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Summer is the perfect time to give your kitchen a deep clean. Between backyard BBQs and all those fresh summer recipes, you probably spend a lot of time going in and out of your kitchen. So, if you’re ready to kick off the season with a sparkling kitchen, here is a fun and practical Summer Kitchen Deep Clean Checklist. Trust me, it is way more satisfying than it sounds!
1. Clear Out the Fridge and Freezer
I like to tackle the biggest project first: the fridge. Summer means more fresh produce, frozen treats, and leftovers from cookouts, so you may need extra space in your fridge and freezer. Take everything out—and I mean everything. Then, toss expired items and wipe down the shelves and drawers with warm, soapy water or a vinegar solution. Don’t forget the sticky mystery spots behind the jars and the crumbs in the veggie drawer!
For the freezer, check for anything that has been in there since winter or longer. Wipe down the interior and then take inventory of what you have left. Then, voila! Room for popsicles and frozen fruit!
2. Scrub Down the Grill Tools
Even if your grill lives outside, your tongs, spatulas, and skewers are usually stored in the kitchen, which is why this comes next in our summer kitchen deep clean checklist. And summer means they are about to get a lot of use. Give your grill tools a thorough scrubbing to remove leftover grease and charred bits. Soak them in hot, soapy water and use a scrub brush or steel wool for any stubborn grime. Summer is also a good time to restock your BBQ supplies like foil, marinades, or skewers. You will need them!
3. Deep Clean the Oven (Yes, Even in Summer)
You might be using your oven less in the summer, but that makes it the perfect time to clean it. Wipe out crumbs, clean the racks with warm, soapy water, and use an oven-safe cleaner or baking soda paste to tackle the baked-on grease. You won’t believe how good it feels to have a fresh oven ready for when baking season rolls back around! And don’t forget to make a few fresh summer pies! My favorite is cherry pie, but I’m also obsessed with fresh peach pie in the summer.
4. Refresh the Pantry
Your pantry deserves a summer refresh, too. Take everything out and check expiration dates, especially on spices, baking supplies, and snacks hiding in the back. Wipe down the shelves and reorganize with bins or baskets so everything is easier to grab when you are whipping up a pasta salad or prepping picnic snacks.
5. Sanitize the Trash Can
Trash cans take a beating year-round, but in summer, the heat can make odors way worse, which is why this task earns a spot on our summer kitchen deep clean checklist. Take the can outside, scrub it with hot water and dish soap, then rinse and let it dry in the sun. For extra freshness, sprinkle some baking soda in the bottom or line it with a dryer sheet before adding a new trash bag. No more funky smells during your next cookout!
6. Wipe Down Cabinets and Drawers
If you have a busy household, then greasy fingerprints, food splatters, and crumbs probably cover your kitchen cabinets. Wipe them down with a gentle cleaner (dish soap and water work great), and don’t forget the handles. Summer is also a good time to reorganize those junk drawers or baking supply areas when you have a little extra time.
If you really want to get fancy, line your drawers and cabinet shelves with fresh shelf paper for a fun seasonal touch!
7. Clean the Dishwasher
Yes, your dishwasher cleans dishes, but it needs to be cleaned, too. Remove and clean the filter, wipe down the inside door and gasket, and run an empty cycle with white vinegar or a dishwasher cleaner tab. All of this will help your dishes sparkle and keep the dishwasher from smelling funky during those hot summer days.
8. Disinfect Cutting Boards
Between all the watermelon slicing, tomato chopping, and chicken marinating, your cutting boards go through a lot in the summer. Give them a proper clean by scrubbing them with hot, soapy water, then disinfecting with a vinegar rinse or lemon and coarse salt for wooden boards. This is a great habit to get into during summer when cross-contamination is more of a risk with all the fresh produce and raw meats.
9. Wash Reusable Grocery Bags
You might not think to put this on your kitchen deep clean check list, but summer farmers markets and grocery runs mean your reusable bags are probably getting more use, which, in turn, means more grime. Toss cloth or canvas bags in the washing machine and wipe down plastic-lined ones with a disinfecting wipe or soap and water. This helps prevent bacteria build-up and keeps those fresh peaches and ears of corn from picking up any gross leftovers from last week’s trip.
10. Clean the Vent Hood and Filters
If your vent hood has been quietly collecting grease and dust, summer is the time to clean it! Remove the filters and soak them in hot, soapy water (or run them through the dishwasher if they are dishwasher-safe). Wipe down the outside of the hood with a degreasing cleaner. A clean vent not only looks better, but it actually works better, too, especially if you’re doing any indoor grilling or stovetop cooking.
Get Your Kitchen Clean for Summer
There is something so satisfying about starting the season with a fresh, clean kitchen. A deep-cleaned kitchen makes everything feel a little more joyful! So, crank up your favorite summer playlist, grab a sponge, and check off a few of these tasks. You will be glad you did!
