Moving out of a house is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. You’re packing boxes, organizing stuff, and trying not to forget anything. But wait, what about the cleaning?
The kitchen is usually the messiest room. It has grease, crumbs, and stains hiding in places you didn’t even know existed. If you want your security deposit back or just want to leave the home nice for the next people, a deep clean is a must.
This guide will show you how to deep clean your kitchen step by step during a residential move-out cleaning. It’s simple, quick to read, and will help you make your kitchen look fresh again.
Table of Contents
- Why Kitchen Deep Cleaning Matters
- Cleaning Supplies You’ll Need
- Step-by-Step Kitchen Cleaning
- Declutter and Empty Everything
- Wipe Cabinets and Drawers
- Scrub Appliances Inside and Out
- Disinfect Counters and Surfaces
- Make the Sink Shine
- Mop and Sanitize the Floor
- When to Call Professional Move-Out Cleaning
- Key Takeaway
Why Kitchen Deep Cleaning Matters
Think about it, your kitchen is where you cook almost every day. Over time, it collects grease, food stains, and even hidden crumbs. When you move out, the landlord or new owners expect it to look spotless.
A dirty kitchen can cause extra cleaning fees. Even worse, it can attract bugs or bacteria. So, taking the time to clean it properly saves money, time, and stress.
Cleaning Supplies You’ll Need
Before you start, gather these items:
- An all-purpose cleaner or a degreaser
- Baking soda and white vinegar (great for tough stains)
- Sponges, microfiber cloths, and scrub brushes
- A bucket of warm, soapy water
- Rubber gloves
- Trash bags for old food and junk
Having everything ready makes the job faster.
Step-by-Step Kitchen Cleaning
Here’s how to tackle your kitchen in easy steps during residential move-out cleaning.
1. Declutter and Empty Everything
Start by clearing out the pantry, cabinets, and fridge. Throw away expired food, empty containers, and anything you won’t use again. Once everything is out, you can see the hidden crumbs and stains that need cleaning.
2. Wipe Cabinets and Drawers
Cabinets and drawers collect grease and dust over time. Wipe the inside and outside with warm, soapy water. Don’t forget the handles and knob, they’re dirtier than they look!
3. Scrub Appliances Inside and Out
- Fridge: Unplug it, remove the shelves, and wash them. Wipe the inside with baking soda and water.
- Oven and Stove: Degrease the burners and clean baked-on food stains. For stubborn spots, make a paste of baking soda and water, leave it overnight, and wipe it off.
- Microwave and Dishwasher: Wipe the inside with a damp cloth. You can also run a cycle with vinegar to make it smell fresh.
4. Disinfect Counters and Surfaces
Counters are full of germs. Spray them with a disinfectant or a mix of vinegar and water. Wipe backsplash tiles too, because grease often splatters there.
5. Make the Sink Shine
The sink sees a lot of dirty dishes, soap scum, and food scraps. Scrub it with baking soda, rinse with warm water, and then dry it with a microfiber cloth. Don’t forget to clean the faucet and handles.
6. Mop and Sanitize the Floor
Finally, sweep the floor to remove crumbs and dust. Then mop it with a disinfecting solution. Pay attention to corners and under the fridge or stove, where dirt loves to hide.
When to Call Professional Move-Out Cleaning
Sometimes, even after hours of cleaning, the kitchen still doesn’t look perfect. Or maybe you just don’t have the time. That’s when professional move-out cleaning comes in handy.
Cleaning experts have stronger products and tools to make the kitchen spotless. It also saves you from the stress of doing it all yourself. If you want to make sure the landlord is happy or you want to focus on packing, professionals can handle it for you.
The Final NOTE!
When moving out, don’t skip the kitchen. It’s one of the most important areas to clean. Empty and declutter first, wipe cabinets, scrub appliances, disinfect all surfaces, and mop the floor. If it feels too hard or time-consuming, professional move-out cleaning can help.
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