Spring Clearing: The Kitchen! (don't worry - lots of pictures here to inspire you)

A step-by-step guide to efficiently cleaning your most-used room (in just a few hours, or over the course of a few days). Checklist via Real Simple.

The Cabinet Fronts

• Wipe from top to bottom. Using a microfiber cloth dampened with water and a few drops of mild cleanser, follow the direction of the grain. Rinse the cloth and repeat.

The Stovetop

• Scour the surface. A microfiber cloth moistened with water and cleaner will do the trick.

The Countertops

• Clean the countertops with a microfiber cloth. Wet it with water and mild cleaner, and wipe the countertops using a circular motion. Then mist with water and wipe down with a clean cloth. Wash the tile backsplash using the same method.

The Dishwasher and Microwave

• Wipe down the outsides. Try a cloth dampened with water and dish soap.

The Garbage Can

• Disinfect with an all-purpose cleaner. Spray on both the inside and the outside and wipe with a clean cloth.

The Sink

• Scrub in a circular motion from the top to the drain with a cloth and cleaner. Use an old toothbrush to remove any mold lurking in the edges of the drain or faucet. Rinse the area.

The Dish Rack

• Soak in a sink filled with water and a little dishwashing liquid. Scrub off food particles with an old toothbrush. Dry with a clean cloth.

The Cabinets and Drawers

• Empty, then vacuum with a brush attachment. Wipe shelves with a cloth dampened with water and dish soap.

The Refrigerator

• Wipe down the outside with a cloth dampened with water and dish soap. Move the refrigerator and vacuum behind and underneath it.

The Small Appliances

• Clean with a damp cloth. Moisten it with water and dish soap.

The Oven

• Clean the inside as directed. When finished, wipe down the door, hardware, and handles.

The Burner Grates

• Remove from the stovetop. Then scrub with a brush and cleaner.

The Floor

• Sweep, working from the walls to the middle of the room. To clean corners, blow out the dust with a hair dryer, then sweep up, or vacuum using a crevice attachment. Then mop in small sections, dipping the mop in a pail of clean water and detergent and squeezing out excess liquid in between each section.

The fun part? Rearranging things when everything is clean, standing back, and admiring your work.