How to clean your kitchen: Step-by-step guide for a spotless space
Cooking can get messy. From oil splashes to grease stains, it leaves marks everywhere. Our zone-by-zone cleaning approach makes it easier for you to tackle one area at a time
How to clean your kitchen
A clean kitchen is the heart of a healthy home. Whether you're preparing a quick breakfast or a festive feast, maintaining a hygienic and organized kitchen ensures a pleasant cooking experience. In this guide, we’ll walk you through practical, effective, and eco-friendly ways on how to clean your kitchen — the IKEA way.
1. Start with Decluttering
Before diving into deep cleaning, begin by removing unnecessary items from countertops, shelves, and drawers. Discard expired food, broken utensils, and unused gadgets.
Use IKEA’s VARIERA shelf inserts to organize your cabinets and make space for essentials.
2. Clean from Top to Bottom
Always clean from the top down to avoid re-soiling areas you’ve already cleaned.
- Ceiling & Lights: Dust ceiling corners and light fixtures using a microfiber duster.
- Cabinets & Shelves: Wipe down the top and inside of cabinets with a mild vinegar-water solution. Use IKEA drawer organizers to keep items tidy.
3. Wipe Down Kitchen Walls
Cooking often leaves grease and food splatters on walls. Use a mix of warm water, vinegar, and a few drops of dish soap to clean tiles and backsplashes. For stubborn stains, a baking soda paste works wonders.
Explore IKEA’s PEPPRIG scrubber for efficient wall cleaning.
4. Clean Countertops and Surfaces
Countertops are high-touch areas that need daily attention
- Use a damp cloth with a gentle cleaner.
- Avoid harsh chemicals that may damage surfaces.
- For wooden countertops, use a mix of lemon oil and vinegar for a natural polish.
Keep your counters clutter-free with SUNNERSTA kitchen organisers.
5. Deep Clean Kitchen Appliances
- Microwave: Heat a bowl of water with lemon slices for 5 minutes. Wipe clean.
- Oven: Apply a baking soda paste, leave overnight, and wipe off.
- Refrigerator: Remove all items, wipe shelves with a vinegar solution, and discard expired food.
Use ANTAGEN dish brushes for scrubbing hard-to-reach spots.
6. Scrub the Sink and Faucets
Your sink can harbor bacteria if not cleaned regularly.
- Sprinkle baking soda and scrub with a brush.
- Rinse with warm water and disinfect with vinegar.
- Don’t forget to clean the faucet handles and drain.
IKEA’s FLUNDRA dish drainer helps keep your sink area organized.
7. Sweep and Mop the Floor
- Sweep or vacuum to remove crumbs and debris.
- Mop with a mild floor cleaner or a vinegar-water mix.
- Pay attention to corners and under appliances.
Use IKEA’s TRIXIG cleaning cloths for a streak-free finish.
8. Take Out the Trash and Disinfect Bins
- Empty your garbage bin daily.
- Wash it weekly with soap and water.
- Use lemon peels and baking soda to neutralize odors.
Consider using HÅLLBAR waste sorting bins for efficient waste management.
9. Organize Your Pantry and Drawers
- Use transparent containers like IKEA 365+ jars to store grains and spices.
- Label everything for easy access.
- Install VARIERA pot lid organizers to save space.
10. Use Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products
IKEA encourages sustainable living. Use natural cleaners like:
- Vinegar: Disinfects and removes grease.
- Baking Soda: Deodorizes and scrubs.
- Lemon Juice: Cuts through grime and adds freshness.
Bonus: Kitchen Cleaning Checklist
| Task | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Wipe countertops | Daily |
| Clean sink & faucet | Daily |
| Empty trash | Daily |
| Clean appliances | Weekly |
| Mop floors | Weekly |
| Deep clean cabinets | Monthly |
| Organize pantry | Monthly |
