Keeping your kitchen sparkling clean isn’t just about looks — it’s about health, safety, and even efficiency.
A kitchen with the right cleaning supplies means fewer bacteria, less grease buildup, and more peace of mind.
Here’s your ultimate guide to the essential kitchen cleaning tools and products every home should have. Think of it as a master checklist plus a how-to guide rolled into one.
Everyday Cleaning Essentials
1. All-Purpose Cleaner
What it is: A versatile cleaning spray that can handle spills, crumbs, light grease, and everyday grime.
Why essential: Instead of juggling five bottles, an all-purpose cleaner handles most jobs in one go — countertops, cabinet exteriors, tables, and even appliance surfaces.
How to use: Spray directly on non-porous surfaces and wipe with a microfiber cloth. For tough messes, let it sit for 30–60 seconds before wiping.
Pro Tip: If you have natural stone countertops (like granite), skip acidic all-purpose sprays and choose a pH-neutral formula.
Best for: Daily wipe-downs, quick cleanups, multipurpose efficiency.
2. Dish Soap
What it is: A concentrated liquid soap formulated to break down grease.
Why essential: It’s not just for dishes. Mixed with warm water, it’s one of the most effective and gentle degreasers for cabinets, counters, and stovetops.
How to use: Add a few drops to hot water and use a sponge or cloth for greasy surfaces. For pans or stove grates, let items soak in soapy water before scrubbing.
Pro Tip: Blue Dawn is famous for cutting grease quickly. A few drops go a long way.
Best for: Handwashing dishes, greasy surfaces, multipurpose cleaning.
3. Disinfecting Wipes or Spray
What it is: A cleaning solution formulated to kill bacteria and viruses.
Why essential: Kitchens are germ hotspots — fridge handles, drawer pulls, cutting boards. Disinfecting wipes make sanitizing fast and easy.
How to use: Wipe down high-touch surfaces after cooking, especially after handling raw meat. Let surfaces stay wet for at least 30 seconds (per label instructions).
Pro Tip: Keep a small container of wipes near the fridge or sink for quick access.
Best for: Sanitizing handles, switches, and cutting boards.
4. Baking Soda
What it is: A natural, mildly abrasive powder.
Why essential: Gentle scrubbing power without scratching. Absorbs odors in fridges, drains, and trash cans.
How to use: Make a paste with water for greasy cabinet spots. Sprinkle in the sink to deodorize. Pour down the drain with vinegar to clear odors.
Pro Tip: Store an open box in your fridge to absorb odors — replace every 1–2 months.
Best for: Deodorizing, light scrubbing, natural cleaning.
5. White Vinegar
What it is: A mild acid that dissolves grease and mineral deposits.
Why essential: Cuts through hard water stains, shines glass, deodorizes microwaves. It’s eco-friendly and budget-friendly.
How to use: Mix 1:1 vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Use for glass, countertops, and microwaves.
Pro Tip: Heat a bowl of vinegar in the microwave for 2 minutes. The steam loosens food, making wipe-downs effortless.
Warning: Avoid using vinegar on marble, granite, or natural stone — it can etch the surface.
Best for: Microwave cleaning, deodorizing, mineral stains.
Tools That Make Cleaning Easier
6. Microfiber Cloths
What it is: Soft, reusable cloths that trap dust and absorb more than cotton.
Why essential: Unlike paper towels, microfiber doesn’t leave lint and can be washed and reused. They grab onto grease and crumbs better than standard rags.
How to use: Keep separate cloths for counters, appliances, and floors. Wash weekly in hot water (avoid fabric softener — it reduces absorbency).
Pro Tip: Color-code your cloths — blue for dishes, yellow for counters, green for appliances.
Best for: Daily wipe-downs, streak-free glass cleaning.
7. Non-Scratch Sponges
What it is: Sponges with a gentle scrubbing side that won’t damage cookware or delicate surfaces.
Why essential: Safe for nonstick pans, stainless steel, and glossy cabinets. They’re versatile and inexpensive.
How to use: Keep one sponge for dishes and another for general cleaning. Rinse thoroughly and replace every 1–2 weeks.
Pro Tip: To disinfect, microwave a damp sponge for 60 seconds or run it through the dishwasher.
Best for: Daily dishwashing and gentle scrubbing.
8. Scrub Brushes (Different Sizes)
What it is: Stiff-bristled brushes for scrubbing tough messes.
Why essential: Some jobs (like grout or sink stains) need more elbow grease than a sponge provides.
How to use: Use a small brush for grout lines, a medium one for dishes and pans, and a large one for floors or sink scrubbing.
Pro Tip: A brush with a built-in soap dispenser saves time.
Best for: Grout, sink stains, pots and pans.
9. Magic Erasers
What it is: Melamine foam sponges that act like ultra-fine sandpaper.
Why essential: Perfect for removing scuffs, fingerprints, and sticky grease from cabinets and walls.
How to use: Wet lightly, squeeze out excess, and gently rub. Follow with a damp cloth.
Pro Tip: Use sparingly — they can dull glossy surfaces if overused.
Best for: Stubborn cabinet grime, wall marks, and appliance smudges.
10. Rubber Gloves
What it is: Protective gloves made from latex, nitrile, or rubber.
Why essential: Protects hands from harsh cleaners, hot water, and bacteria. Also improves grip on slippery dishes.
How to use: Keep one pair for dishes and another for general cleaning. Rinse and hang dry after use.
Pro Tip: Choose long-cuff gloves to avoid water dripping inside.
Best for: Dishwashing, scrubbing with strong cleaners, heavy-duty cleaning.
11. Spray Bottles
What it is: Refillable bottles for DIY solutions.
Why essential: Let you mix and apply vinegar sprays, homemade degreasers, or baking soda rinses.
How to use: Clearly label bottles (especially if you have kids). Store away from heat and direct sunlight.
Pro Tip: Use dark-colored bottles for solutions with vinegar or essential oils — they last longer.
Best for: DIY cleaners, quick spritz cleaning.
12. Paper Towels or Reusable Towels
What it is: Disposable absorbent sheets or washable cloth alternatives.
Why essential: Quick absorption for spills, grease blots, and one-time messes.
How to use: Keep a roll handy for raw meat prep to prevent cross-contamination. Use reusable cloths for everyday cleaning.
Pro Tip: Invest in “unpaper towels” (reusable cloths rolled like paper towels) for eco-friendly options.
Best for: Spill cleanup, raw meat messes, quick drying.
13. Trash Bags and Bin Liners
What it is: Heavy-duty plastic bags for collecting food waste.
Why essential: Keeps your bin clean, prevents odors, and makes disposal easy.
How to use: Choose thicker bags for kitchens (13-gallon size fits most bins). Tie securely before tossing.
Pro Tip: Sprinkle a little baking soda at the bottom of the bin before lining to fight odors.
Best for: Everyday trash management.
14. Compost Bin with Filters
What it is: A small kitchen bin with a charcoal filter to contain smells.
Why essential: If you compost, a filtered bin keeps odors down and fruit flies away.
How to use: Empty daily into your outdoor compost. Replace filters every 2–3 months.
Pro Tip: Line with compostable bags for easy transfer.
Best for: Eco-friendly households, waste reduction.
15. Drying Rack or Dish Mat
What it is: A rack or absorbent mat for air-drying dishes.
Why essential: Air drying is more sanitary than towel drying. Prevents bacterial spread.
How to use: Place near the sink for dishes, cutting boards, and cookware. Wash mats weekly or rack parts as needed.
Pro Tip: Silicone mats double as heat-resistant trivets when not drying.
Best for: Everyday dish drying.
Specialty Kitchen Cleaners
16. Stainless Steel Cleaner
What it is: A spray or polish made specifically for stainless steel appliances.
Why essential: Regular sprays can leave streaks or even cause discoloration. A stainless steel cleaner restores shine and leaves a protective film that resists fingerprints.
How to use: Spray lightly on a microfiber cloth, wipe with the grain of the steel, then buff dry.
Pro Tip: Never use abrasive sponges — they can scratch permanently.
Best for: Refrigerators, dishwashers, ovens, and stainless range hoods.
17. Glass Cleaner
What it is: A spray designed to leave glass streak-free.
Why essential: Perfect for microwave doors, oven windows, and glass cooktops.
How to use: Spray on a cloth (not directly onto glass near food), wipe evenly, and buff dry.
Pro Tip: Vinegar-water mix (1:1) is an eco-friendly alternative.
Best for: Appliance glass, windows near the sink, glass cabinet inserts.
18. Degreaser (Commercial)
What it is: A heavy-duty cleaner designed to dissolve tough grease and oil.
Why essential: When DIY methods don’t cut it, degreasers like Krud Kutter or Simple Green save hours of scrubbing.
How to use: Spray directly on greasy cabinets, stoves, or range hoods. Let sit 1–2 minutes, then wipe away.
Pro Tip: Spot-test on painted wood or laminate to avoid damage.
Best for: Cabinet tops, vent hoods, backsplash tiles.
19. Wood Cabinet Cleaner / Polish
What it is: A gentle cleaner formulated for natural wood.
Why essential: Keeps wooden cabinets nourished, prevents drying and cracking, and restores natural luster.
How to use: Spray or apply with a cloth, following wood grain. Buff dry for shine.
Pro Tip: Murphy’s Oil Soap is a trusted classic.
Best for: Solid wood cabinets, butcher block counters.
20. Oven Cleaner
What it is: A powerful foaming cleaner that dissolves baked-on grease and carbonized food.
Why essential: Ovens collect burnt-on messes that soap alone can’t touch.
How to use: Spray inside a cool oven, let foam work for 20–30 minutes, then wipe with a damp sponge.
Pro Tip: For a natural approach, try a baking soda + vinegar paste and leave overnight.
Best for: Oven interiors, baking trays.
21. Stovetop Scraper Tool
What it is: A handheld scraper with a flat razor edge.
Why essential: Safely removes burnt food from glass stovetops without scratching.
How to use: Hold at a 45° angle, gently scrape residue, then wipe with glass cleaner.
Pro Tip: Always replace dull blades — a sharp scraper is safer and more effective.
Best for: Glass or ceramic cooktops.
22. Drain Cleaner (or DIY Vinegar + Baking Soda)
What it is: A solution to break down clogs and deodorize drains.
Why essential: Kitchen drains collect grease and food scraps that cause odors and slow drainage.
How to use: For natural cleaning, pour ½ cup baking soda down the drain, followed by 1 cup vinegar. Let fizz 10 minutes, flush with boiling water.
Pro Tip: Chemical drain cleaners should be a last resort — they can damage pipes.
Best for: Sink drains, garbage disposal odor.
23. Garbage Disposal Cleaner Tabs
What it is: Pre-made fizzing tablets for garbage disposals.
Why essential: They clean hidden grime and freshen the disposal.
How to use: Drop in a tab, run cold water, and turn on disposal.
Pro Tip: Freeze lemon slices with vinegar in ice cube trays — toss one in for a DIY version.
Best for: Keeping disposals fresh and odor-free.
24. Bleach (Use Sparingly)
What it is: A powerful disinfectant.
Why essential: Effective for sanitizing sinks, cutting boards (after raw meat), and trash bins.
How to use: Dilute — 1 tablespoon bleach per gallon of water. Wipe or soak surfaces, rinse thoroughly.
Pro Tip: Never mix with ammonia or vinegar — it creates toxic fumes.
Best for: Occasional deep sanitizing, not everyday cleaning.
25. Mop & Bucket (or Steam Mop)
What it is: A tool for deep-cleaning kitchen floors.
Why essential: Floors collect grease, crumbs, and bacteria that spread through the house.
How to use: Use warm soapy water for tile or vinyl. For sealed hardwood, use minimal water and a damp mop only.
Pro Tip: Steam mops sanitize without chemicals — great for households with kids and pets.
Best for: Tile, vinyl, sealed hardwood floors.
Organizing & Maintenance Supplies
26. Sponge Holder or Caddy
What it is: A small rack that keeps sponges elevated.
Why essential: Prevents sponges from sitting in water, which breeds bacteria.
How to use: Place near the sink, rinse sponges after use, store upright.
Pro Tip: Choose one with drainage holes for faster drying.
Best for: Extending sponge life, reducing bacteria.
27. Compost Bin Filters
What it is: Charcoal filters that absorb odors from countertop compost bins.
Why essential: Keeps composting clean and odor-free indoors.
How to use: Insert into lid, replace every 2–3 months.
Best for: Families that compost food scraps.
28. Reusable Cleaning Towels
What it is: Cloth alternatives to paper towels.
Why essential: Eco-friendly, cost-saving, and washable.
How to use: Keep a stack under the sink for spills and messes. Wash with hot water weekly.
Pro Tip: Use different patterns or colors for “food-safe” vs. “general cleaning.”
Best for: Eco-conscious households.
29. Scrub Pads (Heavy-Duty)
What it is: Abrasive pads for stuck-on messes.
Why essential: Cuts through baked-on food that sponges can’t handle.
How to use: Use only on pots, pans, and grill grates — never on nonstick surfaces.
Pro Tip: Green Scotch-Brite pads are great for tough jobs, but stick to non-scratch for delicate cookware.
Best for: Pots, pans, oven racks.
30. Extendable Duster
What it is: A long-handled duster with microfiber or feather ends.
Why essential: Cleans cabinet tops, fridge tops, and light fixtures — places where grease and dust collect.
How to use: Extend handle, dust from top to bottom. Wash microfiber head after use.
Pro Tip: Lightly mist with vinegar spray to trap more dust.
Best for: Hard-to-reach kitchen surfaces.
31. Floor Vacuum or Handheld Vacuum
What it is: A small vacuum for kitchen floors and corners.
Why essential: Faster than sweeping, especially for crumbs under cabinets.
How to use: Run over floors after cooking to keep pests away.
Pro Tip: A cordless handheld model makes spot cleaning effortless.
Best for: Crumb control, daily quick cleaning.
Printable Kitchen Cleaning Supplies Checklist
✔ All-purpose cleaner
✔ Dish soap
✔ Disinfecting wipes/spray
✔ Baking soda
✔ White vinegar
✔ Microfiber cloths
✔ Non-scratch sponges
✔ Scrub brushes
✔ Magic Erasers
✔ Rubber gloves
✔ Spray bottles
✔ Paper/reusable towels
✔ Trash bags
✔ Compost bin + filters
✔ Dish drying rack/mat
✔ Stainless steel cleaner
✔ Glass cleaner
✔ Degreaser
✔ Wood cleaner/polish
✔ Oven cleaner
✔ Stovetop scraper
✔ Drain cleaner
✔ Garbage disposal tabs
✔ Bleach (diluted)
✔ Mop & bucket / steam mop
✔ Sponge holder/caddy
✔ Scrub pads
✔ Extendable duster
✔ Handheld vacuum
Final Thoughts
Equipping your kitchen with the right cleaning supplies means you’ll always be ready — whether it’s a small spill, a greasy stovetop, or a full deep clean. With this list, you’ve got everything you need to maintain a safe, fresh, and welcoming kitchen.
Remember:
- Stock the basics (soap, vinegar, cloths).
- Invest in specialty cleaners for stainless steel, wood, and ovens.
- Prevent problems (odor, grease buildup) before they happen.
A clean kitchen isn’t just about hygiene — it makes cooking and living in your home feel easier, calmer, and more enjoyable.
I’m Anastasios Moulios, co-founder of DIY Cozy Living. I enjoy finding creative, practical ways to make small spaces feel warm, stylish, and lived-in — whether it’s a camper, a backyard, or a cozy room inside. I started this blog with Katerina to share real ideas that make home feel a little more personal and a lot more comfortable.
