A clean sink isn’t just about appearances—it’s about hygiene and preventing plumbing problems down the line. Whether it’s the kitchen or bathroom, regular sink maintenance makes your life easier and your space feel fresher. But let’s take it a step further. Let’s talk about how to clean the whole kitchen—realistically, like someone who’s tired, busy, maybe a little unmotivated, but still wants to live in a space that doesn’t feel like a disaster.
I used to work in residential cleaning. Not the fancy kind with industrial gear—just me, a decent vacuum, and a lot of elbow grease. And let me tell you, kitchens are tricky. They get dirty fast, especially when people cook a lot or forget to clean as they go. But over time, I figured out a rhythm that works—even on those days when the couch is calling louder than the mop.
The Order Matters: Clean Smart, Not Hard
Here’s the flow I follow every single time I clean a kitchen:
1. Declutter First
Get everything off the counters: mail, water bottles, snacks, crumbs, whatever. It’s not cleaning if you’re just working around stuff. Toss what needs tossing, put dishes in the sink, return things to drawers. If you’re overwhelmed, just start with one small section—the rest follows.
2. Do the Dishes (Even If You Hate It)
Nobody likes this part, but it changes the entire vibe of the kitchen. If you have a dishwasher, load it. If you’re hand-washing, do the easy stuff first. I like to soak pots and pans while I wipe other surfaces. That way, nothing feels like it’s taking forever.
3. Wipe Down Surfaces
Start high, go low. Wipe cabinets first (especially near the stove), then the counters. Use a microfiber cloth and a spray with simple ingredients. I usually make my own with vinegar, water, and a few drops of dish soap. Cheap, effective, smells clean.
4. Handle the Appliances
Microwave, stove, fridge handles—those spots get disgusting fast. I learned early in cleaning jobs that even the fanciest kitchens had sticky buttons and crumbs inside the microwave. A damp cloth with a bit of baking soda handles almost everything.
5. Sink Comes Last
By now the dishes are done, so give the sink real attention. Use baking soda and vinegar if it smells weird. Scrub the drain and faucet too. If it’s stainless steel, a drop of olive oil on a paper towel gives it that polished, magazine-ad look.
6. Floors Are Your Final Move
Sweep, then mop. Don’t overthink it. A simple soapy water mix works for tile or laminate. Do this last so you don’t keep stepping over your own work.
How to Actually Start When You Don’t Feel Like It
Let me be real: some days, I want to do absolutely nothing. I stare at the sink full of stuff and think, “Nope.” Here’s what helps me get moving:
- Set a timer for 10 minutes. You’d be shocked what you can do in that time.
- Put on a playlist or podcast. Make it fun. Music makes wiping crumbs feel like a groove.
- Reward yourself after. Tea, chocolate, guilt-free scrolling—whatever works.
- Start with one thing. Just clear the table. Or just do the dishes. Once you start, momentum builds.
Cleaning doesn’t have to be this massive project. Think of it like a reset button, not a punishment.
Cleaners I Avoid (And What I Use Instead)
In cleaning jobs, I learned quickly that not all products are your friends. Some smell strong, but don’t work well. Others ruin surfaces over time.
Avoid:
- Anything with harsh bleach (unless for sanitizing): It can damage grout, dull stainless steel, and ruin fabrics.
- Strong oven cleaners on everything else: Too intense for regular surfaces.
- “Antibacterial” everything: Unless it’s cold/flu season, gentle soap works fine.
Use instead:
- White vinegar + baking soda: Cuts grease, kills odors, budget-friendly.
- Microfiber cloths: Reusable, better than paper towels, less streaking.
- Dish soap + water: Underrated hero. Works on nearly every surface.
Final Thought
Cleaning your kitchen doesn’t mean turning into some Pinterest-perfect version of yourself. It just means respecting your space—and giving future you a little breathing room. Keep it real, keep it simple, and keep it moving.
A clean sink is great. But a kitchen that feels cared for? That changes how you walk into the room. And that, my friend, is worth the wipe down.
Picture Credit: Freepik