10 Simple Kitchen Cleaning Tricks That Will Change Your Routine Forever

We’ve all been there—the kitchen looking like a disaster zone after a week of cooking and life’s usual chaos. Between meal prep, grocery hauls, and everything else, cleaning the kitchen feels like an endless task. But here’s the thing: it doesn’t have to be this way.

What if I told you that there are some shortcuts that could cut your cleaning time in half? Simple, effective strategies that not only save you time but also make your kitchen sparkle without the usual stress. That’s exactly what I’m sharing today. These aren’t just tips you read in a magazine—they’re practical, easy-to-do hacks you can start using today.

Ready to make your kitchen cleaning routine a whole lot easier? Let’s dive in.

Shortcut #1: Speedy Countertop Cleaning with One Simple Solution

Countertops are one of the most frequently used areas in your kitchen. They catch spills, crumbs, and stains daily. But did you know you can clean them quickly and naturally without all the harsh chemicals?

Actionable Tip: For a fast and effective cleaning solution, mix equal parts of vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray this mixture generously on your countertops, then wipe it down with a clean cloth. The acidity in vinegar naturally breaks down grease, stains, and bacteria, leaving your surface fresh and sanitized.

• Time-Saving: This method works so much faster than scrubbing with abrasive cleaners.
• Eco-Friendly: You’re using natural ingredients instead of harsh chemicals that can harm your health and the environment.
• Versatile: This simple mix works on almost all countertop surfaces—granite, laminate, and even wood.

For a more sustainable kitchen, consider incorporating some plastic-free alternatives. You can find more tips on this in our article on 10 Must-Have Plastic-Free Kitchen Items for a Healthier Home.

Benefits:

• Saves time: Just spray and wipe, and you’re done!
• Cost-effective: No need to buy expensive cleaning products.
• Safe: You avoid the chemicals that may be harmful to your home and family.

Vinegar is a trusted natural cleaning agent that works wonders around the house, including on countertops. It’s a perfect, non-toxic solution to keep things clean without breaking the bank. Healthline offers more details on how vinegar can help you clean efficiently and safely.

Shortcut #2: Quick Clean for Stovetops Using Baking Soda

Let’s face it—your stovetop can easily become a mess with grease splatters, food spills, and stuck-on grime. But cleaning it doesn’t have to be a long, drawn-out process. A simple pantry staple is all you need.

Actionable Tip: Apply a thick baking soda paste (mix baking soda with a little water) to the greasy areas of your stovetop. Let it sit for about 5–10 minutes to allow the paste to loosen up the grease and grime. After that, simply wipe it down with a damp cloth or sponge. For stubborn spots, just give it a little more time, and repeat as needed.

• Economical: Baking soda is one of the most affordable and effective cleaning agents.
• Non-toxic: No need for harmful chemicals that may irritate your skin or lungs.
• No Scrubbing Required: Just let the paste do the work—no elbow grease needed.

Benefits:

• Easy on Your Budget: You likely already have baking soda in your pantry.
• Gentle yet Effective: It doesn’t scratch or damage your stovetop.
• Safe for All: Baking soda is gentle on your surfaces and your family, especially when compared to strong chemical cleaners.

Baking soda is a go-to in many homes for a reason—it’s powerful, safe, and works wonders on those sticky, greasy stovetops.

Shortcut #3: Dishwashing Shortcut – One Bowl at a Time

Dishwashing can be a tedious and time-consuming task, especially if you let your dishes pile up. By simplifying the process, you can save time and reduce frustration—plus, it helps you stay more organized in the kitchen.

Actionable Tip: Instead of washing all the dishes in a big batch, clean them one at a time, and organize them as you go. Start with the glasses or lighter items and work your way to the heavier dishes. This not only keeps your sink cleaner but also ensures you’re not wasting water. The key is to make sure each dish has a place to go, whether that’s the drying rack or a towel to air-dry.

• Time-Saving: You’ll save time by staying on top of your dishwashing with this method.
• Water-Conserving: Running fewer water cycles means you’ll use less water—saving you money and helping the environment.
• Organized Clean-Up: It’s easier to wash and dry each dish in turn instead of tackling a huge pile at once.

Benefits:

• Efficient: Washing one dish at a time prevents you from feeling overwhelmed by a huge pile.
• Cleaner Space: Your kitchen stays organized as you go, with less clutter in the sink.
• Better Water Usage: Reduces the wasteful practice of filling the sink with water repeatedly.

Shortcut #4: Microwave Clean-Up Made Easy

Microwaves often get neglected when it comes to regular cleaning, but they can accumulate grime and odors without us realizing it. A quick, easy fix for microwave cleaning can make your life much simpler.

Actionable Tip: Place a bowl of water with lemon inside your microwave and heat it for 3-5 minutes. The steam will loosen any stuck-on grime or grease, and the lemon will neutralize odors. After the bowl cools, simply wipe the interior with a cloth or sponge. It’s a quick, natural way to keep your microwave clean and fresh without using harsh chemicals.

• Natural: No need for chemical cleaners that might leave residues.
• Effective: The steam softens grime, making it easy to wipe away.
• Quick: Takes only a few minutes, and you’ll see immediate results.

Benefits:

• Time-Saving: Quick and easy to do during meal prep or between microwave uses.
• Eco-Friendly: Using natural ingredients like lemon and water means you’re avoiding harmful chemicals.
• Odor-Free: Lemon acts as a natural deodorizer, leaving your microwave smelling fresh.

Shortcut #5: The Power of Disposable Cleaning Cloths for Quick Wipe-Downs

For busy people, disposable cleaning cloths are a game-changer. They’re quick, easy to use, and perfect for keeping your kitchen in top shape without much effort.

Actionable Tip: Keep a pack of disposable cleaning wipes in your kitchen and use them to quickly clean high-traffic areas like sink handles, refrigerator doors, and counter spaces. They’re perfect for wiping down surfaces after every meal prep or snack. Just grab, wipe, and toss—no mess, no fuss.

• Efficient: Quick to grab, use, and discard.
• Germ-Free: Disposable wipes often come with antibacterial properties, so you’re wiping away germs as well as dirt.
• Convenient: No need to wash cloths or rags, saving you extra time.

Benefits:

• Time-Saving: Perfect for a quick wipe-down when you don’t have the time to clean every single surface.
• Hygienic: Great for quick disinfecting, especially in high-touch areas like doorknobs and faucet handles.
• Low Maintenance: Just use and toss them—no laundry to worry about.

The use of disposable wipes is highly recommended for quick, hygienic cleaning. The Spruce highlights the efficiency of these wipes for a rapid clean-up routine.

Shortcut #6: Using a Dish Rack for Drying and Cleaning Simultaneously

Drying dishes can take just as much time as washing them, especially when you’re juggling multiple pots, pans, and plates. But what if you could streamline both processes and save time in the process?

Actionable Tip: Keep your dish rack close to the sink, so you can easily rinse and place washed dishes directly into it for drying. This way, as you clean, the dishes can be drying without you needing to take extra steps. Set up a drying station that’s organized—like using a dish rack with multiple slots for different types of dishes (plates, bowls, glasses) to keep everything in place as you wash.

• Multitasking: Cleaning and drying happen simultaneously, reducing time spent on both tasks.
• Space-Saving: A dish rack prevents clutter on your counters by keeping all your drying dishes in one area.
• Faster Drying: With better airflow and space for the dishes, they dry faster, especially if you use a rack with a built-in drainage system.

Benefits:

• More Efficient: Save time by drying while you wash, making the process flow smoothly.
• Organized Space: No more waiting for the counter to clear up to dry dishes.
• Less Mess: A dish rack helps to keep everything in one place, preventing water and soap from spilling across counters.

Shortcut #7: Declutter with Smart Storage Solutions

A cluttered kitchen can make cleaning seem like an overwhelming task. When utensils, spices, and cleaning products are scattered everywhere, it not only adds to the mess but also takes longer to clean. The good news is, you can easily reduce the clutter and make cleaning faster with smart storage solutions.

Actionable Tip: Install easy-to-use storage solutions for things like utensils, cleaning products, and even dry goods. Use drawer dividers, wall-mounted shelves, or pull-out organizers to keep things in their place. This will help you quickly access what you need without things piling up. For instance, adding a pull-out cabinet for cleaning supplies under the sink can eliminate the need to dig through drawers and reduce the mess.

• Organized: Having designated places for everything means no more searching for items.
• Space-Efficient: Storage solutions like vertical shelves or drawer dividers make use of space you might be overlooking.
• Quick Access: When your items are neatly organized, you won’t waste time looking for things.

Once your storage solutions are in place, you might want to take decluttering a step further. For additional tips on organizing your kitchen, check out our article on How to Declutter Your Kitchen: 7 Steps to a Cleaner, Happier Space.

Benefits:

• Clearer Counters: Less clutter means quicker wipe-downs and easier access to your cleaning tools.
• Streamlined Cleaning: With all your tools in place, you won’t need to spend time organizing before you start.
• Hassle-Free Cooking and Cleaning: Stay on top of your kitchen by maintaining organization every day, not just when cleaning.

Shortcut #8: Speedy Fridge Organization for Quick Cleaning

The fridge is often the most neglected part of the kitchen when it comes to regular cleaning. It can quickly become a disaster with spills, expired food, and messy shelves. But organizing your fridge with a few simple steps can save you cleaning time and effort in the long run.

Actionable Tip: Use clear bins to organize the contents of your fridge. Group similar items together (like sauces, dairy, and leftovers), and label the bins so you can easily access what you need. The clear bins allow you to spot any spills or messes quickly, so you can clean them up before they spread.

• Visibility: You can easily see what’s inside, preventing forgotten items from going bad and causing a mess.
• Quick Clean-Up: When everything is organized, cleaning the fridge is much easier—just pull out the bin, wipe it down, and return it.
• No More Spills: With bins in place, any spills are contained in one area and don’t spread throughout the fridge.

After organizing your fridge, why not give your entire kitchen a makeover? For easy upgrades that will breathe new life into your space, read our article on 5 Simple Kitchen Upgrades That Make Your Space Look Brand New.

Benefits:

• Faster Fridge Cleaning: Clear bins make it much easier to spot any mess or spill and clean it up quickly.
• Organized Space: You’ll save time by finding what you need easily instead of digging through an overstuffed fridge.
• Prevents Spoilage: Items are easier to manage, so you’re less likely to forget them and end up with expired food causing a mess.

Organizing your fridge not only saves time when cleaning but also helps you maintain a more efficient kitchen. According to The Spruce, keeping your fridge organized with bins and labels is one of the easiest ways to improve both cleanliness and functionality.

Shortcut #9: Clean Kitchen Floors with a Mop That Works Fast

Cleaning kitchen floors is an essential part of maintaining a tidy kitchen, but it can often feel like a big, time-consuming task. With the right tools, you can make it much quicker and more efficient.

Actionable Tip: Use a microfiber mop with a cleaning solution that dries quickly and doesn’t leave streaks. Microfiber mops are designed to pick up more dirt and bacteria, while the right solution ensures that the floor dries fast without any streaks or residue. For the best results, choose a cleaning solution that works well with your floor type (like laminate, hardwood, or tiles).

• Fast-Drying: No more waiting around for floors to dry.
• Streak-Free: Say goodbye to streaky, messy floors that you get with some other cleaning methods.
• Minimal Effort: Microfiber mops require less effort to clean and can handle the mess without much scrubbing.

Benefits:

• Saves Time: Microfiber mops dry quickly and clean more effectively, cutting down cleaning time.
• Effective Cleaning: It picks up dirt and grime better than traditional mops, leaving your floor cleaner.
• Effortless: No more back-breaking scrubbing, just a quick mop and you’re done.

Shortcut #10: The Ultimate Trick – Get Everyone Involved

Keeping a kitchen clean shouldn’t be a one-person job. Involving others not only speeds up the process but also makes the whole household feel more responsible for maintaining a tidy space.

Actionable Tip: Assign specific cleaning tasks to each person in the household. Whether it’s wiping down countertops, washing dishes, or sweeping the floor, everyone can pitch in to help. You can make it fun by setting a timer and turning it into a race or creating a cleaning schedule to rotate tasks.

• Teamwork: Getting everyone involved makes the task feel less overwhelming for one person.
• Shared Responsibility: Everyone plays a part, so the kitchen stays cleaner without relying on one person to do all the work.
• Faster Clean-Up: With more hands on deck, the job gets done much quicker.

Benefits:

• Shared Burden: Cleaning becomes less of a chore when everyone is contributing.
• Quicker Results: With everyone tackling different tasks, the kitchen is cleaned faster.
• Builds Teamwork: Involving everyone in the process helps build cooperation and responsibility within the household.

Final Thoughts – Clean Kitchen, Less Stress

The kitchen doesn’t have to be a place that stresses you out with endless cleaning. By implementing even just a few of these shortcuts, you can transform the way you approach kitchen maintenance, making it faster, easier, and much less overwhelming.

Summary of Key Points:

• Use vinegar and water to quickly clean countertops without harsh chemicals.
• Baking soda can effortlessly break down grease on your stovetop, saving you time and effort.
• Dishwashing becomes more efficient when you clean one dish at a time, and setting up a dish rack can cut down drying time.
• A few simple storage solutions and a well-organized fridge can reduce clutter and make cleaning quicker.
• Don’t forget to involve the whole household—assigning tasks makes everything faster and less stressful!

Now, it’s time to make these shortcuts work for you. Start by trying out at least one tip today and see how much easier your kitchen cleaning routine becomes.

Which kitchen cleaning shortcut will you try first? Let me know in the comments below! If you found these tips helpful, visit Build Like New for more practical solutions to improve your home.

Disclaimer: The cleaning tips provided in this article are based on general advice and personal experience. Always test any cleaning method on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure it is suitable for your specific surfaces. Results may vary depending on materials and individual usage.