Wok cooking, deep frying, fermented sauces, and chili oil all leave residues that ordinary surface cleaners can't touch. A proper Thai kitchen deep clean is its own discipline.
Start with the range hood and exhaust fan
The range hood captures 80% of your cooking residue. If it's not cleaned, it drips grease back down onto your stovetop every time you turn it on.
- Remove the filter panels and soak them in hot water with dish soap for 20 minutes
- While they soak, wipe the hood interior with a degreaser and microfiber
- Scrub the filters with a brush, rinse, air dry
- Reinstall — feel the difference next time you cook
The stovetop: beyond wiping
Gas stoves accumulate a layer of carbonized oil on the grates that wipes won't remove. Pull the grates off and soak them overnight in a solution of washing soda (sodium carbonate) and warm water. They'll come out looking new.
Inside the cabinets
Thai cooking oil aerosols travel further than you'd think. Every cabinet within 2 meters of the stove has a greasy film on the shelf liners and inside the doors. Remove everything, wipe with degreaser, and replace the shelf liners annually.
The refrigerator — don't skip the seals
- Pull out all shelves and drawers, wash in the sink
- Wipe the interior with a baking soda paste (1:3 with water)
- Scrub the rubber door gaskets with an old toothbrush — mold hides here
- Vacuum the condenser coils on the back (saves electricity)
- Pull the fridge forward and clean behind and under it
Sink and drain
A Thai kitchen sink sees a lot of food waste. Monthly, pour a cup of baking soda followed by a cup of white vinegar down the drain, wait 10 minutes, flush with boiling water. This prevents drain clogs that cost 800–1,500 baht to fix.
Final touches
- Polish chrome taps with a drop of baby oil for a streak-free shine
- Wipe all cabinet handles — they accumulate more germs than the toilet
- Check the kitchen tile grout and scrub darkened lines
- Replace kitchen towels and sponges
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I deep clean my kitchen?
Monthly for the stovetop, range hood, and inside cabinets. Weekly for the fridge. Daily for the sink.
What's the best degreaser for Thai cooking residue?
A spray bottle with 1 cup water, 1 tbsp dish soap, and 2 tbsp white vinegar handles most daily grease. For baked-on carbonized oil, use a commercial kitchen degreaser or oven cleaner (gloves and ventilation required).
Kitchen deep cleans are included in every CLEANROVA deep cleaning package — no extra charge.
