Spring-cleaning season is upon us!

Though not always the most fun activity, engaging in this tradition to eliminate dust and cast off clutter could mean more sanitary spaces, healthier air quality, and satisfyingly sorted storage. And your kitchen may be the best place to start since it gets some of the most grueling treatment. So set aside a weekend and strap on your dish gloves: here is your guide to giving this room a thorough refresh.

Cabinet Tops

These neglected spaces likely don’t get much attention, giving you all the more reason to foray into here—the buildup of dust, cobwebs, and other messes may be substantial. First, clear your counters and stovetop in case dust drifts down onto them, then carefully access your cabinet tops with the help of an extendable duster. Use the heavy-duty duster to swipe them clean, paying special attention to corners and cabinet seams.

Inner Cabinets

Now it’s time to give your storage areas some internal affection. Working top to bottom, unload each cabinet, dust the shelves and walls thoroughly, and wash them using a damp, soapy microfiber cloth, getting into every small groove. Wash the exterior doors and hardware, too, using a delicate scrub pad to cut through grease and other grime. Let them dry before rubbing on a layer of wood cabinet cleaner, if appropriate, for polish and ongoing protection.

So ends this process, but before you reload your cabinets, pause and reflect: Do you really need all these items? Over time, you may have accumulated a few too many food-storage containers and even some what-the-heck cooking gadgets. Donate or recycle what you don’t need, and throw away anything that’s in poor condition, including damaged dishware.

Backsplash and Countertops

Give these areas an equally rigorous wash, starting with any grout. Using a stiff-bristled brush, simply scrub to remove extra buildup such as grease. To eliminate tougher stains, combine two parts baking soda, one part hydrogen peroxide, and a squirt of liquid dish soap in a spray bottle and apply it to your grout, letting the cleaner sit for five minutes. Wipe it away with a paper towel, and rinse with a wet sponge. Then give the rest of your backsplash and countertops a thorough cleanse; just as with your cabinets, a microfiber cloth with warm water and dish soap will do.

If these surfaces have a sealed material such as marble, consider scheduling a resealing treatment to prevent stains and preserve its beauty. Timing recommendations vary (e.g., every one to three years for granite), so reach out to a countertop-maintenance service for guidance.

Appliances and Faucets

To erase the abuse these functional features take, give them a simple soap-and-water scrub, utilizing a soft-bristled brush to work into grime or mineral buildup. For your stovetop, a sprinkle of vinegar and baking soda can help loosen residue, especially under grates. Once finished, wipe dry with a microfiber cloth.

Polishing recommendations for fixtures like your oven exterior and sink depend on the makeup—for example, you can find stainless steel cleaner at your local grocer, but chrome is best polished with a vinegar-based solution. Similarly, brass and nickel have distinct cleaning and polishing guidelines. Research the ideal method for each material to avoid damaging it.

Mysteries may await you inside the oven and microwave, so venture in with your trusty soap and water, also scrubbing interior surfaces with a baking soda/water solution to eliminate stuck-on messes. For extra tough areas, let this cleanser sit for twenty minutes, then spray on a vinegar/water mix and wipe it away. (Note: Your oven may include a self-cleaning feature, but this extreme-heat cycle operates using a ton of energy. Plus, handwashing is more often effective anyway.)

You may want to take this time to tackle your refrigerator as well, emptying out old food and giving its surfaces, drawers, and walls a thorough wash with a soapy sponge. On top of looking cleaner and more organized, you may find that it even smells better as a result.

Floors

Finally, don’t forget about your floors. Adhere to typical weekly recommendations for sweeping and mopping based on their material, being sure to work into corners and dusty gaps under appliances like your stove and refrigerator. If you have flooring with grout, such as ceramic tile, follow the aforementioned process to give it a decent cleanse.

And just like that, you’re finished! Take a look around you: you’re now in the presence of a healthier, cleaner kitchen that sets the backdrop for making cozy weekend morning meals, hosting memory-making celebrations with your loved ones, and everything in between.