How to Design a Kitchen That’s Easy to Clean

Introduction

Keeping a clean and tidy kitchen is important for both health and happiness. But with busy lives, it can be difficult to keep on top of cleaning. The good news is that with some smart design choices during your kitchen remodel or renovation, you can create a space that is much easier to clean and maintain. From material selections to storage solutions, every design decision can have an impact. Follow this guide to learn how to design a kitchen that saves you time and eliminates hassle when it comes to keeping your space sparkling from floor to ceiling.

Choose Easy-Clean Materials

The materials you select for countertops, cabinets, flooring and backsplashes will have a big impact on clean-up time. Consider how prone different materials are to stains, smudges and other messes when making your selections.

Countertops

Countertops see a lot of action, so durability and stain resistance are key. Here are some of the easiest-to-clean options:

• Quartz – Non-porous and resistant to stains, heat and scratches. Acrylic-polymer resins make quartz counters very durable.
• Granite – Polished granite is non-porous, so it won’t harbor bacteria. Stains aren’t absorbed either.
• Solid Surfaces – Materials like Corian are made from acrylic and natural minerals. Seamless installation and dense surface makes them very stain proof.
• Laminate – Affordable and designed for heavy use. Just avoid glossy laminates which show water spots and smudges. Opt for a satin finish instead.

Steer clear of high-maintenance natural stone like marble and butcher block which require sealing and can be prone to damage.

Cabinets

For cabinets, opt for a smooth finish without grooves or embellishments which attract grime. Stay away from light colors which show dirt. Consider:

• Wood veneer – Durable and seamless. Choose a maple or ash veneer for a smooth surface.
• Laminate – Affordable, scratch-resistant and easy to wipe down. Great for contemporary designs.
• Thermofoil – Made from vinyl bonded to MDF wood. Very seamless and resistant to spills and stains.
• Painted finishes – Choose high-gloss enamel paint for a surface that wipes clean easily.

Flooring

Look for kitchen floor materials that are non-porous and resistant to high traffic, spills, stains and moisture. Good choices include:

• Luxury vinyl tile – Affordable, waterproof and scratch-resistant. New designs mimic stone and wood.
• Quarry tile – Made from natural clay, these tiles resist chips, scratches and stains. The grout requires sealing.
• Porcelain tile – Dense, impermeable and very durable for kitchens. Use large grout lines and seal regularly.
• Linoleum – Naturally waterproof and antimicrobial. Seamless installation. Waxes easily for a shiny finish.
• Concrete – Sturdy and can be polished into a smooth, seamless surface that wipes clean easily.

Backsplashes

For backsplashes, glass and metal offer an ultra-modern look. But ceramic and porcelain tiles are better suited for messy cooks, since they are generally cheaper to install and replace. Choose matte finishes over high-gloss, which show water spots.

Opt for Easy-Clean Appliances and Fixtures

Cleaning is easier when you select the right appliances and fixtures from the start:

• Ranges – Opt for a smooth glass-ceramic cooktop which wipes down easily after cooking. Stainless steel exterior resists smudges.
• Refrigerator – Choose fingerprint-proof stainless steel or smudge-prone stainless panels. Stay away from black and white which show every mark.
• Vent hood – Buy a hood with dishwasher safe aluminum mesh or stainless steel baffle filters. Avoid flimsy fiberglass filters which are hard to clean.
• Faucets – Look for a single-handle faucet and a pulldown sprayer design for less grime buildup. Spot-resist stainless finishes help avoid prints.
• Sinks – Deep, single-bowl sinks with tight-radius corners are easiest to wipe out. Undermount installation creates a seamless countertop transition.
• Cabinet hardware – Opt for recessed hardware and handles to prevent dust and grease collection. Brushed nickel or chrome resists prints.

Design for Smart Food Prep and Clean-As-You-Go

No one likes coming home after dinner to a pile of dirty dishes. Make cleaning as you cook simpler with a kitchen designed for efficient food prep and clean-up:

• Garbage disposal – This handy appliance helps keep food scraps from piling up in the trash. Select a quiet, stainless steel model.
• Deep sink – Aim for at least a 9-inch deep sink basin to keep water from splashing out as you wash dishes.
• Dishwasher – Choose a quiet model with a stainless steel tub, sanitize wash option and hidden controls to simplify cleaning.
• Prep sink – Having a second small sink or bar sink near food prep areas lets you clean as you cook with minimal steps.
• Faucet sprayer – Look for a pull-down sprayer head to easily rinse off dishes, sinks and counters without making a mess.
• Built-in soap dispensers – Near sinks and prep areas, these handy additions keep soap within easy reach for quick cleanups.
• Hot water dispenser – Boiling water on demand makes cleaning easier by softening dried-on foods on pots quickly.
• Drawers – Opt for full-extension drawers with compartments to sort and organize dishware when emptying the dishwasher.
• Drying rack – Look for a rack that can sit across the sink or roll out of the way. Bamboo and stainless steel resist mildew.

Strategize Your Kitchen Layout

Planning out an efficient work triangle and kitchen layout will help cut down on spills, over-splash and other messy mishaps when cooking and cleaning. Keep these tips in mind:

• Position the sink between the fridge and stove in the work triangle.
• Allow at least 15 inches of countertop workspace on either side of the stove and sink.
• Ensure there is open counter space near or opposite each appliance.
• Place frequently used items like dishes, glasses and pans near their point of use to minimize steps.
• Put the dishwasher near the sink for easier unloading.
• Allow room to open the dishwasher fully without bumping into adjacent surfaces.
• Include a convenient landing zone for grocery bags away from high traffic areas.
• Don’t put light-colored cabinets directly next to cooking surfaces where spatters can occur.

Choose Easy-Access Storage Solutions

Out of sight, out of mind. Make cleaning easier by ensuring everything is easily accessible. Focus on storage solutions that eliminate clutter and organize your supplies:

• Pull-out cabinets – Great for storing pots, pans and small appliances right where you need them. Select soft-close models.
• Lazy susans – Spinning organizers in corner cabinets let you access items in the back without emptying everything out.
• Drawer dividers – Customize drawers with cutlery, utensil and spice insert trays to end digging for things.
• Pull-down shelves – Installed near an island or peninsula, these shelving units provide extra space for appliances.
• Wall storage rails – Utilize rails for mountable storage racks, knives, utensils, towels and other kitchen necessities.
• Under cabinet organizers – Hold sponges, scrub brushes and cleaning supplies close at hand but out of sight.
• Pantry design – Maximize vertical space and incorporate pull-out drawers, lazy susans and door racks for an organized pantry.

Select Low-Maintenance Materials

In addition to counters and cabinets, consider these easy-clean materials for other kitchen surfaces:

• Tile backsplash – Use ceramic or porcelain tile instead of grout-intensive natural stone like marble.
• Acrylic panels – For walls near cooking areas. Heat and stain resistant for easy wipe downs.
• Stainless steel – An easy-clean, modern accent material for upper walls, islands and other surfaces.
• Plastic laminate – Affordable and durable. Use on shelving, interior cabinet surfaces and drawer boxes.

Embrace Transitional Design Elements

Transitional style blending modern and traditional elements allows you to enjoy both form and function. These design choices support cleanliness:

• Built-in shelving – Provides organized storage while eliminating dust-catching surfaces.
• Uncluttered spaces – Limit knick-knacks and embrace an uncluttered aesthetic for easy wiping and dusting.
• Slipcovered stools – Stools with removable covers can be tossed in the wash to keep oil splatters at bay.
• Exposed hardware – Prefer open shelving with hooks for hanging utensils instead of drawers which attract dirt and crumbs.
• Freestanding furniture – Islands, carts and caddies on casters can easily be moved for cleaning access.

Incorporate Smart Cleaning Amenities

Look for clever ways to incorporate cleaning amenities right into your kitchen:

• Built-in soap dispenser – Near sinks and prep areas, concealed soap dispensers add convenience.
• Faucet filtration system – Reduces lime and calcium buildup from tap water. Look for a switch to easily turn it off.
• Hot water dispenser – Boiling water on demand helps loosening baked-on foods on pots and pans.
• Touchless faucets – Prevent the spread of germs and fingerprints with tap water activation.
• Under cabinet lighting – Not just for prepping. Bright task lighting helps you spot dirt and grime in need of wiping down.
• Backsplash cleaning channels – Built-in channels at the top and bottom of a backsplash simplify wiping.
• Recessed trash/recycling bins – Hide unsightly bins in cabinetry or drawer units to help keep the space looking tidy.

Use Light Colors and Natural Lighting

Bright, open kitchens make cleaning easier – you can spot messes quicker! Consider the following:

• Light cabinetry – Shades like light grey, ivory and antique white show less grime.
• White countertops – White quartz or solid surface counters highlight clutter and dirt.
• Glass cabinet doors – Glass doors and open shelving illuminate inner cabinet messes before they grow.
• Large windows – Let in ample natural light to expose lurking dust bunnies in need of elimination.
• Skylights – Great for introducing sunshine into inner kitchen runways and cabinet spaces.

How to Clean Your Easy-to-Clean Kitchen

Once you’ve designed a kitchen tailored to hassle-free cleaning, it’s time to put those elements to work. Follow this step-by-step routine to keep your kitchen spotless with minimal effort:

• Clear surfaces – Start by putting away or removing everything from counters, sinks, range top and table.
• Clean sink – Use a non-abrasive scrub sponge and all-purpose cleaner to wipe down the sink basin. Rinse and dry completely.
• Wipe counters – Spray counters with an all-purpose, ammonia-free cleaner. Let sit briefly, then wipe down with clean microfiber cloths.
• Clean appliances – Use stainless steel spray and microfiber cloths to wipe down exteriors of appliances. Dry completely.
• Spot clean walls – Dip a sponge mop into warm water mixed with a few drops of dish soap. Use to spot clean splatters on backsplashes and walls.
• Scrub range – Mix a baking soda and water paste. Spread over stained areas of range top. Let sit before scrubbing and rinsing clean.
• Sweep floors – Use a broom to sweep all floors starting from the corners and moving to the center to prevent spreading dirt.
• Damp mop – Fill a bucket with warm water and add a cap-full of floor cleaner concentrate or vinegar. Dip in a microfiber mop and wring tightly before mopping floors.
• Take out trash – Empty garbage cans and recycling bins. Use disinfecting wipes to quickly clean the bins before replacing the bags.
• Inspect and restock – Do a final inspection. Restock paper towels, cleaners and hand soaps as needed in preparation for your next kitchen cleanup!

Frequently Asked Questions About Designing an Easy-to-Clean Kitchen

How much should I budget for an easy-to-clean kitchen remodel?

Depending on layout changes and material upgrades, expect to budget 10-20% more for a kitchen designed specifically for cleaning convenience. Focus spending on low-maintenance countertops, flooring and cabinetry. Storage solutions will also add cost.

What is the best flooring for an easy-to-clean kitchen?

Porcelain, ceramic and quarry tile, solid vinyl plank, sheet vinyl, concrete and linoleum are generally the easiest kitchen flooring materials to clean and disinfect.

What should I look for in kitchen cabinetry?

Opt for wood veneer, thermofoil and plastic laminate cabinets in a satin or matte finish. Stay away from ornate details and choose soft-close drawers and pull-outs.

How do I design kitchen storage for easy access?

Include pull-outs, full extension drawers, drawer organizers, lazy susans, wall storage rails, mounted racks and pull-down shelves. Group like items together for efficiency.

Should I install a water filtration system to simplify cleaning?

If you live in an area with heavy lime and calcium in the water, a whole house or faucet filtration system can cut down on mineral deposits and make cleaning easier.

How often should I deep clean my easy-to-clean kitchen?

Plan to give all surfaces a thorough scrubbing with degreasing cleaners every 1-2 months. Appliances and backsplashes may need more frequent deep cleaning. Stay on top of daily and weekly wipes.

Conclusion

Designing your kitchen with cleaning in mind may take a bit more planning – but the payoff will be well worth it. By selecting durable, stain-resistant materials, embracing smart storage solutions and incorporating convenience amenities, you can cut your cleaning time dramatically. Use this guide to plan a kitchen layout and material palette tailored for maintaining tidiness. A few smart design choices at the start will save you hours over the lifetime of your kitchen. Just be sure to take advantage of your low-maintenance design with regular surface cleaning and disinfecting to keep your kitchen looking as pristine as the day it was installed.