Hey, cleaning besties! I dove into a 1950s guide to cleaning the kitchen, and it was a whole vibe. Whether you’re channeling your inner 1950s housewife, or just want an in depth guide to give you a step-by-step plan for cleaning your kitchen, this is for you. I’ll be sharing what the 1950s housewives did, and how I’ve adapted it for my home as a cleaning expert!
I also added my own modern-day tips alongside the vintage ones so you can mix and match what works for you. It’s all about balance, right?
So, grab your coffee (or whatever’s keeping you awake today), and let’s get into it!
Step 1: Open the Windows
The very first thing on the list? Open a window. Yep, before you even touch a dish, crack that sucker open and invite some fresh air in. Not only does it give you great lighting to work by, it’s a solid mood booster. Bonus points if there’s a breeze that makes your kitchen curtains do their thing.
What I do: I follow this step exactly. Fresh air while cleaning is a must! First, it airs out your home and keeps things feeling fresh. It’s especially important if you’re using any store-bought cleaners or cleaning chemicals. Remember, these are meant to be used in a ventilated area for your health, so go ahead and crack that window for your sake!
Step 2: Apron On
Next up, throw on an apron. And listen, if you don’t have one, we need to talk. The apron is the 1950s housewife accessory. Not only does it protect your outfit from soap suds and random grease splatters, but it also just makes you feel put-together.
What I do: I seriously love this step. (No surprise here right?) I even have a link to my Amazon page with all my favorite aprons if you need to snag one. (I do make a little commission if you buy through these links) But if you’re crafty, making your own apron is such a fun beginner sewing project! Trust me, it’s worth it. I’ve been obsessed with the Dainty Meadow line from Moda Fabrics lately, and plan to make a few myself!
Step 3: Soak the Dishes
Before anything else, fill your sink with hot, soapy water and let your dishes soak. This step reminds me so much of Summers in my Grandma’s kitchen. She is a great homemaker, and was always on top of the dishes and chores.
What I do: I actually do this as a prep step before cooking each meal. I’ll fill up one side of my sink (or use a tub now that I have a single-basin sink) with hot, soapy water so I can toss things in to soak while I cook. Then it goes straight into the dishwasher, or is washed immediately upon finishing the meal. It’s such a game-changer and makes cleaning up after meals a breeze.
Step 4: Wipe Counters & Fridge
The guide says to grab a good ol’ cloth and a spray bottle with water and vinegar. First up, wipe down your counters. But don’t stop there. Tackle your fridge at the same time. If you’re feeling ambitious, peek inside the fridge to see if there are any, um, science experiments hiding in the back. Get rid of any expired food, and give things a little wipe.
What I do: Heads up, water and vinegar can clean they don’t actually sanitize. For disinfecting, I prefer to use very strong vodka or rubbing alcohol. (You can grab my post on making a non-toxic disinfecting cleaner here!) If you’ve got a stainless steel fridge, finish with a little baby oil to polish it up and make it look brand new. I clean out my fridge every Wednesday as part of my cleaning routine. (Click here for my post on my cleaning routine and cleaning schedule!)
Step 5: Wash the Dishes
By now, your dishes have soaked enough. Time to roll up your sleeves! The guide recommends washing in a specific order. Start with the glassware, move to silverware, then plates, and finish with the cooking utensils.
What I do: I totally agree with this order! But in general, wash clean to dirty, delicate to sturdy. And here’s a pro tip for glassware or delicate dishes: place a towel at the bottom of your sink to prevent scratching or chipping during both soaking and washing.
Step 6: The Oven
According to the guide, it’s time to soak your oven rack. The guide suggested using vinegar and water.
What I do: Honestly, vinegar might not cut it alone. You can follow the video below for cleaning oven racks thoroughly. Big tip? I only keep one rack in my oven unless it’s a holiday where I need two. That way, while I clean one, I always have a clean rack ready to swap in. If life interrupts my cleaning, no stress–I can still use the oven. You can also purchase mats or foil for the bottom of your oven to make cleaning spills sooo much easier.
Step 7: Dusting
The guide really wants you to dust. We’re talking above your fridge, around your appliances, and all those sneaky spots where grime builds up. Honestly, this feels less like cleaning and more like uncovering ancient history. Still, it’s weirdly satisfying.
What I do: Dusting spray is your best friend here, and I even have a homemade version you can find below!
Step 8: Trash Out, Sink Scrubbed
If your trash can’s full, take it out! No one wants garbage sitting in a clean kitchen, right? Then it’s time to give your sink some much-needed TLC. Use soap and a dish rag to scrub it down. Then hit up the drain with baking soda and follow with boiling water to keep it fresh.
What I do: I sprinkle a little baking soda in the bottom of my trash can to help with odors. For the sink, I use Castile soap, baking soda, and essential oils. You can find my video on that below.
Step 9: Stove Wipe & Grease Hack
This is when you can wipe down the stove and the outside of your oven. But if grease buildup has you screaming into your oven mitts, there’s a hack for that.
What I do: Oil removes grease. Weird, but true. Rub a little baby oil (or any oil) into the grease buildup on your stove hood or behind the stove, then wipe it off with a paper towel. Follow with a solution of a few drops of Dawn dish soap mixed with warm water to clean the residue. THEN you can disinfect as needed. Game. Changer.
Step 10: Floors Last
Finally, sweep the floor and fill your mop bucket with some water, soap, and vinegar.
What I do: I spot clean my kitchen floors every single night as part of my evening cleaning routine. It’s such a small thing, but it makes a huge difference when I wake up to clean, crumb-free floors. Just remember, how you clean your floors depends on what kind of floors you have! If you have tile or single sheet linoleum you can get away with more. BUT hardwood floors, laminate, and luxury vinyl plank flooring all have different methods for cleaning and things to watch out for!
MY FAVORITE Kitchen Cleaning Hack
If you’re ready to transform your cleaning routine into something that feels less like a chore and more like a little self care, you have to check out Domestic Daydreams Radio. It’s like stepping right into a 1950s time capsule, with guided cleaning routines paired perfectly with nostalgic old-time radio shows. Whether you’re laughing along with Wild Bill Hickok to keep your kids entertained while they tidy up, solving a case with Dragnet! during your morning clean, or enjoying the suspenseful twists of Suspense! as you wind down your day, these shows make cleaning more fun, focused, and efficient.
Plus, the step-by-step guidance means you’ll never waste time wondering what task to tackle next. The best part? Regular cleaning becomes maintenance instead of marathon sessions, so you can enjoy a neat, cozy home without the burnout.
Trust me, there’s nothing quite like turning homemaking into “me-time” with a touch of vintage charm. You can get your free episodes here!