejoin=”round” aria-hidden=”true”>nullpath d=”M22 11.08V12a10 10 0 1 1-5.93-9.14″>null/path>nullpolyline points=”22 4 12 14.01 9 11.01″>null/polyline>null/svg>null/div>nullspan class=”kt-svg-icon-list-text”>Clean microwave by wiping down the sides and any crumbsnull/span>null/li>nullli class=”kt-svg-icon-list-style-default kt-svg-icon-list-item-wrap kt-svg-icon-list-item-4 kt-svg-icon-list-level-undefined”>nulldiv style=”display:inline-flex;justify-content:center;align-items:center” class=”kt-svg-icon-list-single kt-svg-icon-list-single-fe_checkCircle”>nullsvg style=”display:inline-block;vertical-align:middle” viewBox=”0 0 24 24″ height=”20″ width=”20″ fill=”none” stroke=”currentColor” xmlns=”http://www.w3.org/2000/svg” stroke-width=”2″ stroke-linecap=”round” stroke-linejoin=”round” aria-hidden=”true”>nullpath d=”M22 11.08V12a10 10 0 1 1-5.93-9.14″>null/path>nullpolyline points=”22 4 12 14.01 9 11.01″>null/polyline>null/svg>null/div>nullspan class=”kt-svg-icon-list-text”>Thoroughly clean sink and faucetsnull/span>null/li>nullli class=”kt-svg-icon-list-style-default kt-svg-icon-list-item-wrap kt-svg-icon-list-item-5 kt-svg-icon-list-level-undefined”>nulldiv style=”display:inline-flex;justify-content:center;align-items:center” class=”kt-svg-icon-list-single kt-svg-icon-list-single-fe_checkCircle”>nullsvg style=”display:inline-block;vertical-align:middle” viewBox=”0 0 24 24″ height=”20″ width=”20″ fill=”none” stroke=”currentColor” xmlns=”http://www.w3.org/2000/svg” stroke-width=”2″ stroke-linecap=”round” stroke-linejoin=”round” aria-hidden=”true”>nullpath d=”M22 11.08V12a10 10 0 1 1-5.93-9.14″>null/path>nullpolyline points=”22 4 12 14.01 9 11.01″>null/polyline>null/svg>null/div>nullspan class=”kt-svg-icon-list-text”>nulla href=”https://rusticwise.com/best-way-to-clean-lvp-flooring/” title=”Best Way To Clean LVP Flooring (Luxury Vinyl Plank)”>Mop the floornull/a>null/span>null/li>nullli class=”kt-svg-icon-list-style-default kt-svg-icon-list-item-wrap kt-svg-icon-list-item-6 kt-svg-icon-list-level-undefined”>nulldiv style=”display:inline-flex;justify-content:center;align-items:center” class=”kt-svg-icon-list-single kt-svg-icon-list-single-fe_checkCircle”>nullsvg style=”display:inline-block;vertical-align:middle” viewBox=”0 0 24 24″ height=”20″ width=”20″ fill=”none” stroke=”currentColor” xmlns=”http://www.w3.org/2000/svg” stroke-width=”2″ stroke-linecap=”round” stroke-linejoin=”round” aria-hidden=”true”>nullpath d=”M22 11.08V12a10 10 0 1 1-5.93-9.14″>null/path>nullpolyline points=”22 4 12 14.01 9 11.01″>null/polyline>null/svg>null/div>nullspan class=”kt-svg-icon-list-text”>Take out garbagenull/span>null/li>nullli class=”kt-svg-icon-list-style-default kt-svg-icon-list-item-wrap kt-svg-icon-list-item-7 kt-svg-icon-list-level-undefined”>nulldiv style=”display:inline-flex;justify-content:center;align-items:center” class=”kt-svg-icon-list-single kt-svg-icon-list-single-fe_checkCircle”>nullsvg style=”display:inline-block;vertical-align:middle” viewBox=”0 0 24 24″ height=”20″ width=”20″ fill=”none” stroke=”currentColor” xmlns=”http://www.w3.org/2000/svg” stroke-width=”2″ stroke-linecap=”round” stroke-linejoin=”round” aria-hidden=”true”>nullpath d=”M22 11.08V12a10 10 0 1 1-5.93-9.14″>null/path>nullpolyline points=”22 4 12 14.01 9 11.01″>null/polyline>null/svg>null/div>nullspan class=”kt-svg-icon-list-text”>nullstrong>Disinfect sink sponges or cloths:null/strong> An easy way to do this is to throw in any sponges onto the top rack of your nulla href=”https://rusticwise.com/best-substitutes-for-dish-soap-and-dishwasher-detergent/” title=”13 Best Substitutes for Dish Soap and Dishwasher Detergent”>dishwasher before doing a load of dishesnull/a>.null/span>null/li>nullli class=”kt-svg-icon-list-style-default kt-svg-icon-list-item-wrap kt-svg-icon-list-item-8 kt-svg-icon-list-level-undefined”>nulldiv style=”display:inline-flex;justify-content:center;align-items:center” class=”kt-svg-icon-list-single kt-svg-icon-list-single-fe_checkCircle”>nullsvg style=”display:inline-block;vertical-align:middle” viewBox=”0 0 24 24″ height=”20″ width=”20″ fill=”none” stroke=”currentColor” xmlns=”http://www.w3.org/2000/svg” stroke-width=”2″ stroke-linecap=”round” stroke-linejoin=”round” aria-hidden=”true”>nullpath d=”M22 11.08V12a10 10 0 1 1-5.93-9.14″>null/path>nullpolyline points=”22 4 12 14.01 9 11.01″>null/polyline>null/svg>null/div>nullspan class=”kt-svg-icon-list-text”>Remove used dish towels and replace with clean onesnull/span>null/li>null/ul>null/div> null!– /wp:kadence/iconlist –>Cleaning tip: To remove baked on food in your microwave, fill a small bowl with water, and a wedge of lemon. Microwave for one minute and let it sit for five minutes before wiping clean with a sponge. The heat and moisture helps to loosen grease and food particles.

Deep cleaning
How often should you deep clean your kitchen? Well, it’s up to you (and your schedule) whether you deep clean your kitchen once a month, or once every few months. Carve out a few hours to knock off these cleaning tasks all at once, or one at a time.
While not exactly anyone’s idea of “fun” (unless you’re a Monica Geller-type), deep cleaning is essential to keeping kitchen appliances running smoothly, and your overall kitchen mess-free.
Clean the inside and outside of major appliances including:
Clean small appliances including:
More cleaning and reorganizing including:
Cleaning tip: Repurpose and sanitize old toothbrushes before tossing them. Toothbrushes are great for cleaning the bottoms of sinks, scrubbing grout, and other small, hard-to-reach areas.
Cleaning tip: Use a drip catcher to prevent baked-on stains in the oven. You can buy inexpensive tin drip catchers from the dollar store. Or, use tin foil to make your own.
How to clean oven glass doors
Over time, baked-on grease and bits of food get sandwiched between your oven door’s glass window. Sure, we can wipe the exterior easily, but how exactly do you clean in-between the glass panes?
You did it! With a regular daily and weekly cleaning schedule, you can make deep cleaning and seasonal cleanings a breeze by banishing clutter and keeping mess to a minimum. A sparkling clean kitchen (or a reasonably clean kitchen) is within your reach!
👉If you like this post, see other Timeless Cleaning Tips You Need To Know.

References:
- Gibbs, Karen B. (28 April 2015). “How often you should clean your dishwasher — and how to do it,” Today. Accessed October 2020.
- Angie’s List, The Best Way to Clean Your Coffee Maker, https://www.angieslist.com/articles/how-to-best-way-clean-your-coffee-maker.htm. Accessed October 2020.
- Feucht, Andrea (08 January 2019). “How Long Do Spices Last?,” McCormick. Accessed October 2020.
- Ultimate Handyman (27 January 2018). How to clean in between a glass oven door, https://youtu.be/N5tyw4cw0pM. Accessed October 2020.

Author: Theresa Tesolin
Theresa is co-founder of RusticWise. She helps people unleash their inner DIY spirit by encouraging them to get dirty and make or grow something from scratch.