How to Clean and Disinfect a Kitchen

Clean kitchen with island and barstools.

Everyday Areas to Clean & Sanitize in Your Kitchen

Start with these high-traffic and high-use areas of your kitchen that accumulate germs and grime from everyday food prep, cooking and eating.

1. Clean Your Stainless Steel or Granite Sink

Your kitchen sink does everything from washing vegetables to draining pasta to scrubbing pots and pans. You may even wash a pet or child in there! Whether your sink is stainless steel, granite or porcelain, don’t forget to wipe it down after use to help keep it spotless. Follow the sanitizing instructions for OxiClean™ Daily Clean Multi-Purpose Disinfectant to kill 99.9% of bacteria and viruses*, including the virus that causes COVID-19.**

2. Wash & Disinfect Your Countertops

Of course you wipe your countertops every day – probably even multiple times per day after fixing a meal or snack. The quick wipe removes visible dirt and debris, but it will take more deliberate cleaning to disinfect.

Whether you have laminate, quartz, granite or another hard, non-porous countertop, follow the disinfection directions on OxiClean™ 3-in-1 Deep Clean Multi-Purpose Disinfectant to kill 99.9% of bacteria and the virus that causes COVID-19, without abrasives or chlorine bleach.

3. Clean Your Cooktop or Stove Top

Splatters from cooking and even burned on grease and grime can coat your glass electric or induction cooktop or get under the grates and burners on gas or coil stove tops. While you wipe down your stove after every meal, give it a more thorough cleaning and disinfection every once in a while.

4. Wipe Down Refrigerator & Other Appliances

Appliance surfaces get more than fingerprints and streaks. They also house germs and greasy residue. Use a multi-purpose disinfectant to wipe down the front of your fridge, freezer, and oven as well as your microwave keypad and stove or oven buttons. Don’t forget the handles of appliances, where hands touch frequently.

5. Clean & Sanitize Your Kitchen Tile Floor

Airborne particles, spills, and daily traffic can lead to a dirty kitchen floor. In addition to cleaning the floor in your usual way, you can eliminate 99.9% of common bacteria and viruses* on hard, non-porous tile floors using OxiClean™ Laundry & Home Sanitizer.

6. Wash Dishtowels, Clothes & Drying Mats

Dishtowels should be washed frequently to keep from transferring dirt and germs in the towel to clean hands and dishes. And don’t forget the mat under your dish drying rack – it can get a buildup of dirt, soap scum, and mildew as well. Follow the instructions for How to Sanitize Laundry to clean, deodorize and disinfect your kitchen towels and washcloths.

Overlooked Kitchen Areas to Clean & Sanitize

Beyond the basics of countertops, stove, sink and floor, there are other areas in the kitchen that can get grimy and germy. Use this list for a more thorough cleaning and sanitizing in often-overlooked places.

1. Wipe Down Cabinet Doors & Handles

Cabinet doors and drawer fronts can get dirty from spills, dust, and airborne particles from cooking. Spray and wipe cabinets down with a multi-purpose cleaner such as OxiClean™ Daily Clean Multi-Purpose Disinfectant and a clean sponge or cloth.

2. Clean Your Faucet and Appliance Knobs

Places that your hands frequently touch in the kitchen can harbor dirt and germs. Pay attention to your sink faucet and handles as well as appliance knobs. Try using OxiClean™ 3 in 1 Deep Clean Multi-Purpose Disinfectant to cut tough grease and grime and kill 99.9% of bacteria* – and the virus that causes COVID-19** – on hard, non-porous surfaces.

* When used according to disinfection directions
**SARS-Related Coronavirus 2

3. Wash Out Your Microwave

Whether you’re heating up leftovers, popping popcorn or steaming veggies, microwave interiors can get a buildup of grease and food debris. Spray and wipe out the inside of the appliance and wash the turntable with warm soapy water. Use OxiClean™ Daily Clean Multi-Purpose Disinfectant on the appliance exterior surfaces.

4. Clear, Clean & Disinfect Your Refrigerator & Freezer

Spray and wipe the outside panels and handles of your fridge with OxiClean™ Daily Clean Multi-Purpose Disinfectant to remove everyday stains and leave a fresh clean scent with a non-abrasive, chlorine-free formula. Then head inside your refrigerator to check for spoiled or expired food items and dispose of them. Empty crisper drawers, doors and shelves and wipe them down using warm, soapy water.

5. Wipe Baseboards & Sills

Dirt can settle on these surfaces along the floor and windows. After cleaning the floor, spray and wipe down baseboards and sills for a cleaner kitchen.

6. Sanitize Switchplates & Doorknobs

Like faucets and cabinet handles, switchplates and doorknobs are high-touch areas. Follow the instructions to clean and sanitize daily and enjoy the fresh scent of OxiClean™ Daily Clean Multi-Purpose Disinfectant.

7. Deep Clean Your Dishwasher & Disposal

Detergent and water residue can build up in your dishwasher and become a haven for dirt buildup.

Once per month, add ¼ cup baking soda and 2 tablespoons of vinegar to your garbage disposal, let it foam and then flush with hot water to clear out musty smells and residue that can hide in the disposal and trap.

The Power of Oxygen to Clean Your Kitchen, Laundry and Home

Family enjoying a meal together in the kitchen.

OxiClean™ products are designed for soft surfaces such as laundry, upholstery and carpet and for hard non-porous surfaces such as sinks, countertops, appliances, and floors. Choose the right OxiClean™ formula to fight stains, cut tough grease and grime, or sanitize and disinfect areas around your kitchen and your home.