Cleaning your kitchen is essential to maintaining a healthy and functional living environment, but certain spots often escape our attention during our cleaning routine. These hidden dirty areas can harbor germs and grime from forgotten or overlooked surfaces if left unchecked.

By identifying and addressing these commonly neglected areas, you will ensure your kitchen is spotless, hygienic, and welcoming to all cooking activities.

Dirty spots everyone forgets to clean when cleaning the kitchen

1. Behind the Refrigerator

Dust and debris accumulate behind the refrigerator. Moving the fridge occasionally and cleaning the area behind it is a good idea.

2. Under the Stove

Food crumbs and spills can gather under the stove, so pulling it out and cleaning underneath is essential.

3. Top of Cabinets

The tops of kitchen cabinets can gather dust and grease over time since they are out of sight.

Occasionally, remove any items stored on top of the cabinets, dust/vacuum, and wipe them down with a damp microfiber cloth. Dry them thoroughly before returning them. Include these in your deep cleaning routine.

Use shelf liners on top of your cabinets to keep them clean and make it easier to clean the cabinets.

4. Inside the Microwave

Food particles can splatter the interior of the microwave. Remove the turntable and clean the inside thoroughly. Use a lid or a microwave splatter cover to prevent splatters on the interior of your microwave.

5. Gaskets on Refrigerator Doors

The rubber gaskets around refrigerator and freezer doors can collect grime. Regularly wipe down the seal with a microfiber cloth dipped in warm water and a mild detergent to prevent mold and odors.

6. Around the Sink Faucet

The area around the sink faucet is a familiar spot for water stains and soap scum. Use a brush or old toothbrush to clean around the base and all the crevices.

7. Trash Cans and Recycling Bins

The interior and exterior of trash cans and recycling bins can harbor bacteria and odors. Regularly clean and disinfect these to maintain a fresh kitchen environment. Sprinkle baking soda at the bottom of the trash can to absorb odors.

8. Dish Rack

Check the dish rack for mold and mildew buildup. If safe, clean it with hot, soapy water or run it through the dishwasher. Dry it thoroughly to prevent rust and watermark stains.

9. Inside Cabinets and Drawers

Utensil drawers and cabinets can accumulate crumbs and spills. Empty them periodically and wipe down the interiors. Use shelf liners to make them neat and easy to clean.

10. Overhead Range Hood

The range hood can accumulate grease and grime, especially near the stovetop. Remove and wash the filter and clean the hood’s exterior using warm water, dish soap, or a degreaser.

11. Spice rack

Spice racks get dirty from spills, oil splatter, grease, and regular use. Regularly Wipe down the rack with a damp cloth or sponge.

12. Kitchen sponge

A kitchen sponge gets dirty from food particles and bacteria that accumulate during use. To clean and disinfect your kitchen sponge, dampen it in water and microwave it on high for 1-2 minutes.

You can also soak it in equal parts water and vinegar for 5-10 minutes or clean it in the dishwasher to kill germs.

13. Garbage disposal splash guard and gasket

We often clean the kitchen sink but forget the garbage disposal splash guard and gasket.

Please remove them and wash them in warm, soapy water with an old toothbrush or crevice brush. For the non-movable ones, use a crevice brush to clean them with warm, soapy water.

14. Sink drains

Bacteria, mold, and unpleasant odors can build up in the drains over time, creating an unsanitary environment. Occasionally, pour hot water down your sink drain to loosen any dirt or grease buildup.

You can also sprinkle some baking soda and vinegar down the drain to help break down any grime. Use a drain brush to help clean and remove any debris lodged in the drain.

15. Cabinets and door handles

Wipe them down before drying them with a microfiber cloth or sponge dampened in vinegar and water.

16. Backsplash

Clean your kitchen backsplash regularly to prevent dirt and grease buildup. Blot out food splatters and grease as soon as possible before they harden.

Clean your backsplash using warm water, mild dish soap, and baking soda. Use a brush or sponge to remove any stubborn stains.

17. Stove knob and crevices

If the stove knob is removable, remove them from the stove and wash them in warm soapy water.

If you can’t remove them, wipe them down with a sponge or a soft cloth damped in warm, soapy water or a degreaser. Use a crevice or old toothbrush to clean the corners and crevices.

18. Inside the Oven

Inside the oven, one of the dirtiest places in the kitchen is where all the grease and smoke from cooked foods are trapped. It requires regular cleaning and maintenance, primarily when used frequently.

Keeping your oven clean will ensure you cook your meals in a clean and healthy environment.

19. Inside your Dishwasher

Though the dishwasher is where you clean your utensils, it’s unfortunate that it is one of the dirtiest places you can imagine. This is where remaining food particles, mineral deposits, and hard water stains tend to deposit.

The warm and dark environment inside the dishwasher is also ideal for mildew and mold growth. To prevent dirt buildup, schedule routine cleaning for your dishwasher.

20. On top of the refrigerator

Over time, dust and dirt accumulate on top of your refrigerator, which can interfere with the air quality of your home. To remove grease, dust or vacuum the top and wipe it down with a microfiber damp cloth or sponge dipped in mild soap.

21. Small appliances

Clean small kitchen appliances, such as mixers, coffee makers, toasters, and blenders, to remove crumbs and spills. Since we frequently touch these appliances, sanitize them occasionally to avoid cross-contamination.

How do you ensure you don’t forget to clean the dirty spots everyone forgets to clean when cleaning the kitchen?

Here are tips to help you clean every area in your kitchen

Create a cleaning checklist.

List all kitchen areas to clean. A checklist will help you stay organized and ensure you don’t forget any spots.

Use the right tools and products.

Ensure you have the necessary cleaning tools and supplies for each area, such as a mop, vacuum, cleaning solutions, and cloths, to ensure a thorough cleaning.

Pay attention to often overlooked areas.

Make sure you include the most overlooked areas, such as behind kitchen appliances, on top of cabinets, and sink drains, in your cleaning routine.

Use a detailed approach when cleaning.

Instead of quickly wiping down surfaces, clean each area thoroughly and ensure you cover the entire surface adequately.

Clean high and low spots.

Use a step ladder to reach high and low spots. Move appliances to clean underneath.

Need help cleaning your kitchen?

Do you need professional help cleaning your house? Our experienced team at Sparkle Surney Cleaning Services can help. We are locally owned, insured, and bonded. Contact us today for a free quote, and let us handle the mess.