Keeping the tools we use to clean our kitchens clean is just as important as cleaning the kitchen itself. When items like sponges, cloths, sinks, and even dishwashers aren’t cleaned regularly, they can quickly become breeding grounds for germs and bacteria, spreading them around your kitchen rather than removing them.
How to deep cleaning your kitchen tools doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming, but it does need to be done consistently. By adding these tasks into your regular kitchen cleaning routine, you can keep everything hygienic, working properly, and easier to maintain over time.
In this guide, we’ll look at how to deep clean the most commonly used kitchen cleaning tools, including sponges and brushes, dishcloths and towels, the sink, drying rack, and dishwasher, so your kitchen stays as clean and safe as possible.
Affiliate links are included for your convenience. (This means if you purchase after clicking a link I will earn a small commission which won’t cost you a penny more!) Click here to read my full disclosure and privacy policy.
Grab your copy of The Tidy Method Daily Cleaning Schedule
Deep Cleaning The Dishwasher
This is one cleaning tool that you do need to keep clean, it does a lot of hard work and if you want it to do a good job keeping it clean is going to help it do just that. Using a good quality dishwasher tablet helps too, these are my favourite dishwasher tablets.
There are signs that you can see that will tell you that it’s overdue a deep clean including:
- It smells
- Glasses and plates are cloudy
- It’s not cleaning the dishes properly
Top tips for deep cleaning include:
- Cleaning the filter
- Wiping and cleaning the seals and door edges
- Cleaning spray arm
- Wiping out the inside of the dishwasher
- Put dishwasher on a hot cycle with a dishwasher cleaning product
You should be deep cleaning your dishwasher at least once a month.
Deep Cleaning Your Drying Rack
If you wash your dishes by hand and have a drying rack then this is your sign to check it and deep clean it today.
Drying racks are great for helping you dry the dishes, but unfortunately they are also great for harbouring germs and bacteria. They have the perfect crevices’ for germs and bacteria to grow, use a sonic scrubber to get into those crevices
Use hot soapy water and get into all those different cracks and crevices and get that dish rack sparkling clean.
Start drying the drying rack after each, this should reduce the deep cleaning required, but still deep clean at least once a month.
Kitchen Sink Deep Clean
Your kitchen sink is used a lot and it will need a deep clean often to keep it germ and bacteria free.
Each day you should do a mini clean as a minimum, but once a week you will need to tackle a deep clean of this area to maintain a clean sink and drain.
You will need a cleaning product that can clean the surface but you will also need something that can actually kill the germs too.
Products To Use For A Kitchen Sink Deep Clean
I always start with a cleaning paste, I like the pink stuff paste as the option for a deep clean. I am able to get into all the different areas using the paste with my sonic cleaning brush. Check out my article on the 25 ways to use the pink stuff.
I rinse this off and then I wipe down the sink with something that will kill any germs that may be left behind. I use Zoflora, you can use Lysol too, I know this will kill the germs and it smells nice too. I will add some down the drain as a way to freshen up and kill any germs there.
Don’t forget to clean any plugs that you might have too.
Dish Cloths And Drying Cloths
Keeping your dish cloths and drying cloths clean is essential—not just for a tidy kitchen, but for food safety too. The UK Food Standards Agency points out that damp or dirty cloths and sponges can encourage bacteria to grow, which can then spread to your dishes and surfaces.
As a minimum, you should change your dish cloth every couple of days—I personally change mine daily. After use, toss them in the washing machine to make sure they get a proper clean.
If you can’t wash them regularly, boiling cloths is an option to help kill germs. And if you’re using microfiber cloths, avoid fabric softener when washing, as it can reduce their effectiveness. Check the washing instructions too, since water that’s too hot can damage the fibres.
Keeping these cloths fresh and clean is a small step that makes a big difference in keeping your kitchen hygienic and safe.
Remember to replace when after washing they are stained and are falling apart.
Cleaning Your Dish Sponges And Brushes
Dish sponges and brushes do a lot of work, and it’s easy for them to trap bacteria and germs. According to the UK Food Standards Agency, items that stay damp and dirty can quickly become a breeding ground for bacteria, which can then spread to your dishes and kitchen surfaces.
I’ve switched to bamboo brushes with natural-fibre bristles—no more plastic for me! But even natural brushes still need care. After each use, let them dry properly instead of leaving them sitting in water.
Once a week, I place my brushes and sponges into a disinfectant, this is usually Zoflora but you could use Lysol too. This helps prevent bacteria growth. Using natural sponges also reduces plastic waste while keeping things hygienic. Regular cleaning and proper drying go a long way in keeping your kitchen safe and fresh.
It’s OK to replace them if they start to look worn and not work effectively.
How Often To Deep Clean Kitchen Tools
Keeping are cleaning tools clean is important here is a guide to help you add the deep cleaning into your everyday cleaning schedule.
- Dishwasher – monthly
- Drying rank – monthly
- Sink and drain – weekly
- Dishcloths – Change every couple of days and wash regularly
- Sponges and brushes – disinfect weekly and replace often
Signs It’s Time To Deep Clean
It’s time to deep clean the different areas of your kitchen if you can see or smell them:
- Sponges that smell
- Cloths that don’t feel clean
- Your drying rack has residue or moldy spots
- Your drain is slow or smelly
- Your dishwasher is smelly
These are definite signs that you need to do a deep clean.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When it comes to keeping your kitchen clean there are a few things that you can avoid to help keep your kitchen clean.
- Don’t leave sponges or cloths in the sink sitting in dirty water
- It’s important not to forget cleaning your dishwasher filter regularly
- Don’t use the same cloth for washing dishes and wiping down sides
- Dry the cleaning tools to prevent water sitting there and attracting germs and bacteria growth.
A Cleaner Kitchen Starts With Clean Tools
You do need a clean kitchen but you don’t have to do this all at once. Small habits that you build into your cleaning schedule is going to make the biggest difference than a one off clean every six months.
Once you practice keeping the tools that you use to clean the easier their job is going to be too.
Check out these other cleaning articles that will help you around your home.