How To Speed Clean The Kitchen When You Only Have 15 Minutes

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Sick of spending the end of the day in the kitchen cleaning? This is my nightly kitchen cleaning routine I use at the end of the day, and anytime I need to get the kitchen cleaned super fast. Today I’m going to show you how to speed clean the kitchen when you’re pressed for time or just want the fastest and easiest way possible.

The secret to getting your kitchen clean in the least amount of time is by having daily cleaning tasks and simple cleaning routines. Use my Speed Clean Kitchen Checklist and follow my routine and you’ll be amazed what you can accomplish in just 15 minutes.

Just like the 7 things I do every day to keep the house clean, having a daily cleaning routine is not only a time saver but makes cleaning overall easier. Remember, this isn’t a deep cleaning routine. If you want to do a deep clean follow my kitchen deep cleaning method to handle appliances, cabinets and all those other nooks and crannies in your kitchen.

Table of Contents

How To Speed Clean The Kitchen When You Only Have 15 Minutes

1. Gather All Your Supplies

Don’t skip this step or underestimate the value of gathering your supplies in order. Trying to find cleansers, dishcloths, sponges, etc. not only eats up time but usually results in distractions that let you forget what you were working on in the first place. Gather all supplies together before you begin so you’re able to speed clean the kitchen in under 15 minutes.

What You’ll Need:

You should keep all your kitchen cleaning tools in a caddy under the sink for the purpose of daily cleaning. My must-have caddy tools to speed clean the kitchen? Kitchen sink scrub, scrub brush, all-purpose cleaner, disinfecting cleaner, stainless steel cleaner, microfiber cloths, bar mop towels, sponge, and dish soap.

Additional items you’ll need:

Trash container
Basket for stuff that does not belong in the kitchen
Dish soap
Broom, mop, vacuum

2. Fill the Sink With Hot Soapy Water

If you have a double sink with a garbage disposal on one side, make sure to use the disposal free side. Keeping the disposal side free will allow you to scrape leftovers down the drain quickly while you work.

3. Scrape Dishes Into Garbage Can or Garbage Disposal

If you have a septic there are a few items you should never put down the sink: egg shells, coffee grounds, and kitchen grease should all be thrown in the garbage and not into the garbage disposal if you have a septic system.

4. Place Pots and Pans In Water to Soak

Put your pots and pans in the water to soak to make it easier to clean. Large pots and pans that don’t fit in the sink can be filled with hot soapy water and left to soak on the counter.

5. Do A Quick Declutter

Start by collecting anything on the counters and kitchen table. This is a perfect job that can be assigned to a family member each evening.

6. Throw Away Trash

Another perfect job for one of kids! Clear off trash from countertops, floors, the kitchen table, etc.

7. Load the Dishwasher or Wash by Hand

If you do not have a dishwasher or don’t like to use one, this process of washing dishes may take more time. Get your kids to form a wash, rinse, dry and put away assembly line to make the process go faster. Load dirty dishes into the dishwasher.

8. Wipe Down Surfaces

Spray down any hard surfaces (counters, stove top, kitchen table) and wipe clean with a cloth or sponge. If you do this daily, you’ll be amazed at how much easier it is to clean your stove top when you do your weekly clean. Don’t skip this step. You can’t turn something that has been ignored look brand new – I know, I’ve tried.

9. Clean the Sink

Give your sink a little scrub and get it ready for the next day – you’ll be amazed how this simple task can transform your kitchen cleanliness.

10. Sweep or Vacuum

Give your floor a quick sweep or each night. I love to use my Swiffer Vac for this purpose. Use what you like most but make sure you remove the crumbs and debris off the floor each evening.

11. Take Out The Trash

If the trash is full, or tomorrow is trash day, take the trash outside and re-line the trash container so that it is ready for tomorrow’s trash.

12. Put Out A Fresh Towel

Don’t underestimate the clean look of fresh towels. Replace your kitchen towels with clean towels as you’re making your final sweep. Believe me, that towel is far dirtier than you think and should be replaced every day.

That’s it! You’re well on your way to keeping your kitchen clean and this step-by-step system to speed clean the kitchen will have you winning the battle to kitchen cleanliness. That’s a promise you can take to the bank!

Did I miss anything in my evening routine? Let me know!