How to Deep Clean Your Kitchen

The holidays have passed, a new year is here and… we’re still sticking close to home! If you’re like me, you’ve binged every possible TV show, tackled a few DIYs and are ready for something new. Why not a good deep clean?! While that likely sounds less than exciting in the moment, it will feel so rewarding when it’s done! Throw on a new playlist and tackle one room: the kitchen.

Our kitchen gets so much use (especially this past year) and honestly far too little deep cleaning. I decided to break this post up into different areas of the kitchen. You can go for it all at once or just do one little “project” a day. By the end of the week, you’ll have a spotless kitchen and will feel quite accomplished.

Need a little extra push? Mama Maven is looking over you scolding you for your dirty oven and grimy kitchen sink. It’s enough to get me cleaning ASAP.

The Best Natural Cleaning Products

I am fully obsessed with Branch Basics. Now before you stop reading because everyone and their mom shares about Branch Basics, the hype is REAL! I have no clue what magic they have created but one bottle of non-toxic cleaning concentrate literally cleans every area of my home – the laundry, bathroom, kitchen, floors, carpet stains… EVERYTHING.

Order a starter kit with concentrate, reusable bottles and a cleaning booster (optional but recommended!) and you are set to clean every inch of your house! Fill each bottle to the appropriate line with water and top with cleaning concentrate. When you finish a bottle, just refill with water and concentrate. It helps reduce waste and saves you money by only needing to repurchase the concentrate. Want to learn more? Here’s my full review of these non-toxic cleaning products!

GET THE STARTER KIT HERE

Deep Clean Your Oven

Let’s start with the oven! This one has always been the most daunting to me (anyone remember my mom shaming me for this on Instagram?!) but with Branch Basics, it doesn’t get much easier. Start by warming your oven slightly (not above 100ºF) and spray a light coat of water throughout the oven. After the water, liberally spray the All-Purpose or Bathroom cleaner (Bathroom if you’re oven needs some extra love!) and let sit for at least 15 minutes. You’ll need to let the mixture sit longer the dirtier your oven is – it’s okay to let it sit overnight. After allowing to soak, if the oven looks dry, spray more All-Purpose or Bathroom and then scrub with a stiff brush or microfiber cloth. Wipe clean with a damp cloth.

For the racks, you can either soak them in your sink in warm soapy water or simply spray with All-Purpose cleaner, let sit for a few minutes and then scrub with a stiff brush.

To clean the stovetop, simply spray with All-Purpose spray and let sit for a few minutes. If you have food or sauces that has been burned to the top, you may need to use a stiff brush to break that up a bit. Wipe clean with a damp cloth. If it’s REALLY bad you can sprinkle a bit of the oxygen boost and let that sit for a few minutes before using a stiff brush to wipe everything off.

Deep Clean Your Sink and Disposal

I’ve been trying to get in the habit of scrubbing my sink down every night after doing the dishes but it could definitely use a deep clean of its own occasionally! If your sink is fairly clean you can just spray the All-Purpose spray, wait 30 seconds, scrub and then rinse. If it could use a little more love (aka brightening power!), start by spraying the All-Purpose, sprinkle on about 1/2 a scoop of Oxygen Boost to lightly cover the sink, let sit for 15 minutes, then scrub and rinse. Oxygen Boost is amazing for boosting the effectiveness of the products as well as whitening and brightening.

Do you ever clean your disposal? I didn’t know how until I read up on it on Branch Basics cleaning guide. Spray the All-Purpose cleaner directly into the disposal and let sit for about five minutes. To finish, turn on the disposal and run water through it for about a minute.

Deep Clean Your Fridge

Another daunting task that is oh-so-rewarding! I like to do this shelf by shelf. Sort through the contents of each shelf – check the expiration date and plan a recipe with ingredients that haven’t been used in awhile! Set all of the contents of that shelf on your kitchen counter so you can clean the shelf. Spray the All-Purpose cleaner across the shelf and wipe clean with a microfiber cloth. Repeat for all of the shelves and drawers and then enjoy your sparkling clean fridge.

Note: if your fridge tends to get stinky but you’re still cleaning it out often, fill a small mason jar with baking soda and place it at the back of your fridge. Replace every 6 months. This should absorb any funky smells in there.

Deep Clean Your Cabinets and Drawers

This task is similar to the fridge… tedious but important! I like to break up my kitchen into different sections and do a little section at a time so I don’t get too overwhelmed. Remove all of the contents of a cabinet or drawer – sort through what you actually use vs. something you could donate. Set all of the items you’re keeping aside and then spray the All-Purpose cleaner and wipe clean with a microfiber cloth. Pro tip: Organize the contents as you put them back in the cabinet or drawer!

Deep Clean Your Microwave

Does your microwave have a few splatters that you forgot to wipe down immediately and now they’re fully crusted on? Just me? Mmmmk. If you’re in the same boat, place 1/2 cup vinegar and 1/2 cup water in a microwave safe bowl or mug. Microwave on high for 5 minutes or until the mixture is boiling and the microwave window has fogged up. Turn off the microwave but leave the door closed for two minutes. After the two minutes is up, use a sponge or microfiber cloth to wipe down the microwave. It really is that simple!

Deep Clean Pots and Pans

Full disclosure: I spent last weekend watching cleaning videos… I know, I’m super exciting. One that was engrained into my brain was when Alex from The Defined Dish used Blanch Basics to clean her dutch oven after a roast! I was so impressed, I have to include it in this post. Start by spraying your pan with All-Purpose spray. Add about 1/2 a scoop of the Oxygen Boost into the pan along with a splash of water. Use a stiff brush to combine the powder and water to make a paste and then just spread the paste all over the pan – lightly scrubbing but not putting much/any muscle into it. Let sit for at least 15 minutes, scrub again if needed and then rinse with water. Your pan will look brand spankin’ new!

*Let’s talk cast-iron*

Preheat your oven to 350ºF. Scrub your skillet with a stiff brush or sponge and soapy water (note – never use soap on already seasoned cast iron but if you’re preparing to season it, it’s totally fine!). Rinse well and dry completely with a towel. Pour 1-2 tablespoons oil (I prefer avocado oil) in the skillet and use a clean cloth or paper towel to rub the oil over the entire skillet (including the handle and the bottom of the pan!). Place the oiled pan upside down in the oven with a baking sheet or tin foil below to catch any drips and bake for an hour. After an hour, turn off the oven and let the skillet cool in the oven. Once completely cool you can remove and use as usual!

Like this post? Here are others you might enjoy:

• The Best Natural Cleaning Products for a Spotless Home
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