Cleaning 105: The Kitchen

Kitchens may seem daunting due to their potential for mess, so we’ve collected expert Tasker advice on how to cut through even the greasiest of kitchen messes. 

Step 1: Prepping to Clean

• Move any items on the counter out of the way for optimal surface cleaning (this applies for rugs on the floor too!). 
• For any area, it’s great to get any obstacles out of your way before you begin spraying, wiping, and mopping to achieve a more fluid workflow. 

Step 2: Surfaces

• Spray all of the kitchen’s problem areas (including the stove, backsplash, stove hood, microwave, and sink) first to give the cleaning agent time to work its magic before you jump into scrubbing. 
• Remember to refer back to your scoping questions as this will tell you if the inside of appliances (like the oven) need to be scrubbed as well.

Step 3: Dishes and the sponge

• Cleaning is all about multi-tasking and strategy, so while the appliances and counters soak in the solution, it’s a great time to begin another kitchen duty, like dishes!

• For this step, think about tackling anything that will delight your Client, like unloading/loading the dishwasher, or doing dishes by hand. 
• Don’t forget to clean sponges! While they may seem innocent at first glance, these frequently used tools are hotbeds for germs. Here are three ways our Taskers recommend cleaning them properly:
  • Microwave: The microwave can destroy 99.9% of germs from a sponge. To utilize this method, saturate the sponge with water, then heat it on high for one minute (for scrub sponges) or two minutes (for cellulose sponges).
  • Dishwasher: The dishwasher also kills 99.9% of germs. If your Client has a dishwasher and enough dirty dishes to warrant a full load, simply add the sponge to a regular dishwasher load and use the “heated dry” setting.
  • Vinegar: Using vinegar can also eliminate 99.6% of bacteria. All you have to do is soak the sponge in white vinegar for five minutes, then rinse clean.

Step 4: Appliances

• Your appliances should’ve already been sprayed with cleaning spray to allow the grease and stains time to dissipate. 
• Keep in mind that different appliances may require specific sprays. If the appliance is steel or metal you can use window spray to add extra shine. If it’s plastic a disinfectant spray or diluted dish soap mixture may work best.
• When cleaning a tile backsplash, remember to use a grout cleaner or product that dissolves tough grease stains. 
• For microwave cleaning, Taskers have an easy tip! Cut a lemon in half, squeeze it into 1/2 a cup of water in a measuring cup or small bowl, put rinds in the water, and microwave it on high for 3 minutes. Let it cool for at least 5 minutes inside the microwave with the door closed, then wipe out the interior.
• You can continue using this solution by dipping microfiber or paper towel in the lemon water to remove any stubborn spots.
• For stovetops:
  • If the stove top has pot grates, remove them and allow them to soak in warm, soapy water.
  • Thoroughly scrub the stovetop—if you encounter persistent stains, try using a strong degreasing agent. 
  • Scrub all knobs with soapy water. 
• For more information on cleaning different types of kitchen appliances, check out The Home Depot’s video here.

Step 6: Cabinets

• Before beginning cabinet cleaning consider the material they’re made of.
• If wooden, use an oil wood cleaner to polish and shine. If glass, using a glass cleaner will be the best option, and so on. 
• Remember that when cleaning cabinets (especially on top), some dust and food particles may fall to the countertops, so give everything a final wipe-down once all cabinets have been cleaned to ensure no dust is left behind.

Finishing Touches: 

• Take out the trash when you’re wrapping up a Cleaning task, and ask your Client where to deposit the bag—one quick trash run can go a long way toward gaining repeat tasks!
• Put a dryer sheet in the garbage before putting a new bag in or spray air freshener in the empty bag—this will keep it smelling fresh longer.

Remember, when it comes to kitchen cleans, finishing touches do not go unnoticed! These steps, however minor, may delight your Clients so much that they’ll hire you back for their next Cleaning task. For even more tips on how to clean a kitchen, check out this Level Up video where Tasker JamiQuan goes over her top tips and things to watch out for on your next Cleaning task. Are there areas of the kitchen that you’d like to provide more tips on? Leave your feedback in the comments section below!