Modern kitchens are the heart of the home—sleek, functional, and often filled with high-end materials and integrated appliances. But to keep them looking their best and functioning properly, regular cleaning is essential. A shiny worktop and streak-free appliances don’t just make your kitchen look beautiful—they also promote hygiene and extend the life of your fixtures.
In this post, we’ll walk you through the best way to clean a modern kitchen, from daily wipe-downs to deeper weekly or monthly tasks. With the right approach, you’ll keep your space sparkling and stress-free.
1.
Start with a Clear Surface
Before you begin cleaning, clear your countertops, dining table, and any open shelving. Put away food, remove any clutter, and take out bins if they’re full. This gives you full access to surfaces and makes cleaning faster and more effective.
Tip: Always check use instructions for materials like quartz, granite, marble, or stainless steel before applying any products. Harsh chemicals can damage some finishes.
2.
Clean from Top to Bottom
When cleaning a room, especially the kitchen, always work from the top down. This prevents dust and crumbs from falling onto already-cleaned areas.
Step-by-step:
- Dust high areas like pendant lights, cupboard tops, and extractor fans.
- Wipe cupboard doors with a microfibre cloth and mild soapy water.
- Clean tiled backsplashes with an anti-grease solution or diluted vinegar spray.
- Finish by wiping counters, then floors last.
3.
Tackle the Countertops
Modern kitchens often feature countertops made of quartz, granite, laminate, or solid surface materials. Each needs a slightly different approach:
- Quartz & Granite: Use a pH-neutral cleaner or warm soapy water. Avoid acidic or abrasive products.
- Laminate: A mix of water and dish soap works well. Don’t saturate the surface, and avoid harsh scouring pads.
- Butcher block: Clean with a vinegar-water solution, and condition regularly with food-safe oil.
After cleaning, dry surfaces with a clean microfibre cloth to avoid streaks and watermarks.
4.
Shine the Appliances
Modern kitchens often feature integrated or stainless steel appliances that can quickly collect fingerprints, grease, and smudges. Here’s how to clean the most common appliances:
- Fridge: Wipe handles and exterior with antibacterial spray. Inside, remove shelves and drawers and wash them in warm, soapy water.
- Oven: Use an oven-specific cleaner for the interior, or a baking soda paste for a more natural solution. Don’t forget to clean the door glass.
- Microwave: Place a bowl of water with lemon juice inside and microwave for 2–3 minutes. The steam loosens grime for easy wiping.
- Dishwasher: Remove food traps and run an empty cycle with dishwasher cleaner or white vinegar.
- Stainless steel: Use a stainless steel cleaner or a vinegar-water mix. Wipe with the grain using a soft cloth for a streak-free finish.
5.
Focus on Sinks and Taps
Sinks can accumulate limescale, food residue, and water stains. Use a limescale remover or vinegar solution on taps and rinse thoroughly. For the sink basin:
- Scrub stainless steel sinks with a baking soda paste.
- Use a toothbrush around the drain and tap base.
- Rinse and polish with a soft cloth.
To freshen drains, pour down a mixture of baking soda and vinegar, followed by hot water.
6.
Wipe Handles, Switches & High-Touch Areas
Modern kitchens often feature handleless designs or sleek, minimal handles. Regardless, don’t forget to clean these often-overlooked spots:
- Cupboard handles or push-to-open areas
- Light switches and plug sockets (wipe carefully with a dry or slightly damp cloth)
- Bin lids, drawer pulls, and appliance handles
These areas harbour bacteria and should be disinfected regularly.
7.
Finish with the Floors
After cleaning surfaces, it’s time to sweep or vacuum the floor to remove crumbs and dust. Then mop using the appropriate cleaner for your flooring type:
- Tiles: Use a floor cleaner with degreasing properties.
- Wood or laminate: Avoid excess water. Use a damp (not wet) mop and wood-safe cleaner.
- Vinyl or luxury vinyl tile (LVT): Use a neutral cleaner—no bleach or ammonia.
Let the floor dry fully before walking on it to avoid streaks or dirt marks.
8.
Weekly and Monthly Extras
In addition to your daily and weekly tasks, include some deeper monthly jobs:
- Clean behind and underneath appliances.
- Organise pantry and wipe shelves.
- Wash reusable cloths, mop heads, and dish brushes.
These tasks help maintain hygiene and keep your kitchen clutter-free.
Final Thoughts
A modern kitchen deserves modern care. With smart cleaning habits and the right tools, maintaining your kitchen’s shine doesn’t have to be a chore. Cleaning a little every day and setting aside time for deeper weekly tasks will keep your space fresh, functional, and ready for anything—from midweek meals to special occasions.
And if you ever need a deep clean or help with a tough job like oven or extractor fan cleaning, hiring a professional cleaner can save time and deliver spotless results.
Looking for professional kitchen cleaning in Cheshire?
Custom Cleans Cheshire offers expert kitchen deep cleans, appliance cleaning, and more. Contact us today for a free quote and let your kitchen shine like new!