After spending hours chopping vegetables, stirring gravies and serving meals, the idea of cleaning the kitchen sounds like a punishment. But what if we told you that you can restore order in maximum five minutes? Yes, really! We have a simple, tried-and-tested routine that will not just make your kitchen look cleaner, but also feel more pleasant to walk into the next morning. No endless scrubbing, no staring at crusty counters with dread. Just a light-lift reset that suits every Indian kitchen - whether you are working with a compact apartment space or handling a joint family meal station. With sharp organisation, a dash of habit-building and some nifty tips, this clean-up can become as routine as brushing your teeth. Ready to try it?
Also Read: 5 Mistakes You're Unknowingly Making While Washing Dishes
Here's A 5-Step Formula For A Fast-Forward Kitchen Cleaning Season:
Step 1: Start With The Sink
- Dump all used utensils straight into the sink. Avoid stacking them haphazardly on counters.
- Turn on the tap and let hot water run for 30 seconds. This loosens up grease and dried food.
- Quickly rinse and load them into the dish rack or dishwasher if you use one.
- Leave the tough ones like the pressure cooker or kadai soaking with a few drops of dish liquid.
Why this is important? The sink is like your kitchen heartbeat. If it is clean, the whole space feels sorted.
Also Read: How To Prevent Grease Build-Up In Kitchen: 5 Easy Tips For A Sparkling Kitchen

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Step 2: Wipe The High-Touch Zones
- Take a damp microfiber cloth and swipe across the kitchen counters, stovetops, fridge handles and microwave buttons.
- Use diluted white vinegar or a spray cleaner for a quick disinfecting effect.
Quick tip: Keep one dedicated cloth for the kitchen to avoid cross-contamination.
Step 3: Tidy Up Visible Clutter
- Put away leftovers, sealed packets, spice jars and oil bottles in their rightful place.
- If you use a spice box (masala dabba), close it and tuck it back into the drawer.
- Stack containers or bags vertically to save space and make it look neat.
Bonus hack: Assign one basket or tray to hold small daily-use items like tea bags, salt box and spoons.
Step 4: Floor Flash Clean
- Run a dry mop or kitchen wiper across the visible part of the floor.
- If there are spills, use a tissue or damp cloth to spot clean.
- Sweep crumbs into a corner or dustpan. No need for full mopping unless absolutely needed.
Why it matters? A crumb-free floor instantly lifts the room and prevents insects and germ build-up.
Step 5: The Final Touch
- Light a small agarbatti or open a window to bring in fresh air and erase the foul kitchen smell.
- Turn off appliances, push chairs in and align the kitchen towel neatly on the handle.
- Refill the water bottles or filter tank so it is ready for tomorrow.
These are the small details that make your kitchen feel like a place you love, not just use.
Also Read: Smelly Kitchen Cloths And Sponges? No More! 5 Best Ways To Fix It

Photo Credit: iStock
How To Make Daily Kitchen Cleaning Feel Effortless?
1. Keep a cleaning caddy within arm's reach:
Think of this as your kitchen's emergency tool kit. A small basket or tub under the sink, stocked with essentials like a microfiber cloth, multipurpose spray, dish scrubber and gloves, makes cleanup less of a chore and more of a quick reflex.
2. Make it a nightly ritual before you call it a day:
Before you hang up your apron, run through this 5-minute routine. It sets the tone for a smooth morning and creates muscle memory. You will start noticing that your kitchen never truly gets messy anymore.
3. Share the load with family or flatmates:
No need to play kitchen martyr. If you live with others, involve them in this mini-routine to make it an easy affair.
Also Read: How To De-Clutter Your Kitchen Counter - 5 Steps Towards A Tidy Kitchen
The Bottom Line:
Cleaning your kitchen everyday prevents mess from growing monstrous. Plus, it trains your mind to associate cleaning with calm. And the best part is that you wake up to a kitchen that welcomes you with open arms.
About Somdatta SahaExplorer- this is what Somdatta likes to call herself. Be it in terms of food, people or places, all she craves for is to know the unknown. A simple aglio olio pasta or daal-chawal and a good movie can make her day.