Be Inspired..!!

A 9-step cleaning checklist that makes your kitchen sparkle—and your brain feel calmer

I really appreciate you checking out my blog! Just so you know, some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means that if you buy something through them, I might earn a little bit of money, at no extra cost to you. There’s absolutely no pressure to buy anything, but if you do, it genuinely helps support the time and love I put into writing these posts.

There’s something oddly personal about a messy kitchen. Like, the rest of the house could be fine, the laundry might even be folded (rare, iconic), but if the kitchen is chaotic? Suddenly I feel like I’ve lost control of my entire life.

And it’s not even about being “clean.” It’s about the vibe. A dirty sink, sticky counters, crumbs in corners, and that one mystery smell you can’t identify but also can’t ignore? That’s the kind of thing that makes you want to order takeout forever and pretend the kitchen doesn’t exist.

So if you’ve been staring at your kitchen like it’s a judgmental roommate, I got you.

This is a simple, realistic 9-step kitchen cleaning checklist that will leave your kitchen sparkling without making you deep-clean like you’re auditioning for a home makeover show. It’s also the kind of routine that helps you stay consistent—because the real secret to a clean kitchen isn’t motivation… it’s a system.

And yes, I’ll share just 2–3 Amazon products that actually help, not the gimmicky stuff.

Let’s do this.

Before you start: the “don’t overthink it” rule

Here’s the biggest mistake people make: they try to clean the kitchen perfectly.

No. We’re cleaning it better.

I’m talking about the kind of clean where your counters shine, your sink looks fresh, and you could invite someone over without panic-cleaning for 45 minutes first.

So put on a playlist or a podcast, grab a drink (water counts, coffee counts, emotional support Diet Coke definitely counts), and follow these steps in order.

A 9-Step Cleaning Checklist That’ll Leave Your Kitchen Sparkling

Step 1: Clear the counters (yes, all of them)

This step alone changes everything.

Pick up anything that doesn’t belong:

• mail

• random cups

• snack wrappers

• yesterday’s vitamins

• that one onion you forgot existed

Put items where they go, or if you’re overwhelmed, create a “deal with later” basket.

Why it works: you can’t clean around clutter without getting annoyed, and annoyance is the #1 reason people quit halfway.

Step 2: Start the dishwasher (or create a dish zone)

If you have a dishwasher, load it and start it.

If you don’t, stack dishes neatly in one section of the sink and fill with hot soapy water.

Why it works: dishes are the emotional center of kitchen chaos. Once they’re contained, your brain relaxes.

Step 3: Empty the trash + replace the liner

This one feels small but makes a huge difference.

Take out the trash, replace the liner, and wipe the lid or rim if it’s gross.

Bonus points if you sprinkle baking soda in the bottom to keep smells down.

Why it works: trash smells linger and make your kitchen feel dirty even when it isn’t.

Step 4: Wipe appliances you touch every day

This is where your kitchen starts looking “sparkly” fast.

Wipe:

• microwave handle + keypad

• fridge handle

• stove knobs

• dishwasher handle

These are high-touch spots and they collect invisible grime that makes your kitchen feel dull.

Amazon product idea (1): Microfiber cleaning cloths (like Amazon Basics or MR.SIGA)

These are the easiest upgrade because they clean without streaks, don’t fall apart, and make stainless steel actually look good.

Step 5: Clean the sink (make it the star of the show)

A clean sink is a psychological reset. I don’t make the rules.

Scrub the basin, faucet, and drain area. Rinse with hot water.

If you want the sink to sparkle, sprinkle baking soda, scrub, then rinse. If it smells weird, pour vinegar down the drain.

Why it works: your sink is basically the kitchen’s “face.” When it looks clean, everything feels cleaner.

Step 6: Degrease the stovetop

Even if you don’t cook “a lot,” the stove always tells on you.

Remove burner grates (if you have them), wipe crumbs, spray degreaser, and wipe down.

Amazon product idea (2): Dawn Powerwash Dish Spray

This stuff is a miracle for grease. It cuts through stovetop grime, backsplash splatters, and even sticky cabinet spots without you having to scrub like you’re mad at the stove.

Step 7: Clean the counters (properly)

Now that counters are cleared, this step is satisfying.

Spray and wipe all surfaces:

• countertops

• backsplash

• edges near the stove

• corners where crumbs hide

Move small appliances (toaster, coffee maker) just enough to clean underneath.

Why it works: crumbs + grease build up in invisible layers, and once they’re gone, your kitchen looks instantly brighter.

Step 8: Sweep + spot mop the floor

You don’t need to mop the entire kitchen like you’re training for the Olympics.

Sweep first, then spot mop sticky areas:

• near the stove

• in front of the sink

• where pets eat

• under the high chair (if you know, you KNOW)

Amazon product idea (3): Swiffer WetJet (or reusable mop pads)

This is perfect for quick, realistic cleanups. It’s not “deep clean,” but it makes the kitchen feel fresh fast, which is the goal.

Step 9: The final reset (make it feel finished)

This is the “I did it” step.

Do these quick finishing touches:

• put dishes away or leave them drying neatly

• straighten the hand towel

• wipe the table

• light a candle or open a window for 5 minutes

Why it works: your brain needs a “done” signal. Otherwise it feels like cleaning never ends.

How often should you do this checklist?

Here’s the realistic schedule that works for most people:

• Daily: Steps 1–3 (counters, dishes, trash)

• 2–3x/week: Steps 4–7 (appliances, sink, stove, counters)

• Weekly: Steps 8–9 (floors + reset)

This keeps your kitchen consistently clean without spending your whole life cleaning.

Bonus: the “kitchen sparkle” rule nobody talks about

If you want your kitchen to look clean even when life is chaotic, focus on these 3 things:

1. Clear counters

2. Empty sink

3. Clean floor

If those three are handled, your kitchen will look 80% clean even if the fridge is a mess inside. That’s not laziness. That’s strategy.

Make it easy: a 10-minute nightly kitchen reset

If you want to wake up to a calmer kitchen, do this before bed:

• load dishwasher

• wipe counters

• quick sink rinse

• take out trash if needed

That’s it.

Not a deep clean. Just a reset.

And the next morning? You’ll feel like a person who has their life together—even if you absolutely do not.

How to naturally include your newsletter (without sounding salesy)

Here’s a smooth way to add it without ruining the tone:

If you liked this checklist, I share more simple “life gets easier” routines like this in my newsletter—quick cleaning resets, meal shortcuts, and realistic wellness tips that don’t require perfection. It’s like a little weekly refresh for your brain and your home, and you can read it in under five minutes.

It feels like an invitation, not a pitch. It builds trust. It matches the relationship-building vibe.

Let’s talk (because I know you have opinions)

What’s the one kitchen mess that instantly makes you feel overwhelmed?

For me it’s the sink full of dishes, but I want to hear yours—sticky floors, greasy stovetop, mystery fridge smells?

Drop it like you’re texting a friend, because we’re all out here trying to keep the kitchen clean and the mental health intact.

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases, but this does not affect my recommendations.I only suggest products I’ve personally vetted.