How to Deep Clean Your Kitchen This Fall
The kitchen is the busiest room in the house — and the one that collects the most mess. Grease, crumbs, fingerprints, and hidden dust build up quickly, and before you know it, your kitchen looks dull instead of fresh. With the season changing in Chicago, fall is the perfect time for a full kitchen reset.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to tackling your kitchen using safe, eco-friendly cleaning products that leave your space spotless without harsh chemical smells.
Step 1: Countertops & Backsplash
Remove small appliances and items so you can access the full surface.
Wipe countertops and backsplash with a green-certified all-purpose cleaner.
Pay extra attention to grout lines and corners where grease splatter tends to hide.
Step 2: Appliances
Refrigerator: Take out removable shelves and drawers, wash them with an eco-friendly dish soap, and wipe down interior walls with a neutral cleaner that is safe for food-contact surfaces.
Oven & Stovetop: Use a commercial eco-certified degreaser to cut through baked-on spills. Always check the product label to ensure it’s safe for stainless steel, enamel, or glass.
Microwave: Spray a light, food-safe cleaner inside, let it sit briefly, then wipe clean with a microfiber cloth.
Dishwasher: Run a cleaning cycle with an enzyme-based dishwasher cleaner that removes grease and limescale naturally.
Step 3: Cabinets & Drawers
Wipe cabinet doors and handles with a low-VOC wood and surface cleaner.
Vacuum inside drawers to remove crumbs, then wipe with a gentle spray cleaner safe for wood, laminate, or painted finishes.
Step 4: Sink & Fixtures
Scrub the sink with a non-abrasive, eco-friendly cream cleaner designed for stainless steel or porcelain.
Wipe faucet handles and knobs with a disinfecting cleaner certified for green cleaning — these high-touch areas collect more bacteria than you think.
Step 5: Floors
Sweep or vacuum first, making sure to get under appliances and into corners.
Mop with a pH-neutral, eco-certified floor cleaner suitable for tile, hardwood, or vinyl, depending on your kitchen.
Why Eco-Friendly Products Matter in the Kitchen
This is where food is prepared, stored, and shared — so using harsh chemicals isn’t worth the risk. Green-certified cleaners from trusted vendors like Diversey and Bona provide powerful cleaning without leaving behind harmful residues or strong artificial fragrances. They’re safer for kids, pets, and the environment, while still delivering professional-grade results.
