Seasonal Kitchen Cleaning Checklist | Duct Cleaning SA 2025

Seasonal kitchen cleaning checklist

By Kathy • Last updated: August, 2025 • San Antonio, TX

At a glance:
  • 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.

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