Let me guess—you love cooking, hate cleaning. Been there, scrubbed that. The kitchen is one of those places that somehow goes from spotless to spaghetti-explosion in under 10 minutes.
And unless you enjoy spending your Sunday mornings scraping dried cheese off the stove (who does?!), you need some serious shortcuts.
So, if you’re tired of the constant mess and want your kitchen to look clean without spending your whole day doing it, you’re in the right place.
I’ve pulled together my top 8 fast kitchen cleaning hacks—tried, tested, and approved by someone who has definitely burnt toast more times than she’s used the self-cleaning oven feature.
1. Microwave Magic: The Steam & Wipe Trick
Ever opened your microwave and wondered if something exploded in there back in 2009? Same. But cleaning it doesn’t have to feel like an archaeological dig.
Here’s the hack:
- Fill a microwave-safe bowl with water and a splash of vinegar (lemon juice if you want it fancy).
- Microwave on high for 5 minutes.
- Let it sit with the door closed for another 2 minutes.
- Open up and just wipe. Seriously.
Why it works: The steam loosens up the gunk so well it practically falls off. Bonus: it kills odors, too.
Pro tip: Toss in a few lemon slices to make it smell like you clean all the time. 😉
2. Sink SOS: Baking Soda & Vinegar Combo
Your sink sees everything. And if yours smells like last week’s fish tacos, you’re not alone.
Quick fix:
- Sprinkle baking soda generously in the drain.
- Pour in about 1/2 cup of vinegar.
- Let it fizz and bubble like a middle school science project.
- After 5–10 minutes, rinse with hot water.
Why this slaps: It neutralizes odors and helps unclog minor gunk. Plus, it’s oddly satisfying.
FYI: Do this once a week, and your drain won’t smell like doom anymore.
3. Dishwasher Detox: Clean the Machine That Cleans
Yes, your dishwasher needs cleaning too (I know, the betrayal). If your glasses come out with spots or it smells like wet dog, it’s time.
Fast routine:
- Take out the bottom rack.
- Check the drain for gross stuff (don’t ask).
- Put a cup of white vinegar in a dishwasher-safe container on the top rack.
- Run a hot cycle.
Want extra credit? Sprinkle baking soda on the bottom and run a short cycle after.
Boom. Sparkly dishes. No funk.
4. The 60-Second Counter Clean-Up
We all know the counter’s the main stage for crumbs, spills, and mystery goo. Don’t let it build up.
My go-to:
- Keep a spray bottle of vinegar and water (1:1 ratio) under the sink.
- Grab a microfiber cloth and go full ninja mode.
Why I love this: It’s natural, fast, and cuts through grease. No weird chemical smell.
Bonus move: Do this after every meal prep. It literally takes a minute.
5. Greasy Stove? Use Dish Soap + a Hot Cloth
Stovetops collect grease like it’s their job. And let’s be real—scrubbing it when it’s cold just smears everything around.
Easy fix:
- Boil water and soak a cloth in the hot water.
- Add a few drops of dish soap.
- Wring it out and lay it over the greasy spots for 5 minutes.
- Wipe and watch the gunk disappear.
Why it works: The heat loosens grease, and dish soap breaks it down.
IMO: Way better than those overpriced stove cleaners that smell like bug spray.
Read More about – How To Clean A Smelly Dishwasher
6. Oven Cleaning Hack: Baking Soda Paste
I avoided cleaning my oven for… let’s not count. But then I found this hack and it changed my life (dramatic but true).
What you do:
- Mix 1/2 cup baking soda with a few tablespoons of water to make a paste.
- Spread it inside the oven, avoiding heating elements.
- Let it sit overnight (or at least a few hours).
- Wipe it down with a damp cloth. Use vinegar to help with stubborn spots.
The result: A clean oven without the toxic fumes. And yes, you can still brag about doing it the natural way.
Note: This hack = 0% scrubbing arm pain.
7. Fridge Freshener & Organizer Hack
If your fridge smells like it’s harboring something illegal, let’s fix that.
Quick steps:
- Toss out expired stuff (looking at you, half-used salsa from 2021).
- Wipe shelves with a mix of warm water and baking soda.
- Place an open box of baking soda on a shelf to absorb smells.
Want bonus points? Use small bins to group items (snacks, condiments, leftovers). Makes things easier to grab and helps you spot spills before they turn into sticky nightmares.
Real talk: I do this monthly and it keeps the fridge drama-free.
8. Floors in a Flash: Spot Mop with Vinegar Spray
Who has time to mop the entire kitchen every day? Not me. But spot mopping? Now that’s manageable.
Fast fix:
- Mix 1/2 cup vinegar with 2 cups warm water in a spray bottle.
- Spray on spills or sticky spots.
- Wipe with a microfiber mop or towel.
Why it rocks: It’s quick, effective, and your feet won’t stick to the floor anymore (woo!).
Heads up: Don’t use this on hardwood—vinegar can be harsh. Tile and linoleum? All good.
Final Thoughts: Because You Deserve a Clean Kitchen & Free Time
So there you have it—8 fast kitchen cleaning hacks that actually work and don’t eat up your entire day. No fancy gadgets, no weird tools. Just simple stuff that saves you time and makes your kitchen a little less chaotic.
Remember, cleaning doesn’t have to be this huge, soul-sucking chore. A few smart shortcuts can make all the difference.
And hey, next time someone’s like, “Wow, your kitchen is so clean!”—you can smile knowingly and say, “Oh, it’s nothing.” (While internally giving yourself a gold star.)
Happy cleaning! 🙂