Ultimate Spring Cleaning Checklist • Kitchen

A checklist helps you work through one task at a time and ticking them off always feels good. Do it all in one hit, or spread each task out over a number of days. We'll tackle each room over 4 weeks. Get the biggest job done and dusted first - the Kitchen.

Please note: throughout we will use the generic term Cleaner which in this case really means one of the following, your preference: 

Orange Power Cleaner diluted, add small squirt in 500ml water in a trigger bottle
or All-Purpose Cleanser diluted, add small squirt in 500ml water in a trigger bottle
or Dishwashing Liquid/All-Purpose Cleanser sensitive diluted, add small squirt in 500ml water in a trigger bottle

1) Walls
Use either Cleaner, working your way around, spray and immediately wipe with a microfibre cloth.

2) Windows
If you only have a small area of windows to clean we recommend using Multi Surface & Glass Cleaner, for bigger areas use diluted All-Purpose Cleanser.

Large window area dosage: In a bucket of 5 litres water add 5ml (1 tsp) All-Purpose Cleanser. Use sponge and squeegee.

TIP: Don't clean windows on a sunny, warm day, the heat will cause the glass window pane to dry too quickly and cause smears.

3) Countertops and appliances
Spray all countertops and appliances, with Cleaner, then wipe with a microfibre cloth.

4) Oven
Good blog on eco-friendly oven cleaning here.

5) Rubbish bin
Sprinkle a teaspoon of baking soda in the bottom to neutralise odours and add a drop of Orange Power Cleaner or All-Purpose Cleanser. Add hot water. Allow the mixture to sit for a while, then swish it around and give it a scrub. Rinse with clean water. Air dry.

6) Dishwasher
To clean, remove any baskets and racks. Spray the interior of the dishwasher with *Cleaner. Wipe down door, sides and bottom using a clean cloth or sponge. Good time to clean the filter too. Run an empty machine on its highest temperature setting with the addition of 1C white vinegar.

7) Waste disposal
Deodorise and clean by cutting up a lemon into quarters with a tsp of baking soda and running water.

8) Microwave
Place 1/2 C water and 1/2 C white vinegar into a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for several minutes to a rolling boil. Allow microwave to cool, wipe down, inside and out.

9) Cabinets and drawers
Clear out cabinets and drawers one at a time, spray Cleaner, leave it to work for a moment or two, then wipe out with a cloth or Eco Sponge.

10) Pantry
Remove all food from pantry, clean up and organise. Spray all surfaces, doors and shelves with Cleaner, wipe out with a microfibre cloth or the sponge side of Eco Sponge.

11) Fridge
Clear shelves and drawers. Spray a moist cloth with Cleaner, then wipe inside and outside of fridge. Wash drawers in lukewarm, soapy water with Dishwashing Liquid Lemon or Calendula. Rinse, air dry outside and return to fridge. Clean grooves, using Cleaner and an old toothbrush to remove stubborn particles. 

12) Floors
Vacuum any rugs and then hang them out on the washing line for a dose of UV and fresh air. Mop the floors with diluted All-Purpose Cleanser or Floor Mopping Fluid.

All-Purpose Cleanser Dosage:

In a bucket of 10 litres water add 5-10ml (1-2 tsp) of All-Purpose Cleanser, depending on the degree of soiling.

Floor Mopping Fluid Dosage:

Porous, oiled, unsealed wooden and stone floors: 10 ml per 5 litres of water.

Varnished and sealed surfaces of wood, cork, linoleum and tiles: 5 ml per 5 litres of water.

Finally, place fresh flowers in your beautiful, clean, fresh smelling, organised kitchen, make yourself a cuppa and put your feet up!