How to Deep Clean Your Kitchen: A Step-by-Step Guide

A deep clean goes further than a daily wipe-down. It targets the grease, grime and hidden bacteria that build up over weeks of cooking. Aim to deep clean your kitchen every three to four months. Set aside about two hours, open a window for ventilation, and work in a logical order so you never clean the same surface twice.

Gather your kit first

Save time by collecting everything before you start. You will need washing-up liquid, a degreaser or bicarbonate of soda, white vinegar, microfibre cloths, a scrubbing brush, rubber gloves and a bin bag for clutter. Having it all to hand means fewer trips back and forth.

Clear and declutter

Take everything off the worktops and out of the sink. Bin any out-of-date food from the cupboards and fridge as you go. A clear surface is far quicker to clean, and you will spot the spills and crumbs you would otherwise miss.

Work from top to bottom

Dust and grease fall downwards, so always start high. Wipe the tops of the wall units, the extractor hood and the shelves first, then move to the worktops, and leave the floor until last. This way you never redo work you have already finished.

Tackle the appliances

Oven and hob

Remove the shelves and soak them in hot, soapy water. Spread a paste of bicarbonate of soda and water inside the oven, leave it for 30 minutes, then scrub and wipe clean. For the hob, a little washing-up liquid lifts most grease, with a thick paste for stubborn burnt-on marks.

Fridge and microwave

Empty the fridge, remove the shelves and wash them in warm soapy water. Wipe the inside with a solution of one part white vinegar to four parts water to neutralise odours. For the microwave, heat a bowl of water and lemon for two minutes, then wipe the loosened grime away.

Descale the sink and taps

London is a hard-water area, so limescale is common. Wrap the taps in a cloth soaked in white vinegar for an hour, then buff dry for a shine. Finish the sink with a disinfectant and pay attention to the plughole and overflow.

Do not forget the details

Wipe down the cupboard doors and handles, where greasy fingerprints gather. Clean the splashback and the tiles behind the hob, and pull out small appliances such as the toaster and kettle to clean underneath. These finishing touches make the whole room feel properly clean.

Finish with the floor

Sweep or vacuum first to lift the crumbs, then mop with a warm detergent solution. Get into the corners and under the kickboards where dust collects. Let it dry fully before you put anything back.

A full kitchen deep clean is satisfying, but it is hard work. If you would rather hand it over, book a GlowSpark cleaner from £19 an hour, with a first hour for £9 on your first Home Cleaning booking, and enjoy a spotless kitchen without lifting a finger.