How to Deep Clean Your Kitchen with Just 6 Tools

Keeping your kitchen clean isn’t just about making it look good—it actually matters for your health, safety, and peace of mind. A quick wipe might take care of surface mess, but it’s the deep cleaning that truly tackles hidden grease, bacteria, and buildup.

If deep cleaning sounds like a huge task, you’re not alone. A lot of people put it off because it feels overwhelming. The good news? You don’t need fancy gadgets or a team of professionals. With the right cleaning tools and a plan, you can handle it all yourself—and feel pretty great about it too.

This guide will show you how to deep clean your kitchen using just six simple tools. Whether you’re doing this once a month or after a big holiday cook-up, this routine will help you get your space feeling fresh, safe, and ready for whatever’s next.

Why Deep Cleaning Matters

Your kitchen is where meals happen. It’s where hands touch every surface, food is chopped, dishes are washed, and spills seem to appear out of nowhere. All of that activity invites bacteria, grime, and even pests if it’s not kept in check.

A study by NSF International found that places like kitchen sponges, sinks, and cutting boards often carry more germs than a toilet seat. That’s not exactly comforting. In fact, 75% of sponges tested in the study had coliform bacteria like E. coli.

That’s why a proper deep clean is so important. It doesn’t just make your kitchen look and smell better—it keeps your food safe, protects your family from illness, and helps your appliances and surfaces last longer.

The 6 Cleaning Tools You Need

Deep cleaning doesn’t mean buying a dozen supplies. These six home cleaning tools are more than enough to do a solid, thorough job:

• Cleaning sponge

• Scrub brush

• Mop

• Duster

• Cleaning gloves

• Microfiber towels
  
  

You’ll still need everyday supplies like dishwashing liquid, baking soda, or a bit of scrub cream for tough grease—but these six tools are what will help you get the job done right.

How to Deep Clean Your Kitchen Step by Step

Let’s walk through this together. You’ve got your tools—now it’s time to get into the actual cleaning. Here’s a step-by-step guide that makes it simple and manageable.

Declutter Everything

Before diving into the scrubbing, clear the space. Take out the trash, wash the dishes, and get rid of anything expired or spoiled in the fridge. Empty as much of the kitchen as you can—countertops, drawers, shelves. It gives you a clean slate and makes the whole process smoother.

Group similar items together while you're clearing things out—spices in one spot, snacks in another. Using a few labeled bins or baskets can help you stay organized long after the cleaning is done.

Work from Top to Bottom

Always start high and work your way down. Dust and crumbs will fall as you go, so there’s no point cleaning the floor first. Use your duster or a slightly damp microfiber towel to wipe the tops of cabinets, shelves, and ceiling corners. Light fixtures and fans often get forgotten but collect a lot of dust.

Wearing cleaning gloves here can be a lifesaver—some of those upper shelves haven’t been touched in a while.

Countertops and Backsplashes

Now onto the countertops. Dampen a microfiber towel, add a drop of dishwashing liquid, and start wiping. Let it sit for a minute if there’s any grease. If needed, use a gentle scrubbing cream to cut through the tough stuff. Make sure you dry the area afterward to avoid streaks.

Be sure to move small appliances like your toaster or coffee machine. Crumbs love to hide behind them. And if your countertops are granite or marble, skip the vinegar and go for a pH-balanced cleaner.

Cabinets and Drawers

Cabinets and drawers get touched constantly—usually with hands that just chopped onions or poured oil. Focus on handles, corners, and edges. A scrub brush or even an old toothbrush works well for the tricky spots.

Dampen a microfiber towel with soapy water, scrub, rinse, and then dry with a clean towel. Inside the drawers, vacuum any crumbs first, then wipe down the surfaces. If you don’t already have shelf liners, now’s a great time to add them—they make future cleans a breeze.

Sink and Faucet

Your kitchen sink might look clean, but it’s actually one of the dirtiest places. Scrub the basin, around the drain, and especially around the faucet base. A bit of baking soda and dish soap goes a long way. If you’ve got a toothbrush or detail brush, use it here.

Once everything is clean, dry the sink and faucet with a towel—it leaves a shiny finish and helps prevent water spots. You can also clean the dishwasher filter and the cabinet where the trash bin lives. These often get forgotten but can trap bad smells and grime over time.

Floor and Baseboards

Time to finish strong. Start by sweeping or vacuuming thoroughly. Don’t worry if you tossed crumbs on the floor earlier—they were going to end up here anyway.

Use your mop and some warm water mixed with floor-safe detergent. For sticky spots, you might need to go over them with a sponge or microfiber towel first. If you have tile, grout lines may need extra love—sprinkle baking soda, scrub, and rinse. Wipe the baseboards too. Once the floor dries, do a quick second vacuum. You’ll be surprised at how much more comes up.

Clean Your Appliances

Now give your appliances some attention. Wipe the outside of your fridge, oven, microwave, and dishwasher with a damp microfiber towel. Use dishwashing liquid or a mild cleaner to tackle grease.

Inside the fridge, remove one shelf at a time. Put items on the table while you clean, dry, and return the shelf. The microwave? Add lemon slices to a bowl of water, microwave it for 3 minutes, and then wipe everything down—it smells great and loosens grime.

For the oven, lay down a garbage bag or old towel to protect the floor. Use an oven cleaner, but avoid spraying it on the heating element or fan. Always wear gloves, and a mask or goggles can help too, especially if the cleaner is strong.

Maintaining a Deep-Clean Kitchen Routine

Once you’ve done a deep clean, it’s easier to stay on top of things. Build it into your month—choose one weekend or break it up over a few days. Maybe one evening for drawers, another for appliances.

Use your six cleaning tools regularly to make deep cleaning easier. For example, scrub tough spots with a brush and polish surfaces with a microfiber cloth to keep buildup under control. Staying consistent with light maintenance reduces the effort needed later.

Here is a simple routine you can follow:

Keep your cleaning tools clean too. Rinse your brushes and cloths after each use and hang them to dry. Replace your cleaning sponge weekly, and wash microfiber towels with mild detergent to avoid residue buildup.

Conclusion

Knowing how to deep clean your kitchen doesn’t mean you need a closet full of supplies or a whole weekend off. With just six simple tools—a cleaning sponge, scrub brush, mop, duster, cleaning gloves, and microfiber towels, you can get your kitchen truly clean and feeling fresh.

These cleaning tools let you reach the corners, lift the grease, and take pride in your space. 

Ready to refresh your kitchen? Explore Zidello’s curated collection of affordable, high-quality cleaning tools and make deep cleaning effortless.