How to clean a kitchen in under 20 minutes

Start by using an all purpose cleaner designed for tough, greasy stains. Prepare a solution by diluting the cleaner with warm water according to the instructions on the bottle. Fill your sink or a large bucket with the cleaning solution and submerge the oven trays, range hood filters, and any removable stovetop components (like grates or burner covers). Let them soak for a few minutes to break down grease, oil and other residues, then scrub or wipe clean.

Grab a multi-purpose cleaner and spray down all the high-traffic areas in your kitchen. Start with your countertops, focusing on spots near the sink and stove where splatters and crumbs tend to build up. Don't forget to spray the backsplash, stovetop, and any small appliances like the microwave or toaster. Allow the multi-purpose cleaner to sit for a few minutes to break down grease and grime.

Use a microfibre cloth to wipe the surfaces, focusing on removing any grease or stains. For stubborn spots, use a scrub brush or sponge to gently work the cleaner in before wiping it away. Pay special attention to areas prone to build-up, like the stovetop and backsplash.

Spray down the sink area, including the faucet and handles and allow it to sit so the cleaner can break down grease and grime while you do other tasks, making tough spots easier to wipe away without extra scrubbing.

Use a microfibre cloth or a sponge with some additional cleaner to scrub the sink basin, faucet, and handles. Focus on any tough stains or spots around the drain. Rinse thoroughly with warm water to remove all cleaner residue, leaving your sink sparkling clean.

To get rid of smelly bins, take out the trash and wash the bin with warm, soapy water. After rinsing, wipe the bins down with a clean cloth or antibacterial wipe before placing a fresh bin liner on.

Use a specially formulated oven cleaner or a mixture of cleaning bi-carb and dishwashing liquid for a natural solution.

• Apply the cleaner: Spray or spread the oven cleaner inside the oven, focusing on areas with visible grease, spills, or baked-on food. Allow it to sit for a few minutes to break down stubborn grime.
• Wipe away grime: Using a damp cloth or sponge, begin wiping down the inside surfaces of the oven. Start from the top and work your way down, ensuring you cover the back, sides, and bottom. For tough spots, use a non-scratch scrubber to gently lift away any baked-on residue.
• Rinse and finish: After wiping away the grime, rinse your cloth or sponge and wipe down the inside again to remove any remaining cleaner. Make sure all surfaces are free of residue before finishing.

To give your kitchen a finishing touch, polish the benchtop for a clean and shiny surface:

• Apply the polishing spray: Use a dedicated benchtop polish or a suitable polishing spray for your benchtop material (e.g., granite, marble, or laminate). Lightly mist the entire surface.

• Buff to shine: Use a clean, dry microfibre cloth to buff the polish into the surface in circular motions. This will not only enhance the shine but also help to remove any lingering smudges or fingerprints.

• Final touch: Make sure all areas of the benchtop are thoroughly polished for a gleaming finish that looks professionally cleaned.

• The key to time-saving is prioritising tasks that you can leave while they work - such as waiting for something to soak whilst doing your other tasks.

• Allowing cleaning agents such as soapy water or multi-surface cleaners to soak or sit will do most of the heavy lifting for you, meaning much less scrubbing!

Check out our tips for cleaning your bathroom in under 10 minutes.