Deep Clean: The Stainless Steel Sink
Deep cleaning your kitchen goes into more detail than the normal daily kitchen cleaning, where you just wipe the counters down. It's easy to overlook certain areas on a day-to-day basis, and THAT is what a deep clean addresses.
I love using Bar Keepers Friend to deep clean stainless steel sinks. Bar Keepers Friend removes all the dark build-up on a stainless steel sink that comes from food, coffee, and all the gunk that gets put in a sink/disposal. It comes in a couple of different solutions (powder or gel) so choose whichever formula works best for you.
Deep Clean: Appliances
You can't deep clean for a spotless kitchen without Magic Stainless Steel, which both cleans and polishes your stainless steel appliances, allowing you to do both at the same time-in one step. Who doesn't love multi-purpose products?
Deep Clean: Inside the Oven
Easy-Off Oven Cleaner has been around forever and for good reason, because it is effective and inexpensive. It makes it much easier to remove the nasty buildup and requires less scrubbing. Work smarter-not harder. Simply follow the instructions on the can, and you're set!
Deep Clean: Disinfecting Countertops
Lysol kitchen cleaner or 409 both cut grease and these are both antibacterial, perfect for disinfecting. Either of these are great for cleaning greasy stains from the stovetop, or disinfecting countertops, cabinet handles, or refrigerator door handles. Spray it onto a rag to clean cabinet handles and not onto the cabinet itself, as it could damage the finish.
On a side note, vinegar is definitely worth a shoutout. Vinegar can be mixed with water with at a 1:1 ratio making a multi-purpose cleaning solution that can be used on most hard surfaces, floors, windows, doorknobs, etc., but it is not recommended as a disinfectant. Disinfecting will require a harsher cleaner than vinegar. Vinegar is not recommended on wood, iron, aluminum or stone surfaces. Personally, I use vinegar mixed with Dawn dish soap to clean the soap scum and hard water stains off of glass shower doors and it works great.
Deep Clean: Disinfect the Trash Can
It goes without saying that this area gets messy. Don't forget to deep clean the cabinet the trash is in because this gets food splatters as well. I use disinfectant on the can itself, but not on the cabinet so it doesn't ruin the finish. Check out the tips on cabinets below.
Deep Clean: Clean the Cabinet Doors
Cleaning kitchen cabinets front is easily overlooked, but these collect splatters and drips just like the countertop or floors. The cabinet doors can be cleaned with a gentle solution of warm water and dish soap or vinegar. Wring the moisture out of a rag until its just damp before wiping cabinets to avoid moisture damaging the cabinet finish. Microfiber rags are great for this job since they won't leave lint behind, and an old toothbrush works well to get into the cracks and corners.
Deep Clean: Disinfect Door Handles
These are easy to forget about when cleaning, but it's where most of the germs are where we touch. I always disinfect the cabinet handles, and the handles of all the appliances, and light switches as well.
Deep Clean: Disinfect and Wax Wooden Cutting Boards
For the last tip, remember to deep clean your cutting boards. Cutting boards are notorious for harboring bacteria and its important to clean them well after each use. I recommend following the instructions that come with the board when you purchase it. Some soaps are too harsh and will dry them out causing splinters and cracking, so it's important to wash it correctly. After cleaning, adding the wax layer will protect the wood from moisture and keep it from drying out. The wax layer also helps in creating a barrier from stains and bacteria. Make sure to use the cleaners and wax that are safe for food use. Personally, I use this kit by Clark's that has all the tools included.
Non-Toxic or Natural Cleaning Options
For organization ideas on your home, check out Laundry is Sorted.
