Spring Cleaning in the Kitchen: The Complete Guide

Blog Guides Diagnostics Maintenance and cleaning News and Technologies In the kitchen

May 6, 2025
Tiziano B.
In the kitchen
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Spring is the perfect time to tackle a deep house clean, and the kitchen is undoubtedly one of the rooms that deserves the most attention.
A thorough and meticulous cleaning isn't just about tidiness and freshness—it’s also about health and hygiene: removing hidden dirt, food residues, and bacteria that build up around cabinets and appliances helps maintain a healthier environment for the whole family.

Moreover, certain tasks—like cleaning the hood filters—contribute to more efficient energy use, cleaner air in the kitchen, and even lower utility bills.
Here’s a complete and practical checklist to give your kitchen a fresh start in an easy and organized way:

1. Appliance Cleaning

Spring is the perfect opportunity to care for all the appliances that are often neglected throughout the year. Proper maintenance not only ensures better hygiene but also helps preserve performance and reduce energy consumption.

Refrigerator cleaning: Start by unplugging the unit and defrosting the freezer, if present. Remove all shelves and wash them with hot water and baking soda or a mix of water and white vinegar. Use an old toothbrush and a lemon-water mix to scrub the door seals and remove mold and residue. Dry everything thoroughly before plugging it back in.
Oven cleaning: For a quick clean, place a baking tray filled with hot water, lemon juice, and a spoonful of baking soda in the oven. Turn it on at 100–120°C (210–250°F) for 15 minutes to let the steam loosen grime. Once cooled, wipe with a damp sponge. Alternatively, spray the warm walls with a solution of white vinegar, baking soda, and hot water, and wipe it down with a cloth—an easy and natural method for light dirt.
Dishwasher cleaning: Remove and clean the filter under the bottom rack—it’s often the source of bad odors. Check the spray arms for clogs, using a toothpick or pipe cleaner. Wipe the door seals with a cloth soaked in vinegar. For a full clean, run an empty high-temperature cycle with a cup of vinegar or a specific descaler.
Extractor hood cleaning: Remove grease filters and wash them with hot water and detergent, or in the dishwasher if compatible. If your hood uses activated carbon filters, check whether it’s time to regenerate or replace them. Clean filters help the motor run smoothly and consume less energy. We'll go into more detail on hood maintenance in a dedicated section.
Microwave cleaning: Place a bowl of water with lemon slices inside and run it at full power for 2–3 minutes. The steam will loosen grime. Then wipe down the interior with a soft cloth. Wash the turntable like any regular dish using water and detergent.
Coffee machine cleaning: Descale the machine following the manufacturer’s instructions using a specific product or a mix of water and vinegar. Disassemble removable parts (water tank, portafilter, drip tray) and wash them with warm water and mild detergent.
Air fryer and small appliance cleaning: For air fryers, remove baskets and trays and wash them by hand or in the dishwasher. Wipe the inner surfaces with a damp, non-abrasive cloth. Do the same for food processors, toasters, mixers, and similar devices. Always unplug appliances before cleaning, remove washable components, and carefully clean the exterior with a lightly damp microfiber cloth.

2. Deep Cleaning and Maintenance of the Kitchen Hood

The kitchen hood is one of the appliances most exposed to grease and grime. Proper maintenance prevents unpleasant odors and reduces energy consumption, as clean filters prevent the motor from overworking.

Check and clean the filters: Start by removing the grease filters. If they’re metal, wash them by hand with hot water and degreaser or dish soap, or put them in the dishwasher if they’re compatible.
If your hood uses activated carbon filters, check whether they’re still effective. You’ll know they need replacing (or regenerating, if they’re Long Life filters) if the suction power is weak or lingering kitchen odors persist.
Clean the hood body (steel, glass, or other materials): Use a soft cloth and a cleaner suitable for the hood’s surface material. Avoid abrasive sponges that can scratch it. Inside, remove any built-up grime or grease.
Check the motor and control panel: While cleaning, take the opportunity to do a quick check of the motor (turn it on and listen for any irregular noise) and control panel or touch screen. Make sure all buttons respond correctly.

Regular maintenance helps prevent malfunctions and extends the lifespan of your hood.

3. Decluttering Broken or Unused Utensils

Decluttering your kitchen is essential to restore order, functionality, and hygiene. Start by getting rid of damaged, broken, or worn-out utensils that are no longer safe or convenient to use.

Then, take stock of what you never use: if something has been sitting in a drawer for years, chances are you don’t really need it.

Donating unused items is a sustainable way to make space. Eliminating clutter frees up surfaces, makes your worktops easier to use, and significantly speeds up daily cleaning.

4. Cleaning Furniture and Surfaces

Kitchen surfaces deserve careful cleaning, as they’re exposed daily to splashes, steam, and dust.

Clean cabinet interiors and exteriors (door by door): Start with the wall cabinets. Empty them one at a time and wash the interior and exterior of each door using a gentle solution of water and vinegar or a mild detergent.
Clean drawers and organizers: Take the opportunity to tidy them up as well for a more organized and hygienic kitchen.
Clean countertops with products suitable for the material (e.g., marble, laminate, steel): Marble needs non-acidic cleaners, and steel should be dried thoroughly to prevent streaks.
Clean the backsplash (grease and steam splashes): Use degreasers or a baking soda and hot water mix to remove build-up.
Clean tables, chairs, and more: Finally, don’t forget to wipe down shelves, artwork, and décor, which trap steam and dust. Finish by cleaning tables and chairs with gentle but effective products.

5. Cleaning the Sink and Faucets

The sink also needs a deep clean to remove limescale and buildup that a quick sponge wipe can’t handle.

Descaling limescale: Limescale easily forms on faucets and sinks, especially in areas with hard water. To remove it effectively, apply white vinegar or lemon juice to the buildup, let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub with a non-abrasive sponge. You can also use specific descaling products.
Cleaning the drain trap (if needed): If you notice bad odors or slow drainage, it may be time to clean the trap. Put on gloves, place a bucket under the sink, unscrew the trap, and remove any residue. Wash it with hot water and detergent, then carefully reassemble it. It’s a simple but very useful step to maintain sink hygiene and efficiency.
Sanitizing the sink area: The sink zone is one of the most exposed to bacterial contamination. After removing visible dirt, sanitize the area using a solution of water and baking soda or a gentle disinfectant. Finish with a clean microfiber cloth to remove any residue and leave the area perfectly dry and shiny.

6. Cleaning Floors and Wall Tiles

Kitchen tiles, especially those behind the stove and near the sink, tend to accumulate grime. For effective cleaning, use a microfiber cloth and a hot water solution with baking soda or vinegar, scrubbing the grout lines with a brush to remove stubborn dirt.

Floors also deserve special attention. In addition to standard cleaning, it’s worth moving furniture and appliances to clean hidden corners where crumbs and debris tend to gather.

7. Tidying and Organizing

Start with the pantry: now is the perfect time to throw out expired or unused food, clean the shelves thoroughly, and reorganize items for better access.

Check your spices too—both for expiration and to determine which ones you actually use. Lastly, take a look at your fridge and freezer: empty and reorganize them so items are logically placed and visible, helping to prevent waste and unnecessary energy use.

A tidy kitchen is easier to clean and more enjoyable to live in.

8. Routine Checks and Small Fixes

Check the expiration dates on your cleaning products to ensure you're not using ineffective detergents.
Inspect the seals on your fridge, oven, and dishwasher—worn seals can reduce appliance efficiency and increase energy use.
Examine light bulbs and under-cabinet lighting, replacing any that are burned out.
Don’t forget to clean air vents and grilles—good ventilation is essential for a healthy indoor environment.

9. Washing Kitchen Textiles and Accessories

Kitchen textiles and accessories also deserve attention during spring cleaning. Curtains, often exposed to steam and odors, should be washed thoroughly to refresh the space. The same goes for rugs, which can be washed or replaced if they are too worn.

It’s also important to clean the recycling bins, as they tend to accumulate residue and unpleasant odors.

Filtro Cappa: Filters and Spare Parts for Your Kitchen Hood

Regular hood cleaning and maintenance are important—but sometimes, cleaning isn’t enough. Over time, especially with activated carbon filters, performance declines as filters become saturated, which can compromise your hood’s efficiency. That’s why it’s essential to replace them regularly.

At Filtro Cappa, you’ll find a wide selection of filters and spare parts compatible with all kitchen hood models.

We also offer specialized online support if you're unsure or struggling to identify issues with your hood.

You can visit our blog’s diagnostics section, where we answer many frequently asked questions—or simply contact me on WhatsApp or by email and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

Signed, Tiziano!

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★★★★★

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