Seasonal kitchen cleaning checklist
By Kathy • Last updated: August, 2025 • San Antonio, TX
- Focus: Declutter, clean high-to-low, refresh appliances, sanitize sink, then floors last.
- Time: 90–120 minutes per season with a 15–20 minute sprint per zone.
- Win: Fresher air, fewer odors, safer food prep, and a kitchen that actually feels good to use.
What you’ll need
Essentials
- Microfiber cloths: Lint-free wipes for glass, steel, and counters.
- Soft scrub pads: Non-scratch pads for stuck-on grime.
- All-purpose cleaner: Everyday messes on sealed surfaces.
- Degreaser: Breaks down oil on hoods, cabinets, and ranges.
- Baking soda: Gentle abrasive for sinks and ovens.
- Dish soap: Safe baseline cleaner for most tasks.
- White vinegar: Glass, stainless, and deodorizing uses.
- Glass cleaner: Streak-free windows and appliance fronts.
Tools
- Vacuum with crevice tool: Crumbs in drawers, toe-kicks, and edges.
- Extendable duster: Lights, tops of cabinets, and vents.
- Detail brush/toothbrush: Gaskets, seams, and knobs.
- Bucket and mop: Final floor finish.
- Squeegee: Glass and tile after degreasing.
- Garbage bags/boxes: Trash, recycle, donation sorting.
- Range hood filter-safe container: Soak mesh filters flat.
Surface safety
- Stone counters: Use pH-neutral cleaner; avoid vinegar/acid.
- Stainless steel: Wipe with the grain; finish with dry cloth.
- Butcher block: Clean with mild soap; oil monthly.
- Ceramic/glass cooktops: Use cooktop-safe scraper and polish.
How to use this checklist
- Time-box zones: Set a 20-minute timer per area (fridge, stove, sink, storage). Move on when it rings.
- Work high-to-low: Dust first, then wipe surfaces, then appliances, then floors.
- Two-bin method: Keep a “put away” bin and a “donate/toss” bin nearby.
- Power playlist: Music or a podcast keeps the pace—and makes it feel lighter.
- Family roles: Assign simple wins: filters to rinse, drawer wipe-downs, floor vacuum.
Seasonal deep-clean checklists
Spring resetFresh start
- Cabinet tops: Dust and degrease the tops and crown moulding.
- Light fixtures: Wipe shades and bulbs; remove dead bugs in covers.
- Fridge refresh: Empty, toss expired items, wipe shelves and bins; clean door gaskets.
- Freezer tidy: Defrost if needed; group foods by type and date.
- Pantry purge: Check dates, decant dry goods, label jars, wipe shelves.
- Backsplash clean: Degrease grout/tiles; rinse and dry to avoid streaks.
- Oven clean: Use baking soda paste; avoid harsh fumes.
- Dishwasher care: Clean filter and run a hot cleaning cycle.
- Sink and faucet: Descale aerator; scrub basin and drain flange.
- Floor edges: Vacuum baseboards and toe-kicks before mopping.
Summer spruce-upHeat & humidity
- Range hood filters: Soak mesh filters in hot soapy water; rinse and dry fully.
- Grease hotspots: Wipe cabinet pulls, stove knobs, and appliance handles.
- Trash and odors: Wash bins with soap; sprinkle baking soda in the base.
- Fridge coils: Vacuum rear/bottom coils to improve efficiency.
- Ice maker: Change water filter as recommended; wipe ice bin.
- Fruit fly defense: Store produce in fridge; clean drains; set traps if needed.
- Tile and grout: Treat mildew-prone corners; improve ventilation after cooking.
- Pet stations: Wash bowls and mats; vacuum feeding area.
- Windows/screens: Wash glass and wipe screens to boost airflow.
- Floor refresh: Damp mop with the right cleaner for your floor type.
Fall prepHoliday ready
- Oven readiness: Clean oven early; run it once after cleaning to bake off residue.
- Stovetop detail: Lift grates; clean drip pans and burner caps.
- Small appliances: Descale coffee maker; degrease air fryer and toaster tray.
- Serving gear: Wash platters, roasting pans, and thermometers now.
- Pantry stock: Inventory spices and baking staples; replace stale ones.
- Knife care: Sharpen knives; wipe block interior or magnetic strip.
- Seals and gaskets: Inspect fridge, dishwasher, and oven door seals.
- Table and chairs: Tighten screws; clean upholstery or wipe seats.
- Vent hood exterior: Polish stainless and check light bulbs.
- Mat and rug wash: Launder or shake out; dry thoroughly to prevent mildew.
Winter refreshComfort & care
- Hot spots sanitize: Disinfect handles, switches, and remotes.
- Cabinet interiors: Wipe inside doors/drawers; add liner where needed.
- Baking gear: Clean mixer attachments and silicone mats.
- Microwave deep clean: Steam with water/lemon; wipe ceiling and plate.
- Water spots: Address hard-water marks on faucet and sink with descaler.
- Disposal refresh: Ice + salt to scrub; finish with lemon peel aroma.
- Refrigerator door bins: Remove, wash, and dry thoroughly.
- Ceiling and vents: Dust ceiling and return grills to reduce grease dust.
- Floor care: Clean grout lines or apply a safe polish for your floor.
- Donation sweep: Re-home gadgets you don’t use; reclaim counter space.
Fast routines that keep it easy
Daily (10 minutes)
- Counters cleared: Put items back; wipe spills as you go.
- Sink shine: Rinse, soap-scrub, and dry the basin.
- Spot sweep: Sweep crumbs from high-traffic zones.
- Handle wipe: Quick pass on fridge, microwave, and oven handles.
Weekly (20–30 minutes)
- Microwave wipe: Steam and clean walls/ceiling and plate.
- Appliance fronts: Glass and stainless with proper cloths.
- Trash reset: Empty, clean lid, and add baking soda to base.
- Floor reset: Vacuum edges; mop traffic paths.
Monthly (45–60 minutes)
- Range hood filters: Wash mesh; replace charcoal if used.
- Dishwasher filter: Rinse screen; run cleaning cycle.
- Drawer detail: Vacuum crumbs; wipe organizers.
- Butcher block oil: Apply food-safe oil after cleaning.
Quarterly (Seasonal)
- Oven and oven racks: Deep clean safely without fumes.
- Fridge coil and gasket: Vacuum coils; clean seals.
- Pantry audit: Rotate stock; refresh labels.
- Backsplash and grout: Degrease; re-seal if applicable.
San Antonio–smart kitchen tips
- Humidity watch: Run your range hood during and 10 minutes after cooking to cut moisture and odors.
- Hard water care: Dry faucets/sinks after use and descale mineral spots regularly.
- Pest prevention: Store sweet/ripe produce in sealed bins; wipe sticky drips immediately.
- Summer grilling: Increase hood filter cleaning; wipe grease splatter on adjacent cabinets.
- Allergy seasons: Dust vent covers and wipe windowsills to reduce pollen buildup.
FAQs
What’s the fastest deep-clean routine?
Answer: Declutter, dust high areas, degrease cabinets/backsplash, refresh appliances, scrub sink, then vacuum and mop—always high-to-low and clean-to-dirty.
Which cleaners are safest on stone counters?
Answer: Use a pH-neutral stone cleaner or mild dish soap and water. Avoid vinegar, lemon, and abrasive powders on stone.
How do I keep the sink from smelling?
Answer: Weekly, pour baking soda down the drain, follow with hot water. For disposals, run ice + salt, then a lemon peel for freshness.
Should I self-clean my oven right before guests arrive?
Answer: No—run self-clean or deep-clean at least a week before hosting to avoid odors and lingering residue.
Is it okay to mix bleach and vinegar?
Answer: Never. Mixing produces dangerous fumes. Use one product at a time and rinse thoroughly between products.
Printable mini checklist
- Declutter surfaces: Clear counters; toss expired pantry/fridge items.
- Dust high spots: Lights, cabinet tops, vents.
- Degrease zones: Backsplash, range, cabinet fronts and handles.
- Appliance interiors: Fridge shelves/bins, microwave ceiling, dishwasher filter.
- Sink and drain: Scrub basin, descale faucet, refresh disposal.
- Floors last: Vacuum edges; mop out of the room.
You don’t need a perfect kitchen—just one that reliably supports your life. One small win at a time is enough.