Kitchen Cleaning Checklist: Here's How Often Every Item Should Be Cleaned

Our kitchens are working overtime these days, which means they need to get a good deep cleaning to remove build-up, grime, and water spots way more often. But figuring out where to start in the space that your whole household uses nonstop can be tough. It can feel overwhelming without a good plan of attack, so using a kitchen cleaning checklist as your guide will streamline what needs to be done daily, weekly, monthly, and even seasonally. You'll finally be able to relax knowing each surface will get the necessary dose of bleach (or natural, all-purpose cleaner).

Here is our handy cleaning checklist full of tips and tricks to keep your kitchen completely sanitized.

Don't dig into that hardcore cleaning schedule unprepared. You need to make sure you have the proper and cost-effective supplies. Let's break down which items are worth it and what purpose they serve.

1. Many people prefer to avoid using chemicals where food is prepared. So an all-purpose non-toxic cleaner is usually a must. You can make your own with baking soda, white vinegar, and hot water. Or buy a natural formula.

There are some things in the kitchen that should be cleaned each and every day. Putting things back the way you found them is key, but making sure appliances and cooking surfaces are wiped down to protect from bacteria is even more important.

1. Clear up the clutter, especially on your countertops.

Each week, you should tackle the more high-level tidying needs to keep a clean kitchen. This will help control dirt, odors, and any bacteria that gathers in and around your food prep area.

1. Wash and dry all your dish towels.

Take care of these cleaning tasks about once a month. Doing so will help maintain your large appliances and your peace of mind.

1. Do a purge of anything old, and reorganize your freezer.

We all think about spring cleaning, but summer, fall, and winter should all have schedules, too. During each change of weather, you should spruce up and purge certain kitchen items. Things that are too old, unorganized, or just plain annoying can get the boot.

1. Don't neglect this area. Do a pantry reset by clearing out any tired stuff you don't use. Then reorganize what you keep.

Maintaining a kitchen cleaning checklist will keep things from becoming overwhelming when it's time to mop, dust, and scrub. In fact, these smaller cleaning tasks will make the bigger ones less daunting every month or season. Plus, there's nothing like that feeling of zen when everything is clean and in its place. Giving your kitchen love will keep it ready for another day (and year) of coming together, cooking, chatting, and connecting.