Quick Answer
To deep clean your kitchen: Work top to bottom, starting with upper cabinets and range hood, then appliances (oven, fridge, dishwasher), countertops, sink, and finally floors. Pre-treat tough grease with baking soda paste. A thorough kitchen deep clean takes 2-4 hours DIY or 2-3 hours for a professional team. In San Diego's coastal neighborhoods, pay extra attention to salt air buildup on surfaces and appliances.
The kitchen is the heart of every San Diego home—whether you're preparing fish tacos after a day at La Jolla Shores or hosting friends for craft beers and carne asada. But all that cooking creates grease, grime, and buildup that regular wiping can't handle. That's where deep cleaning comes in.
A proper kitchen deep clean goes beyond the daily wipe-down. It tackles baked-on oven residue, refrigerator spills, cabinet grime, and the sticky film that builds up around stovetops. In San Diego's coastal communities—from Pacific Beach to Coronado—you'll also contend with salt air that leaves a residue on stainless steel and glass.
This guide walks you through every step, with pro tips from our cleaning team who've deep cleaned hundreds of San Diego kitchens, from cozy Normal Heights bungalows to expansive Rancho Santa Fe estates.
What You'll Need
Cleaning Products
- Degreaser (Simple Green or Krud Kutter)
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- Dish soap (Dawn works great)
- Glass cleaner
- Stainless steel polish
Tools & Supplies
- Microfiber cloths (lots of them)
- Scrub brushes and toothbrush
- Non-scratch scrub sponges
- Spray bottles
- Rubber gloves
- Step stool
💡 San Diego Tip: Pick up eco-friendly cleaning supplies at Sprouts, Jimbo's Naturally, or the Ocean Beach People's Food Co-op.
Step-by-Step Kitchen Deep Cleaning
Empty and Prep the Space
Remove everything from countertops, clear the sink, and empty the trash. Take items off the top of the refrigerator. This gives you full access to every surface.
Pre-Treat the Oven and Stovetop
Apply oven cleaner or a paste of baking soda and water to the oven interior. Let it sit while you tackle other areas. Remove burner grates and soak in hot soapy water.
Clean Upper Cabinets and Range Hood
Wipe down cabinet fronts with a degreaser, paying attention to handles. Remove range hood filters and soak in dish soap. Wipe the hood interior and exterior.
Deep Clean the Refrigerator
Remove all food and shelves. Wipe interior with baking soda solution. Clean shelves and drawers separately. Don't forget the top, sides, and condenser coils underneath.
Tackle the Oven and Stovetop
Wipe out the pre-treated oven. Scrub grates and burner caps. Clean drip pans and the stovetop surface. For stubborn baked-on food, a razor scraper works on glass-top ranges.
Clean Countertops and Backsplash
Clear, wipe, and sanitize all countertops. Scrub grout lines in tile backsplashes. Clean small appliances (toaster, coffee maker exterior, microwave inside and out).
Sanitize the Sink and Disposal
Scrub the sink basin, faucet, and handles. Run ice and citrus peels through the disposal to clean and deodorize. Polish stainless steel with olive oil for streak-free shine.
Clean Floors Last
Sweep or vacuum, then mop with appropriate cleaner for your floor type. Move the refrigerator and stove to clean underneath if possible. Don't forget baseboards and floor vents.
San Diego Kitchen Cleaning Tips
Salt Air & Coastal Homes
If you live in La Jolla, Pacific Beach, Ocean Beach, or Coronado, salt air can leave a hazy film on stainless steel and glass. Use a vinegar-water solution weekly, and polish stainless appliances with a light coat of olive oil to create a protective barrier.
Fire Season Ash
During San Diego's fire season (typically June-October), ash can settle on outdoor kitchen surfaces and work its way indoors. After nearby fires, do a thorough wipe-down of countertops, appliances, and especially range hoods that may have circulated ash-laden air.
Hard Water Stains
San Diego has notoriously hard water. Combat white mineral buildup on faucets and sinks with undiluted white vinegar—apply with a cloth, let sit 15 minutes, then scrub. For stubborn spots, a paste of baking soda and vinegar works wonders.
Professional Kitchen Cleaning Secrets
After deep cleaning hundreds of San Diego kitchens, our team has learned a few tricks that make the job faster and more effective:
- Let products work: Apply oven cleaner or baking soda paste, then move on to other tasks. The dwell time does most of the work for you.
- Use hot water for grease: Hot (not boiling) water cuts grease far better than cold. Soak grates and drip pans in the hottest water your sink allows.
- Don't forget the dishwasher: Run an empty cycle with a cup of white vinegar to clean and deodorize. Wipe down the door edges and gasket where gunk hides.
- Clean under appliances: Pull out the stove and refrigerator to clean underneath at least twice a year. You'll be amazed what accumulates there.
- Sanitize sponges: Microwave wet sponges for 1-2 minutes to kill bacteria, or run them through the dishwasher. Replace every 2-4 weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to deep clean a kitchen?
A thorough kitchen deep clean takes 2-4 hours depending on size and condition. Professional cleaners typically complete a standard San Diego kitchen in 2-3 hours because they work in teams with commercial-grade products.
How often should you deep clean your kitchen?
Deep clean your kitchen every 1-2 months, with high-use areas like stovetops and the refrigerator cleaned more frequently. In San Diego's coastal areas, monthly deep cleans help manage salt air residue that builds up on surfaces.
What's the best order to deep clean a kitchen?
Always work top to bottom: start with upper cabinets and range hood, move to appliances and countertops, then finish with floors. This prevents re-contaminating already-cleaned areas with dust and drips.
Can I deep clean my kitchen without harsh chemicals?
Absolutely. Baking soda, white vinegar, castile soap, and lemon juice handle most kitchen cleaning tasks. Many San Diego residents prefer eco-friendly options—look for these products at Jimbo's, Sprouts, or local farmers markets.
When to Call Professional Cleaners
While DIY kitchen deep cleaning is achievable, sometimes professional help makes sense:
- Before hosting a major event (holiday dinners, parties)
- Moving into a new San Diego home
- Quarterly reset when life gets busy
- Vacation rental turnovers between guests
Need Professional Kitchen Deep Cleaning?
Let Metla House Cleaning handle your kitchen deep clean. Our trained San Diego professionals use hospital-grade products and follow a comprehensive checklist.
Art Machekin is the founder of Metla House Cleaning. Before starting the company, Art worked as a professional cleaner — hands-on experience that gives him a deep understanding of the techniques and details that matter most in delivering a spotless home.