Your Room-by-Room Guide to Clean That Actually Feels Good

The Kitchen: Where Crumbs Go to Hide and Grime Throws a Party

Let’s be honest—if the kitchen could talk, it would probably scream. Between the mystery stain under the toaster and the sticky cabinet handles you keep pretending not to notice, it’s easy to let this space spiral into chaos. And while cleaning the kitchen might not be your idea of a Saturday night thrill, it doesn’t have to feel like scrubbing a crime scene either.

This guide kicks off our room-by-room series with expert-level simplicity. You’ll get real, doable tips for that Top to Bottom Deluxe Cleaning shine—without the eye-roll-worthy fluff. Whether you’re all about the deep-dive or just looking for a one-time or occasional cleaning reset, we’ve got the good stuff lined up.

 

Welcome to kitchen rehab.

 

Step 1: Prep Like a Pro (Trust Us, It Matters)

Before you even touch a sponge, do yourself a favor and clear the clutter. Take five minutes to remove everything that doesn’t belong: mail, homework, your dog’s leash (why is it even there?). You need a blank canvas to make real progress.

Quick Wins:

  • Load and run the dishwasher to clear space.

  • Take out the trash—start fresh.

  • Open the windows if possible. You’re about to stir up some scents, and not all of them are lemony.

Step 2: Fridge Triage

The fridge is sacred territory. It’s where your groceries go to rot—or thrive. Time to face it.

Checklist:

  • Toss expired items (no mercy).

  • Wipe down shelves with a baking soda and water solution.

  • Pull out drawers and wash them in the sink with dish soap.

  • Use a dry cloth to finish for that “I totally have it together” look.

Pro Tip: Place an open box of baking soda in the back to keep things fresh.

Step 3: Cabinets and Drawers – The Dust Collectors

Cabinet doors and drawer handles are fingerprint magnets. And inside? Let’s just say crumbs have squatters’ rights.

Checklist:

  • Vacuum or wipe out inside drawers.

  • Wipe down cabinet fronts with warm, soapy water.

  • Use a toothbrush (yep) to get into the creases and corners.

This is where that Top to Bottom Deluxe Cleaning mindset comes in hot. Don’t just clean what you see. Clean what you touch—and that includes that one drawer where you keep coupons and rubber bands from 2014.

Step 4: The Counters – Not Just a Pretty Surface

Counters can fool you. They look clean after a quick wipe, but under the surface? Bacteria’s having brunch.

Checklist:

  • Move everything off. Everything.

  • Wipe down with an all-purpose cleaner, not just a baby wipe.

  • Disinfect high-use zones: coffee maker area, cutting board zones, handles.

Bonus Hack: Use lemon and salt to scrub wooden cutting boards. It smells great and gets rid of funk without chemicals.

Step 5: Sink and Faucet – The Unsung Heroes

The sink is literally where the cleaning happens. If it’s grimy, the rest doesn’t stand a chance.

 

Checklist:

  • Scrub the sink basin with baking soda.

  • Run hot water and a splash of vinegar down the drain.

  • Don’t forget the faucet head—use an old toothbrush to remove buildup.

Pro Move: Finish with a stainless-steel polish if you’re feeling fancy. It gives hotel-lobby vibes. Just saying.

Step 6: Appliances—Because the Oven is Not Self-Cleaning Enough

Microwaves, ovens, stovetops… they take a beating.

Checklist:

  • Microwave: Steam clean by nuking a bowl of water + lemon slices for 5 minutes, then wipe.

  • Oven: Use baking soda paste and let it sit overnight if needed.

  • Stovetop: Remove burners, soak in hot soapy water, and scrub.

  • Toaster: Unplug, tip it upside down (outside!), and shake the crumbs out like you’re exorcising kitchen demons.

You don’t need a service appointment to clean your appliances, just a little grit and a good playlist.

Step 7: Floors – The Final Frontier

All that grime you’ve stirred up? It’s now chilling on your floor. Time to evict it.

Checklist:

  • Vacuum first to avoid pushing crumbs around.

  • Mop with warm water + a splash of vinegar.

  • Focus on edges and corners—where crumbs go to retire.

In St. Louis, Missouri Cleaning weather (read: all four seasons in one day), dirt tends to travel indoors. Make the floor your finale—it ties the whole sparkle together.

 

Kitchen Cleaning: Now With Less Overwhelm

No more mystery odors. No more greasy fingerprints. No more mentally apologizing to guests every time they walk in. Whether you’re looking for a one-time or occasional cleaning win or going full-on overhaul, this checklist will get you there.

And if you ever catch yourself Googling house cleaning near me, remember this: it doesn’t have to be perfect—just clean enough that it makes you feel good walking in.

Because cleaning doesn’t have to suck. Especially when you’ve got the right tricks—and a little help from Two Ladies & A Bucket, doing their thing behind the scenes in St. Louis. No pressure. Just clean.