I’ve always loved cooking and baking. There’s something so special about trying new recipes, making delicious food from scratch, and sharing it with family, friends, and all of you here on my blog. It’s one of my favorite things to do but if I’m being honest, the hardest part is always the cleaning that comes after.
I’m sure you can relate! After a fun cooking or baking session, the kitchen can end up looking like a mess—crumbs on the counter, dishes in the sink, spills on the stove. And when it piles up, it can feel really overwhelming.
That’s why I started following a weekly kitchen cleaning schedule. Instead of trying to do everything at once, I spread it out over the week. It helps me keep the kitchen clean (or at least less messy) without all the stress. Our house isn’t always spotless with a homeschooled kid around, but having a cleaning schedule really helps me keep the kitchen more manageable.
I’m sharing my schedule with you in this post—along with some helpful tips and hacks to make kitchen cleaning easier and to help you stick to the routine. Because when we bring a little rhythm and care to the process, even the smallest tasks can bring a sense of calm and joy to our homes.
Why You Need a Kitchen Cleaning Schedule
Keeping your kitchen clean takes time and effort. But don’t let the thought of scrubbing counters or deep cleaning the oven overwhelm you. You don’t have to do it all at once—or forever. When you find the right cleaning schedule that fits your routine, everything feels easier and less stressful.
Here are the reasons why having a weekly kitchen cleaning schedule can truly make a difference.
1. Make Cleaning More Manageable
The kitchen is often the busiest room in the house, and messes happen fast. A weekly schedule helps you break down cleaning into small tasks, like wiping counters one day and cleaning appliances another. This way, you avoid overwhelming chores and keep your kitchen fresh all week long.
2. Keep Stress at Bay
A messy kitchen can make your whole day feel chaotic. Studies have found that a cluttered and messy space can raise stress levels and make it harder to focus or relax. By following a cleaning schedule, you keep the kitchen tidy and your mind calm. A clean kitchen really does help make your home peaceful and welcoming.
3. Improve Health and Hygiene
Regular kitchen cleaning helps prevent germs, bacteria, and mold from growing on surfaces. This keeps your food prep areas safe and reduces the risk of illness. Keeping with a schedule makes sure you don’t miss important spots like cutting boards, sinks, and countertops.
4. Save Time in the Long Run
Cleaning a little every week means you won’t have to spend hours scrubbing stuck-on grime later. It’s easier to wipe a fresh spill than to scrub a hardened stain. A consistent schedule helps you avoid major deep cleans that take up your whole day.
Weekly Kitchen Cleaning Guide
Cleaning your kitchen all at once can feel like a big job. That’s why it’s better to spread out your tasks over the week and focus on different areas each day. This way, you give special attention to spots that often get overlooked during busy days—and your kitchen stays fresh and inviting.
Monday: Freshen Up the Fridge
Check for expired or old food. Wipe down shelves and drawers to keep your fridge smelling clean and your food safe.
Taking the time to clean your fridge regularly not only prevents unpleasant odors but also helps reduce food waste. A tidy fridge means you can easily see what you have, making meal planning simpler and healthier.
Tuesday: Clean and Wipe Countertops
Take a few minutes to clear off your countertops and give them a good wipe. Get under the toaster, move the jars, and clean up those sneaky crumbs hiding in the corners.
Keeping your counters clean isn’t just about making things look nice—it makes cooking feel less chaotic and helps keep germs away. Plus, there’s something satisfying about walking into your kitchen and seeing a clutter-free space. It just makes everything feel a little calm and ready for your next meal, snack, or coffee break.
Wednesday: Shine the Cabinets and Handles
Wipe down cabinet doors and handles to remove grease and dust that build up over time.
Cabinet handles are one of the most touched surfaces in the kitchen, which means they can easily collect germs. Keeping them clean helps reduce germs and keeps your kitchen looking fresh and well-loved.
Thursday: Deep Clean the Sink
Scrub the sink, faucet, and drain thoroughly to remove grime and keep everything sparkling clean and hygienic.
The sink is a hotspot for bacteria since it comes into contact with food scraps and moisture. Regular deep cleaning helps prevent mold, unpleasant odors, and buildup, making sure it stays fresh and safe for all your washing and food prep.
A good tip is to pay extra attention to the area around the drain since food bits can get stuck there and cause funky smells if you don’t clean it often and properly.
Friday: Tidy Up Appliances
Give the inside of your oven and microwave a good wipe to clear away spills and crumbs. This helps prevent lingering smells and makes cooking way easier and more enjoyable. Appliances can easily get overlooked, but keeping them clean means your meals cook more evenly—plus, your kitchen feels fresher overall.
A simple habit is to wipe down the microwave after use and check the oven for spills regularly. This prevents mess from piling up and saves you from those big cleanups later!
Saturday: Organize Pantry and Drawers
Take a little time to organize your pantry and drawers. Toss expired items and wipe down shelves to keep everything neat. An organized pantry not only saves time when cooking but also helps reduce food waste by making sure you use items before they expire.
A helpful way to keep things in order is to group similar items—like baking supplies, snacks, or grains—and store them in clear containers. Label each container to make it easier to find what you need quickly and help maintain a tidy space.
This simple approach keeps your pantry accessible and looking great all the time.
Sunday: Clear the Floor
Sweep and mop the kitchen floor thoroughly to get rid of dirt and sticky spots from the week, leaving your kitchen feeling clean and welcoming. Clean floors not only keep pests away but also make your kitchen a safer place to walk around. A clean floor really ties everything together and gives your space that just-cleaned vibe.
To keep things easy, try giving your floor a quick sweep a few times during the week. It helps stop dirt from piling up and makes Sunday mop feel way less like a chore.
Tips to Help You Stick to Your Weekly Kitchen Cleaning Routine and Make It Enjoyable
Keeping up with a weekly kitchen cleaning routine can feel overwhelming at times, but I found a few simple habits can make the whole process smoother and more enjoyable. By adding these easy tips to your routine, you’ll find it’s easier to stay on top of cleaning and enjoy a fresh, inviting kitchen all week long.
1. Keep Cleaning Supplies Handy—and Safely Stored
Store your most-used cleaning products or tools in a secure spot near the kitchen, like a cabinet under the sink or a utility drawer. Just make sure they’re kept away from food and out of reach of kids and pets.
Having your supplies nearby makes it easier to clean as you go, so small messes don’t turn into big ones. You can also use a caddy or a small bin to keep everything organized and easy to grab when needed.
2. Tackle Messes as They Happen
A quick wipe here and there after cooking or meal prep helps prevent grime and stains from building up. This habit keeps your kitchen looking fresh daily and cuts down on heavy cleaning sessions.
3. Set a Friendly Reminder
Use a phone alarm, calendar note, or sticky note on the fridge to remind yourself of the cleaning tasks. A gentle nudge can keep your routine on track without feeling like a chore.
4. Switch Up the Order When You Feel Stuck
If your routine starts to feel boring or too predictable, shake things up. Start with your favorite task, skip to Sunday’s chore on a Tuesday, or mix two days together when you have extra energy. Flexibility keeps the routine feeling fresh and prevents it from becoming a mental drag.
5. Add a Personal Touch to One Spot Each Week
After cleaning, take a minute to add something small that feels good to come back to—like arranging your fruit bowl nicely, refilling a pretty soap dispenser, or folding a dish towel just right. These tiny personal touches turn your kitchen into a space that feels cared for, not just cleaned, and give you something to appreciate every time you walk in.
Final Thoughts
Keeping the kitchen clean doesn’t have to be a big, stressful job. By focusing on one area each week and using simple hacks, the whole process feels easier and even enjoyable.
It's not about making everything perfect but about creating a space that feels good and welcoming. I’ve found that sticking to a schedule helps me stay on track without feeling overwhelmed. So take it slow, find what works for you, and enjoy the little moments of calm a clean kitchen can bring.
“Once your home is ordered, you will feel more satisfied with yourself and at peace with the world.”
Donna Smallin
