Christopher Testani
Each of us has 24 hours in a day, and the choices on how to allocate that time are entirely yours to make. Whether you’re at work, taking care of yourself, spending quality time with loved ones, or catching up on some rest, the possibilities for filling your time are endless. While deep-cleaning the kitchen might not be at the forefront of your to-do list, a cluttered kitchen is universally disliked.
But how can you achieve a sparkling clean kitchen in under an hour? We turned to the experts for their insights on accomplishing a thorough kitchen deep clean in a flash. Are you ready to transform your kitchen into a gleaming sanctuary? Keep reading to find out.
Mary Gagliardi, an in-house scientist at Clorox and cleaning connoisseur, and Alicia Sokolowski, the president and CEO of AspenClean, shared their wisdom.
Cleaning your kitchen is impossible without the right supplies. Quality cleaning agents can’t be substituted by sheer effort. “The tools you use can make a substantial difference,” asserts Alicia Sokolowski, president and CEO of AspenClean. “Be sure to have a variety of cloths for different areas of the kitchen. We also advocate for a versatile spray that can be quickly applied to various surfaces in your kitchen.”
Therefore, it’s wise to begin with a fully stocked multipurpose cleaner (or a spray bottle filled with vinegar and water), stainless steel cleaner (if you have stainless steel appliances), disinfectant, and floor cleaner. A quality broom or vacuum, a mop, and clean microfiber cloths are also essential.
A fresh set of melamine sponges can make removing grease, grime, and stains more manageable and time-efficient.
To achieve a deep clean in an hour or less, you must maintain momentum at all times. You won’t have time to glance at your watch, so set a timer, play some lively tunes, and dive in! Keep all your supplies in a bucket to ensure they’re within reach as you navigate the kitchen.
If you’re someone who keeps a coffee maker, toaster, air fryer, blender, and spices on your countertops, consider decluttering the day before your deep clean and using a microfiber cloth dampened with multipurpose cleaner to wipe down your appliances. (Spray the cloth, not the appliance directly).
“It’s like preparing for a recipe—having everything ready to go saves time,” Mary Gagliardi, a Clorox scientist and cleaning authority, explains. “Since some cleaning tasks can’t be completed in an hour, planning ahead will also help you determine which chores can wait until another day.”
After tidying up your countertops, Sokolowski advises removing unnecessary items, like scattered mail and dishes. “Load the dishwasher or set dirty dishes aside in the sink,” she suggests. “Decluttering helps to eliminate odors and create more space.”
Every kitchen has its unique challenges. Sokolowski advises focusing on the dirtiest areas first, like the microwave and stove. However, there are universal guidelines to follow. “Always clean from top to bottom to avoid dirt and crumbs from settling on already cleaned surfaces,” the expert advises.
Sokolowski suggests dedicating about 15 minutes to cleaning appliances, 10 minutes for the sink, 10 minutes on countertops and cabinets, and 10 minutes on floors. However, this can vary based on your cooking habits and the cleanliness of your kitchen.
Your backsplash might be dirtier than you realize. “This area should be part of your regular cleaning routine, but if it hasn’t been, it’s a prime candidate for a deep clean,” Gagliardi explains. She recommends using a bleach-based cleaner to address mildew concerns.
If you have just an hour, you can still achieve a thorough clean, but achieving spotless perfection on every surface, including the interior of appliances, may not be feasible. Therefore, it’s advisable to skip certain tasks if you’re limited to an hour, such as the interior of your oven, particularly if it’s a self-cleaning model.
“Even if your oven is set for a self-cleaning cycle, these can take several hours to complete and cool down properly,” Gagliardi points out. “Cleaning the oven racks is also a separate task that can be scheduled for another day.”
Another task to schedule for a different time is the interior of your refrigerator. “Deep-cleaning the inside of the fridge requires relocating the contents to a nearby counter or cooler (for items like dairy or frozen food) and turning off the power before cleaning and sanitizing,” Gagliardi explains.
A deep clean versus a quick clean is a balancing act. While an hour may suffice for a smaller kitchen, like those found in houses or condos, it might not be enough time to achieve pristine cleanliness in a larger suburban kitchen. Aim for cleanliness, not perfection, and organization, not Pinterest-level tidiness. Regardless, you can likely accomplish more in an hour than you might think.
