Keeping a kitchen clean can feel overwhelming—especially in our busy Seattle lives, where the kitchen doubles as a coffee shop, office, and family HQ. But a clean kitchen isn’t just nicer to cook in; it’s also healthier. Did you know your kitchen sink can harbor more bacteria than a toilet seat? Yikes! Don’t worry, though. Cleaning a kitchen may seem like an endless battle but with our special gift, you can succeed!
With a solid plan and a helpful checklist, you can conquer kitchen messes step by step.
Let’s break it down and get your kitchen gleaming, Seattle-style!
Key Takeaways
- Incorporate quick daily habits to prevent buildup.
- Schedule regular deep cleans to tackle hidden grime.
- Seattle's climate requires special attention to moisture-prone areas.
Table of Contents
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the constant cycle of kitchen cleaning, you’re not alone. Seattle’s damp climate and bustling lifestyle can make maintaining a spotless kitchen feel like an uphill battle. While TikTok offers a plethora of cleaning hacks, many fall short in practice, leaving behind more mess than they resolve.
That’s where our comprehensive kitchen cleaning checklist comes in!
Designed specifically for Seattle homes, our checklist addresses the unique challenges posed by the local environment.From combating moisture-induced mold to organizing cluttered countertops, we’ve got you covered.

And if you’d prefer to leave the dirty work to the professionals, The Cleanup Guys are here to help.
Book a house cleaning in Seattle now and enjoy more time doing what you love!
By following our step-by-step guide, you can transform your kitchen into a sparkling, inviting space without the guesswork.
Declutter & Organize
Start by removing items that don’t belong in the kitchen. This includes mail, keys, and other miscellaneous items that tend to accumulate on countertops. A clutter-free space not only looks better but also makes cleaning more manageable.

- Remove non-kitchen items like mail, keys, and gadgets.
- Check the pantry and fridge for expired or unused items and dispose of them.
- Place seldom-used appliances in cabinets to free up space.
- Organize utensils, cookware, and ingredients by category for easy access.
- Keep a box for items you no longer need to donate regularly.
Given our love for gadgets, it’s easy for counters to become cluttered. Storing appliances you don’t use daily can free up space and make cleaning easier.
Pro Tip: Implement the “one-minute rule”—if a task takes less than a minute, do it immediately to prevent clutter buildup.
Wipe Down Surfaces & Appliances
Work from the top down to prevent re-soiling cleaned areas. Dust upper cabinets and shelves, then wipe down surfaces.

- Start with upper cabinets and shelves to prevent dust falling on cleaned areas.
- Use a suitable cleaner to wipe down all countertops, corners and edges.
- Disinfect handles, knobs, and switches to eliminate germs.
- Clean the surfaces of the fridge, oven, and other appliances.
- Wipe down the backsplash and any splatters on walls to maintain cleanliness.
Our damp climate can lead to mold and mildew. Regularly wiping down surfaces helps prevent these issues.
Pro Tip: For stubborn microwave stains, steam a bowl of water with a lemon slice inside for a couple of minutes, then wipe clean.
Scrub the Sink & Disposal
Seattle coffee culture means lots of dirty mugs—and a well-used sink. Make sure to give your sink a thorough scrub.

- Scrub with baking soda and vinegar to remove stains and odors.
- Wipe down the faucet and handle with a disinfectant to eliminate germs.
- Grind ice cubes and lemon peels to clean and deodorize.
- Use an old toothbrush to scrub under the rubber flaps where grime accumulates.
- Rinse the sink and disposal with hot water to wash away loosened debris.
Seattle requires composting food waste by law. Regularly empty your compost bin to prevent odors and pests.
Pro Tip: After cleaning, rinse the sink with hot water to ensure all residues are washed away, leaving it sparkling.
Clean Your Kitchen Appliances

- Remove expired items, wipe fridge shelves and drawers with warm, soapy water.
- Apply baking soda in your oven, leave overnight, then wipe clean with vinegar.
- Steam lemon water in the microwave for 3 minutes, let sit, then wipe clean.
- Rinse the dishwasher filter, run an empty cycle with a cup of vinegar.
- Run a half brew cycle with a water and vinegar mixture, and rinse twice.
Given Seattle’s love for coffee, regularly cleaning your coffee maker is essential to ensure every cup tastes fresh.
Pro Tip: Set a monthly reminder to deep clean your appliances. Regular maintenance prevents buildup and keeps your kitchen running smoothly.
Floor Finale — Last But Not Least!
Always save cleaning the floor for the end. Through the cleaning process, dust and crumbs will have fallen to the ground.

- Remove rugs, mats, and movable furniture.
- Eliminate loose dirt, crumbs, and debris, focusing on corners and under areas.
- Treat stubborn spots or sticky residues with a damp cloth and cleaner.
- Use a floor cleaner compatible with your flooring type and a microfiber mop.
- After mopping, dry the floor with a clean towel or allow it to air dry completely.
Given our rainy climate, place absorbent mats at kitchen entrances to reduce the amount of mud and moisture tracked indoors.
Pro Tip: Establish a routine to sweep or vacuum daily and mop weekly to maintain a consistently clean floor.
BONUS TIPS: Sparkling Kitchen Forever!
Incorporate these habits into your daily routine to maintain a clean and organized kitchen effortlessly.
- Remove rugs, mats, and movable furniture.
- Eliminate loose dirt, crumbs, and debris, focusing on corners and under areas.
- Treat stubborn spots or sticky residues with a damp cloth and cleaner.
- Use a floor cleaner compatible with your flooring type and a microfiber mop.
- After mopping, dry the floor with a clean towel or allow it to air dry completely.
Utilize eco-friendly cleaning products to align with our community’s commitment to sustainability and protect our local environment. Schedule a monthly deep-cleaning session to tackle areas that require more attention, ensuring your kitchen remains in top condition year-round.
A clean kitchen is truly the heart of a happy home. By following this kitchen cleaning checklist, you’ll ensure no nook or cranny is forgotten – from the crumbs behind the toaster to the shine on the floor.
The best part? You can enjoy that next cup of coffee or family dinner with peace of mind, knowing your kitchen is clean enough for company any time!
Ready to make your kitchen sparkle without breaking a sweat? Grab our FREE printable Kitchen Cleaning Checklist to keep you on track, and feel free to reach out if you’d rather leave the dirty work to the professionals.
Remember, The Cleanup Guys are always here to help with any house cleaning Seattle needs – giving you more time to enjoy the things you love (like a stroll at Pike Place Market, perhaps!).
Let’s keep Seattle kitchens sparkling!
Need an extra hand? Book a house cleaning in Seattle now with our team and relax!