Tidy kitchen space

Gather all cleaning supplies, cloths and sponges

Remove everything from countertops

Remove rugs and runners

TIP: Always start with a list and complete a job before moving on to the next, so if you need to spread the list over a number of days, you will always know what’s left to achieve

Clean windows, inside and out (if safe to do so)

Wash or dust curtains

Wipe down blinds

Clean the tops of your kitchen cabinets

Wipe down walls and splashbacks

Wipe down cabinet doors

Clean door handles

Wipe down countertops

Wipe down pendants/downlights

Wipe down light switches and plug sockets (with dry microfibre cloths)

Clear completely

Wipe down cupboards

Throw out expired foods

Use jars and air-tight containers to organise your food

Organise by types of foods

TIP: Use white label stickers to add expiry dates underneath the containers

Vacuum and mop floors

Shake out and clean rugs and runners

Dust and wipe down skirting boards

Scrub and polish sink, tap and handles

Sort sponges, cleaning brushes and replace regularly

Clean and disinfect dish rack

TIP: Add a good handful of baking soda into the drain, let it sit for 15 minutes, then pour 1/2 cup white vinegar down. Watch the fizz, and let it sit for another 15 minutes. Then, add some boiling water and voila!

Deep clean fridge shelves, drawers and door built-in storage. Don’t forget all the grooves! Re-organise and discard old jars

Dishwasher deep clean: scrub the filter thoroughly with dish soap using a small brush (or toothbrush) and run dishwasher on a hot cycle with 1 cup of vinegar or dishwasher cleaner

Washing machine deep clean: Add two cups of vinegar to the detergent dispenser, 1/2 of baking soda directly in the drum and run on a hot setting. Don’t forget to clean the filter and the door rubber seal first!

Steam clean your microwave: Add a bowl with water and half a lemon, microwave for 5 minutes, let it steam a little and then wipe down

Throughly clean your oven, soak the oven racks, clean trays, grooves and doors/handles

Wipe down and descale your kettle using one sliced lemon (into thin rounds), place in kettle with cold water and boil. Boil for a second time after 30 min and then rinse with cold water

Wipe down toaster and empty crumbs tray

Clean inside the bins and let them air dry outside

Clean lids and openings thoroughly with anti-bacterial wipes

TIP: Deodorise bins with baking soda or deodoriser at the bottom of the bin, before placing bags