With spring having sprung (and the words of Marie Kondo echoing in my head all these years later), I’ve been doing my best to kick-start kitchen spring cleaning before summer arrives. But one thing I’ve learned after all these years is it’s so easy to miss certain tasks that aren’t necessarily hard — but they don’t jump right out as I wipe down the counters for the 20th time this week.
While purging those drawers is great (you know the ones), and you probably have thought to recycle mismatched plastic lids and Konmari clean your fridge, those are the things we all have in mind when it comes to kitchen spring cleaning. So instead, I’m covering the things we tend to forget.
No matter how you like to approach your spring cleaning—in one big, don’t-bother-me-this-weekend blowout, or little by little, day by day — here are 7 easy tasks that don’t want to leave off your kitchen spring cleaning checklist.
This post contains affiliate links and we may earn a small commission on purchases at no additional cost to you, which helps support our work. So, thank you! Updated 2024 with input from Christina.
1. Hunt for the hidden messes
Some recent oven repairs reminded me how important it is to get behind, under, and inside our kitchen appliances, drawers, and cupboards, at least once a year. Whether it’s a countertop item like a Nespresso Machine or a larger appliance, pull it away from the wall or use a flat dust mop head (this one is great!) to get everything back there clean. Think about what’s under the stove, behind the refrigerator, on top of your cabinets. All of it. You can’t call it kitchen spring cleaning without this important first step.
2. Clean all your kitchen shelves, and ditch the paper liners
Don’t forget to give all shelves — not just your pantry shelves — a quick wipe to remove dust or grime that tends to collect in kitchens. I’m talking the coffee mug shelf, the cereal bowl shelf, and the shelf at the tippy top where you keep the fancy stuff you never actually use. A few people on our team have had good luck with this washable, clear shelf liner — it’s not made of paper, which can attract pests that eat it; and it’s non-adhesive so it’s easy to wash and reposition. It also gribs classwear pretty well and we like that you can see through it so leaks and spills won’t hide there for years.
If you’ve ever had to deal with ants or flour bugs eek, you’ll know why this “hidden” cleanup is worth the effort.
Related: Non-toxic spring cleaning with salt: 8 unexpected uses in the kitchen beyond cooking.
3. Disinfect your cutting boards
Whether your cutting boards look more like these gorgeous walnut cutting boards from Williams-Sonoma or these inexpensive color-coded cutting board mats, take a good look at them. If they’re waaaaay past their prime, replace them. But ideally, you want to ensure the ones you own last as long as possible and stay as clean as possible by trying one of Jane’s 3 methods for disinfecting and sanitizing your cutting boards. This is a kitchen spring cleaning must-do, that hopefully you do more than once every spring!
Related: How to clean burnt cookie sheets with an easy homemade solution.
4.Replace your kitchen sponges
Super, super easy: Replace your kitchen sponges! Liz has been swearing by the sponges from Skura Style (above), which repel bacteria growth and fade in design when it’s time to replace them. Do not attempt to wash or disinfect your used sponges; evidence is that trying to “wash out the bacteria,” even in a dishwasher, is not going to be successful. (Psst: You can even get Skura Style sponges via subscription so you never have to remember to buy new sponges again!)
Related: Don’t throw it out! We found 11 smart ways to use expired baking soda around the house.
5. Clean or replace all the filters in your kitchen.
Has your refrigerator alarm been begging you to change the water and ice-maker filter for months? When was the last time you washed your greasy range hood filter? Have you dared to see what is in your dishwasher filter? These are all such easy kitchen spring cleaning tasks, but I tend to stall. No more stalling! A great resource is Filters Fast, a subscription service that sends filters you need at a discount, including air, water — you name it. You should also compare prices with Water Drop Filters, which has a robust list of kitchen filters by use and brand.
While you’re at it: Give the garbage disposal a quick clean out too — here’s a tip to make it sooooo easy.
6. Disinfect your knife block — or replace it with something more sanitary
Our associate editor Kate became disillusioned with her knife block, after reading an article about all the icky bacteria that grows in those deep, dark slots. So she’s suggested 3 better ways to store your knives besides a knife block to keep your knives both clean and accessible I’m calling Kate an influencer now since she influenced me to get rid of our knife block and to replace it with one of these double-sided magnetic holders. (We’ve seen beautiful ones in every price range at Amazon or Wayfair, including the one above.)
If you’re attached to your traditional knife block, though, I recommend disinfecting it around once a month. Kitchen spring cleaning is a perfect opportunity to get in the habit.
Related: 10 tips for a more sustainable kitchen in honor of Earth Day
7. Clean and disinfect reusable water bottles
Hydroflasks: We’re still fans!
I can get pretty lazy about washing out my water bottle as often as I should, especially since it’s basically attached to my person all day and then sitting on my nightstand while I sleep. But we should all be putting one of these 3 techniques for disinfecting reusable water bottles to use. Be sure you have a good water bottle cleaning brush, which is a smart $11 investment. (The Hydroflask Bottle Brush is good too.) And don’t forget the nozzles which can get pretty nasty too! While you’re at it, whittle down your collection if you’ve got bottles that are way past their prime.
Bonus Spring Cleaning Tip: Kitchen spring clean your fridge — but on your own schedule
Oh, my favorite chore! (Sarcasm.) I am always glad when I’ve finished Konmaring my fridge, but I don’t necessarily agree that it needs to be done all in one marathon session. If you’re short on time while embarking on kitchen spring cleaning, pick a section—like your condiment shelves or the vegetable drawer—and spread out cleaning the entire fridge over a week or so.
No, my refrigerator and pantry will never look like those aspirational TikTok videos with all that gorgeous coordinated kitchen storage, but just knowing that I’ve tossed that crusty mustard with 1/16th of a teaspoon left at the bottom makes me feel like I’ve accomplished something.
Photos: JESHOOTS.COM, Jacek Dylag via Unsplash
I just wanted to say a huge thank you for sharing your kitchen spring cleaning checklist. As a busy mom, I often struggle to keep my kitchen organized and clean, but your tips and advice have been a game-changer for me. I followed your checklist and I’m happy to report that my kitchen is now sparkling clean and organized.
In fact, I was so inspired by your post that I decided to take it one step further and get my hardwood floors professionally cleaned. And I’m happy to report that they look amazing! It’s amazing what a difference professionally cleaned floors can make in a home, and I’m so grateful for your guidance.
Thank you again for all your wonderful advice and inspiration. As a fellow mom, I appreciate your willingness to share your expertise with the world. Keep up the great work!