It’s spring! Time to clean. When was the last time you gave your kitchen a thorough cleaning? Yes, we’ve all been fairly diligent because of Covid-19, but we’re talking about a top-to-bottom, inside-out de-cluttering, and scrubbing. So pristine that a camera crew could come in and photograph your kitchen.

The CDC recently released new guidelines that say that unless someone in your family has Covid-19, you do not need to disinfect surfaces. Guidelines are mostly for public places like schools, houses of worship, government buildings, etc. For the rest of us, regular cleaning should suffice.

We’ve consulted with experts to guide the cleaning process - whether you’re doing it yourself or supervising hired helpers - to get your kitchen sparkling again. Depending on the condition of your space, you might need to set aside several hours to accomplish a deep cleanse. Here are 33 spring cleaning tips from GoodHousekeeping, a reliable source.

Assemble Needed Equipment & Supplies

We also like the suggestions from Katie Berry’s housewifehowtos website. Get two boxes ready - one for items that don’t belong in the kitchen, the other for items to be donated; then pull out trash and recycling receptacles.

Next, gather all of the cleaning materials and equipment you will need.

• Baking soda

• All-purpose cleaner

• Floor cleaner

• Glass cleaner

• Oven cleaner (if yours is not self-cleaning)

• Rubber gloves

• Furniture polish

• Boxes or bags for clutter and donations

• A trash can and recycling bin

• A long-handled duster

• Step stool

• Microfiber cleaning cloths

• Rubber gloves (optional)

• Broom or vacuum

• Mop

Download Berry’s checklist here.

We’ve combined tactics to create our cleaning process:

1. Prepare - gather materials & equipment as suggested above

2. De-clutter - sort everything on your counters and remove what doesn’t belong

3. Clean your sink - it will be used to clean other items during the deep cleanse

4. Dust top-to-bottom - vertical surfaces and higher up items (ceiling fans, windows, doors, remove curtains or clean window treatments if you have them)

5. Clean glass items - light fixtures, windows, hanging art, etc.

6. Clean cabinetry - remove items from cabinets, use appropriate cleanser inside and outside

7. Clean out all of the drawers - empty, wash, replace neatly

8. Clean large appliances - clean out refrigerator, wash inside and out; ovens; cooktop or range

9. Clean all surfaces & small appliances (remember to use the proper cleanser depending on your countertops and backsplash materials)

10. Replace cleaned items (window treatments, artwork, cleaned small appliances, etc.)

11. Remove trash & box for donation; redistribute items that belong in other rooms of your home

12. Wash and/or wax floors

GOOD JOB!