How to clean a pantry – 6 steps to spruce up this key space easily

Whether your pantry is a simple affair that's built into cabinetry, freestanding or a full on walk-in design, it will need regular, thorough cleaning.

Due to the nature of what you're storing in your pantry, keeping it organized, clean, and free from food build up will keep pests away. It will also stop unnecessary wastage.

Our cleaning experts give us the lowdown on how to get your pantry spick and span, with kitchen cleaning tips to really make it shine, the products that work best and specialist advice on what watch out for.

What you'll need

What you use when cleaning your pantry is vitally important, says Karina Toner, operations manager at Spekless.

• Microfiber cloths from Target for dusting and wiping
• Myers Multi-Surface cleaner from Amazon or a DIY vinegar solution (use one part vinegar to two parts water)
• Vacuum cleaner with a crevice attachment
• Shelf liners available from Amazon for easy maintenance
• Bins or baskets from Target for organizing items
• Walmart Label maker or Target masking tape and a marker for labeling

1. Empty the pantry completely

The first step is to remove everything from your pantry. This is a great opportunity to check each item over as you do.

'You’ve got to start with a clean slate, so it’s very important to clear everything out to see what you’re working with,' advises Rhona Wilson, quality lead clearer at FreshSpace Cleaning. 'Check expiry dates as you go, and get rid of things you know you’ll never eat. For those heavy or awkward items, use a sturdy laundry basket to lug them in and out easily.'

A basket with handles will make life easier.

All prices correct at time of publication.

2. Start cleaning from the top

According to seasoned professional cleaner Rhona, 'You should always clean from top to bottom, including pantries.'

Start by removing any cobwebs from the ceiling and clearing dusty corners. We love Amazon's BOOMJOY microfiber feather duster with extendable pole that will help you reach the top without a ladder, but if you do need steps, the Cosco 2 step steel design stool from Target will come in handy time and again.

3. Dust and clean

Once you've cleared your ceiling cobwebs, work across the shelving, moving downwards.

'Use a microfiber cloth to dust shelves and corners and then vacuum up any crumbs or loose debris, especially in hard-to-reach areas,' says Karina.

Using one of the best vacuums will make the job easier and if your current model is too cumbersome, consider a handheld design instead. Most of the best cordless vacuums convert into a handheld, such as our tried and tested best budget pick, the Ultenic U12 from Amazon.

Below we've sourced our top 3 handheld vacuums, each with their own plus points.

Then, sanitize your shelves as it's easy for spills to go unnoticed, especially at the back.

'For wiping down, lightly spritz a microfiber cloth with your favorite all-around cleaner. My bet for this is the Lysol lemon variant from Amazon, as it cleans and deodorizes. Let it dry before adding anything back,' advises Rhonda.

Karina adds, 'For sticky spills, let the cleaner sit for a few minutes before wiping.'

4. Wipe down the walls and floors

It can be easy to forget the walls when cleaning, but it's equally important to give these a freshen up too.

'Use a damp microfiber cloth to clean the walls and vacuum or mop the floor,' says Karina. For mopping we really like Method's almond cleaning product Squirt + Mop from Target, it's ideal for sealed wood and laminate flooring and it has a great long lasting scent.

Don't get your walls sopping wet to avoid the risk of mold in your home.

5. Add shelf liners

If you've found some spills and sticky spots when cleaning out your pantry, invest in some shelf liners to make the job easier next time. They will keep shelving cleaner and some have a textured surface to better grip and keep jars and tins in place.

Rhonda believes they're an essential part of your pantry, 'Before you put anything back, lay down shelf liners or cut-to-fit parchment paper (such as Target's parchment paper roll from up&up™). This will keep shelves cleaner for longer and make future cleanups easier. If you’re worried it’ll move, put double-sided tape underneath. You can always use rubbing alcohol to remove the tape residue. Trust me, you’d rather do this than deal with sticky syrup drips or oil!'

Prevention is always the better option – it's easy to make home cleaning mistakes that make our chores harder, so laying some shelf protection is time well spent. A roll of non-adhesive but grippy Gorilla shelf protector, from Walmart will make this a cinch.

6. Reintroduce your organized products

According to cleaning whiz Karina, pay extra attention to every item. She says, 'Wipe down each item before placing it back and check it's intact.' This will help you catch any rips, tears or sticky residue that might attract insects, and keep your pest proof your pantry.

Then be really organized with where you place things, 'Group items by category and store in labeled baskets or bins. Place frequently used items at eye level and heavier items on lower shelves,' Karina adds. 'For those deep shelves, you can add rises or tiered organizers to see everything at a glance,' suggests Rhonda.

Tiered storage solutions are pantry organizers professionals always buy.

Meet our experts

Karina Toner

Karina is a longstanding professional cleaner, and operations manager for Spekless Cleaning, a premier cleaning company based in DC.

Rhonda Wilson

Rhonda Wilson, is the quality lead cleaner at FreshSpace Cleaning. She's been part of the team since 2019, bringing with her more than 20 years of experience in the cleaning industry.

It's always worth having a deep clean especially when food is involved, and we recommend tackling your pantry seasonally, or at least twice a year: tackle them after the busy festive season and ahead of summer when pest activity spikes.

'Cleaning your pantry may feel like a chore, but it creates a fresh and organized space that makes cooking and meal prep so much easier. You’ll love the results!' says Karina.

Next, clean your kitchen cabinets.