You might feel like your kitchen is always a mess and nearly impossible to keep spotless. Trust me, that feeling is familiar, after all, the kitchen is usually the busiest room in any home. Between meal prep, cooking, and snacking, it can feel like cleaning is a never-ending battle. But with a few weekly habits, you can maintain a kitchen that looks and feels fresh, without spending hours scrubbing. Here’s a practical weekly routine that will make keeping your kitchen clean much easier.
What You’ll Need
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Reset and Spot Clean Your Refrigerator
Your refrigerator is often overlooked, yet it’s one of the most important areas to maintain. A quick weekly reset can make a huge difference. Start by checking your food and removing anything expired, spoiled, or rotten. While you’re at it, take the opportunity to rearrange items, as things can get a little chaotic over the week.
Spot cleaning is just as important as removing old food. Any sticky spots or spills should be wiped down immediately using a gentle DIY vinegar mix. This prevents buildup that could attract dirt and make future cleaning more difficult. Not only does this keep your refrigerator clean, but it also helps maintain a fresh-smelling kitchen. For added efficiency, consider doing this before grocery day, so your fridge is ready for new items without the hassle.
Clean the Microwave
The microwave gets daily use, which often leads to splatters and buildup. While a splatter guard can minimize messes during cooking, a quick weekly wipe-down ensures it stays hygienic and fresh. Use a microfiber cloth and a DIY vinegar spray to clean the inside, paying special attention to the ceiling of the microwave where splatter tends to accumulate.
Don’t forget the exterior, especially the keypad and handle. These high-touch areas often collect dried food or fingerprints, and they’re frequently forgotten in weekly cleaning. A simple wipe-down keeps your microwave looking pristine and prevents the buildup of grime over time.
Wipe Down Your Stove Top and Appliances
Keeping your stove top clean is crucial, as grease and grime build up quickly. For glass cooktops, a gentle scrub with Dawn Power Wash and a Scrub Mommy works wonders. Cleaning after each meal helps prevent baked-on residue, making weekly cleaning much simpler. Interestingly, while scrubbing a glass cooktop, you can often hear the areas that are still dirty,a small tip that makes a big difference in achieving an even clean.
Weekly attention should also go to the ice and water dispenser on the refrigerator. Hard water and drips can create buildup in the tray and around the front, which can be cleaned using a soft cleanser and a damp microfiber cloth. Buffing afterward ensures the stainless steel shines beautifully.
Refill Soap and Replace Towels
A clean kitchen isn’t just about surfaces, it’s also about supplies. Keep hand soap and dishwashing soap stocked so they’re always available when you need them. Replacing kitchen towels weekly is another simple trick. Over time, towels can absorb odors, so fresh towels help your kitchen feel cleaner and smell fresher.
Wipe Down Countertops and Spot Clean Cabinets
Countertops should be wiped down daily, but a weekly deep-clean ensures every inch is maintained. Move items aside, spray with a safe cleaner (like a Dawn and water mix for quartz surfaces), and wipe thoroughly. Don’t forget the cabinets, especially in high-touch areas or if you have kids. Fingerprints and smudges can accumulate quickly, and a weekly wipe-down keeps them looking like new.
Clean the Kitchen Sink
The sink can be surprisingly satisfying to clean. Use Dawn Power Wash to remove grease and grime, followed by a soft cleanser to tackle hard water deposits. A final rinse with a microfiber cloth helps buff the surface to a shine. For composite or darker sinks, a small amount of mineral oil can restore the luster, making it one of the most rewarding tasks on your weekly cleaning list.
Clean the Floors
Finally, finish with the floors. Remove rugs and shake them out outside, then vacuum to pick up crumbs and debris that have fallen throughout the cleaning process. Mop with a neutral pH floor cleaner for a streak-free finish. Cleaning from top to bottom ensures crumbs and dust don’t get left behind, leaving your kitchen spotless.
By following this weekly routine, your kitchen can stay fresh, functional, and inviting without feeling overwhelming. A little effort each week goes a long way in keeping your most-used space in top shape.
