Skip to content

Top Navigation

Better Homes & Gardens
Better Homes & Gardens
  • Gardening
  • Home Improvement Ideas
  • Cleaning and Organizing
  • Recipes and Cooking
  • Decorating
  • Holidays
  • Rooms
  • Shopping

Profile Menu

Join Now

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • BH&G Books this link opens in a new tab
My Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • BH&G Books this link opens in a new tab
Login
Subscribe
Pin

Explore Better Homes & Gardens

Better Homes & Gardens
Better Homes & Gardens
  • Explore

    Explore

    • The Only Weed Identification Guide You'll Ever Need: 33 Common Weedy Plants to Watch For

      The Only Weed Identification Guide You'll Ever Need: 33 Common Weedy Plants to Watch For

      Don't let these pesky plants crash your garden party! The first step is to know your enemy. Then you'll know the best way to deal with your weed problem. Read More
    • 6 Small Steps You Can Take Today to Get Organized for Good

      6 Small Steps You Can Take Today to Get Organized for Good

      A professional organizer offers advice on how to tidy up your home without feeling overwhelmed. Read More
    • 5 Anti-Inflammatory Ingredients to Add to Your Smoothie for a Healthy Boost

      5 Anti-Inflammatory Ingredients to Add to Your Smoothie for a Healthy Boost

      Anti-inflammatory smoothies do exist! Instead of blending in boatloads of sugar and artificial ingredients, try these smoothies for inflammation that are stoked with ingredients that may help lower your risk for chronic diseases including cancer, heart disease, depression, and more. Read More
  • Gardening

    Gardening

    See All Gardening
    4 DIY Seed-Starting Pots You Can Make With Items You Already Have

    4 DIY Seed-Starting Pots You Can Make With Items You Already Have

    Upcycle old newspapers, junk mail, and other waste paper to make these easy, eco-friendly containers you can use to sprout new plants for your garden.
    • Flowers
    • Houseplants
    • Plant Encyclopedia
    • Garden Pests
    • Trees, Shrubs & Vines
    • Caring for Your Yard
    • Edible Gardening
    • Garden Design
    • Gardening By Region
    • Landscaping
  • Home Improvement Ideas

    Home Improvement Ideas

    See All Home Improvement Ideas
    What Style Is Your House? The 10 Most Popular American House Styles

    What Style Is Your House? The 10 Most Popular American House Styles

    In a world full of so many different house styles, it can be a little challenging just to narrow down your own home's architectural style, let alone edit the list down to your favorite style or understand the distinctions characteristic to each house style. We'll show you the 10 most popular American house styles, including Cape Cod, French Country, Colonial, Victorian, Tudor, Craftsman, Cottage, Mediterranean, ranch-style, and Contemporary.
    • Home Exteriors
    • DIY Home Electrical Tips & Guides
    • Outdoor Structures
    • Home Remodeling
    • Plumbing Installations & Repairs
    • Remodeling Advice & Planning
    • Flooring
    • Lighting
    • Decks
    • Porches
  • Cleaning and Organizing

    Cleaning and Organizing

    See All Cleaning and Organizing
    A Whole-House Cleaning Schedule You'll Actually Stick To

    A Whole-House Cleaning Schedule You'll Actually Stick To

    Cleaning your home doesn't have to be a daunting, time-consuming chore. The key to managing household duties quickly and efficiently is to design an easy-to-follow routine that includes all the most important tasks. Follow these step-by-step instructions for creating a customized whole-home cleaning schedule.
    • House Cleaning
    • Laundry & Linens
    • Cleaning Tips
    • Closet Organization
    • Organization Tips
    • Kitchen Storage Organization
  • Recipes and Cooking

    Recipes and Cooking

    See All Recipes and Cooking
    21 Baking Essentials Every Home Cook Needs (Plus 16 Nice-to-Haves)

    21 Baking Essentials Every Home Cook Needs (Plus 16 Nice-to-Haves)

    Whether you're a beginning baker just starting out or a master chef looking to declutter, we'll help you set up a beginner's baking essentials kit with 21 tools. For anyone who already owns these handy baking tools, this list may finally provide the motivation you need to get rid of that soufflé dish you never use. Building your baking equipment inventory starts here.
    • How to Cook
    • Chicken Recipes
    • Desserts & Baking
    • Fish Recipes
    • Beef Recipes
    • Healthy Recipes
    • Breakfast and Brunch Recipes
    • Lunch
    • Dinner Recipes & Meal Ideas
    • Ethnic Food
  • Decorating

    Decorating

    See All Decorating
    7 Interior Design Trends Everyone Will Be Trying in 2021, According to Experts

    7 Interior Design Trends Everyone Will Be Trying in 2021, According to Experts

    Designers weigh in on the most popular decorating styles, colors, and materials you can look forward to in the coming year.
    • Choosing Color
    • Expert Decorating Advice
    • Fireplace Design Ideas
    • Do It Yourself Magazine
    • Window Treatments
    • Styles & Decor
    • Interior Painting
    • Home Makeovers
    • Small-Space Decorating
    • Traditional Home
  • Holidays

    Holidays

    See All Holidays
    International Women's Day: The Powerful Story Behind This 111-Year-Old Tradition

    International Women's Day: The Powerful Story Behind This 111-Year-Old Tradition

    What began as a small movement, has grown into a global holiday dedicated to celebrating the strong women in our communities.
    • Valentine's Day
    • Mother's Day
    • Easter
    • Father's Day
    • Fourth of July/Memorial Day
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Christmas
    • New Year's
    • Juneteenth
    • Hanukkah
  • Rooms

    Rooms

    See All Rooms
    Living Room Furniture Layout Ideas

    Living Room Furniture Layout Ideas

    Get tips for arranging living room furniture in a way that creates a comfortable and welcoming environment and makes the most of your space.
    • Bedroom Decorating and Design Ideas
    • Bathroom Decorating and Design Ideas
    • Kitchen Decorating and Design Ideas
    • Living Room Decorating and Design
    • Dining Room
    • Home Office
    • Kid's Rooms
    • Baby Nursery
  • Shopping

Profile Menu

Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
Join Now

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • BH&G Books this link opens in a new tab
My Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • BH&G Books this link opens in a new tab
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. BHG.com
  2. Housekeeping
  3. House Cleaning
  4. Cleaning Tips
  5. Our Very Best Kitchen Cleaning Tips

Our Very Best Kitchen Cleaning Tips

Caitlin Sole headshot
By Caitlin Sole Updated April 30, 2019
Skip gallery slides
Save Pin FB
white kitchen with medium blue cabinets
Credit: Anthony Masterson
Tired of sticky countertops, grimy floors, and dirty appliances? We'll show you how to tackle kitchen cleaning tasks faster, smarter, and better!
Start Slideshow

1 of 9

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Clean Kitchen Countertops

white kitchen with wood countertops
Find a Local Pro to Help with House Cleaning

Even to do the most basic of functions in your kitchen, your countertops need to be clean and clear of clutter. After all, you don't want to be preparing tonight's dinner over a pile of crumbs from last night's feast. Start by putting small appliances, dirty dishes, and other items back in their place. Before you wipe down and disinfect your countertop, consider its material. Different surfaces require different care. In general, warm soapy water or diluted white vinegar will do the trick.

1 of 9

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 9

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Scrub Kitchen Floors

sweeping floor with black bristle broom

The best way to clean kitchen floors is with a broom. Start by sweeping along the baseboards and collecting dirt in piles as you go. Keep a trash bin nearby to easily dispose of the debris. You may also want to keep kids and pets away from the kitchen as you sweep to prevent them from tracking crumbs all over your home. In addition to sweeping daily, mop kitchen floors weekly to remove grime and buildup.

2 of 9

3 of 9

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

How to Clean Kitchen Appliances

dishwasher

Knowing how to clean appliances will help keep every surface in your kitchen fingerprint-free. If you let too much time pass between cleanings, you could end up with a moldy refrigerator or a sticky stovetop. Vinegar works best for cleaning the refrigerator, cleaning the dishwasher, and keeping stainless-steel appliances looking their best. When it comes to cleaning your microwave, simply heat a bowl of water until it boils, then wipe away the loosened food bits with a cloth.

3 of 9

Advertisement

4 of 9

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

How to Clean a Stove Top

person cleaning glass stove top with microfiber cloth

You really should clean your stove top after every use, as minor spills and splatters will likely happen. Letting stains sit for a day or two will only make them tougher to remove! However, different stoves require different cleaning methods.

To clean a glass stove top, use a single-edged scraper on tough stains. Use a glass stove cleaner on the remainder of the stain, letting it sit before wiping clean.

When cleaning a gas stove top, pay attention to the grates first. Wipe clean, soak in hot soapy water, or, if recommended by the manufacturer, place in the dishwasher. Clean the stove burners with a small brush and damp cloth before returning the grates.

To clean an electric stove top, first remove the electric coil burners. Wash them with warm, soapy water and let dry completely. Wipe down the rest of the stove top and put the coils back in place.

4 of 9

5 of 9

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Tips for Cleaning Stainless Steel

kitchen with white cabinets and wood tones
Credit: Laurie Black

A few household items and one surprising product are the secret to cleaning stainless-steel appliances. For everyday cleaning, wipe down your stainless-steel appliance with a slightly damp microfiber cloth. You can add a small amount of dish soap for surfaces with stuck-on smudges. Wipe dry with another clean cloth as soon as you're done. For tougher spots, wet a cloth with warm distilled white vinegar. Place on the spot, wait 30 minutes, and scrub clean. Always wipe with the grain when cleaning stainless steel.

5 of 9

6 of 9

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

How to Clean Cabinets

white kitchen with medium blue cabinets
Credit: Anthony Masterson

Unsightly fingerprints, grease, and dirt can be an eyesore on kitchen cabinets. To clean kitchen cabinets, wipe down weekly with a multi-purpose cleaner and a microfiber cloth. You should also do a seasonal deep-clean that includes scrubbing shelves, doors, and hardware. You can use a cleaning toothbrush to get deep in the crevices as needed.

6 of 9

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 9

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

How to Clean Your Kitchen Sink

farmhouse sink, kitchen, wood floor

After rinsing dishes, regularly clean your kitchen sink by giving it a quick scrub. Choose a cleaning product based on your sink's material. Baking soda works well for stainless-steel kitchen sinks, while a mix of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda clean white or porcelain kitchen sinks. After the sink basin is clean, polish the faucet. And don't forget to give your kitchen sink a deep-clean from time to time by cleaning the sink drain and disposal.

7 of 9

8 of 9

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Sanitize a Kitchen Sponge

kitchen sponges next to plates

Washing dishes with a dirty sponge is counterintuitive. Make sure you keep this vital kitchen cleaning tool free of mold or bacteria. Learn how you can clean a sponge with vinegar, bleach, boiling water, and more.

8 of 9

9 of 9

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Tips for Cleaning Black Appliances

black stacked ovens in white cabinet kitchen

Although sleek and contemporary, black appliances are not known for hiding dirt and spills. Clean black appliances using vinegar and water. Any leftover solution can be wiped clean with warm, soapy water and a microfiber cloth. Remember to dry quickly to avoid visible streaks.

9 of 9

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Caitlin Sole

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 9 Clean Kitchen Countertops
    2 of 9 Scrub Kitchen Floors
    3 of 9 How to Clean Kitchen Appliances
    4 of 9 How to Clean a Stove Top
    5 of 9 Tips for Cleaning Stainless Steel
    6 of 9 How to Clean Cabinets
    7 of 9 How to Clean Your Kitchen Sink
    8 of 9 Sanitize a Kitchen Sponge
    9 of 9 Tips for Cleaning Black Appliances

    Share & More

    Tweet Email Send Text Message
    • Better Homes & Gardens BHG Logo Products at Walmart
    • Better Homes & Gardens BHG Real Estate Real Estate Services
    Better Homes & Gardens

    Magazines & More

    Learn More

    • About Us
    • Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
    • Books from Better Homes & Gardens
    • Help
    • Advertise
    • Content Licensing
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    Sign Up
    MeredithBH&G is part of the Meredith Home Group. © Copyright 2022 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright Better Homes & Gardens. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.bhg.com

    Sign in

    View image

    Our Very Best Kitchen Cleaning Tips
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.