10 Things You Forget to Clean in the Kitchen

We all know how important it is to clean our homes regularly. And most of us are pretty good about keeping up with the main areas of our homes.  But what about the things we forget to clean? Particularly in the kitchen!

It’s time to take care of these forgotten spots and be thorough in our cleaning.

You’ll be able to relax and enjoy your clean kitchen knowing that you took care of every nook and cranny and that it’s spick and span from top to bottom.

So, let’s get started!

1. Top of the fridge

You might not think to clean the top of your fridge very often, but it can be one of the dirtiest places in your kitchen.

When you’re cooking, grease and food particles can float up and settle on the top of your fridge, so you need to give it a good clean every few weeks.

Wipe it down with a damp microfiber cloth. And depending on how much dust and grease has accumulated, add some mild dish soap to the dampened cloth and get to work. Remember your step stool!

2. Oven drawer

One of the things we forget to clean is the oven drawer. You know where this is – it’s that space under your oven where you store baking pans, cookie sheets, etc. This area can get dirty from spills and splatters, so it’s important to give it a good cleaning every couple of months.

To clean the oven drawer, first, remove everything from it and vacuum out any crumbs or debris. Then, using a damp cloth, wipe down the drawer. If there are stubborn stains, use a mild abrasive cleaner or a paste made from baking soda and water. Once everything is clean, dry the drawer off with a clean microfiber cloth and put everything back inside.

3. Range hood filter

Your range hood filter traps grease and smoke from cooking, so it understandably gets quite dirty. And unsurprisingly is another one of the things we forget to clean. Most range hood filters are dishwasher-safe, so you can easily clean them there. However, if it’s not dishwasher-safe or if you don’t have a dishwasher, soak it in hot, soapy water for about 15 to 30 minutes before scrubbing away the remaining grease with a non-abrasive sponge.

4. Underneath appliances

Another area that often gets overlooked is underneath your appliances.

Here is where dust, dirt, and food particles can accumulate. If you do this regularly, you’ll be spared an unsightly mess that can develop from months of neglect.

So, move them away from the wall so you can access the area behind and underneath them. Vacuum or sweep up the dirt, dust, and bits of food. Then mop the areas to remove any remaining debris. Then move everything back into place.

5. Backsplash

Dirt can also build up on your backsplash, so it’s good to give it a good wipe down every week.

A clean backsplash is important as it can be a breeding ground for bacteria and dirt. Spills and food particles can become lodged in the grout lines and become difficult to clean. Over time, the dirt and grime can build up. A backsplash protects your walls from splatters and stains, making it easier to keep your kitchen clean.

You can use a microfiber cloth or a duster to clean your backsplash. And use a mild soap and water solution if there are any tough stains.

Check out these backsplash cleaning ideas.

6. Front of kitchen cupboards

A quick and effective way to clean the front of your kitchen cupboards is with a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water. Pour into a spray bottle, dampen a microfiber cloth in the solution and wipe down the fronts of the cupboards. This will remove any built-up grease and grime.

7. Trash can & compost bin

Remember to clean your trash can and compost bin. They can get pretty dirty and smelly! To clean the outside, wipe down with a microfiber cloth dampened in water and some dish soap.  Use the same method for the interior of the can and bin. Now, if there are any stubborn stains, use your go-to abrasive cleaner or a baking soda and water mix. Be sure to dry the exterior and interior before putting liners back in.

8. Dishwasher

Your dishwasher is another area that can often be forgotten about when it comes to cleaning.

But it’s important to clean it regularly because build-up of food and grease can lead to bacteria growth.

Here are some tips on how to clean your dishwasher.

9. Microwave interior

You can clean your microwave with vinegar. Simply pour one cup of water and 2 tablespoons of white vinegar into a microwave-safe bowl and place it in the microwave. Turn it on high for 3 minutes. Let it sit for 5 minutes, then open the microwave door and take out the turntable. Wipe the interior with a clean, damp cloth. Finally, rinse the turntable with water and dry it before putting it back in the microwave.

10. Reusable shopping bags

Remember to keep your reusable shopping bags clean as well. These bags can often become quite dirty from all the shopping and transporting of groceries. To clean them, simply put them in the washing machine on a gentle cycle or hand wash them with a mild detergent. If they are particularly dirty, you may need to soak them in a mixture of one part vinegar to one part water before washing. Once they are clean, dry them off with a clean microfiber cloth and put them away.

Recap

At the end of the day, paying more attention to the things we forget to clean and the forgotten spots in the kitchen will pay dividends in the long run. A little elbow grease and some household items that are already in your kitchen are all you need to keep it clean.

So, remember to give your kitchen a good cleaning from top to bottom every so often. And, who knows, maybe you’ll even enjoy cooking in it a little bit more. 😊