When it comes to keeping the kitchen clean, most people focus on the obvious areas like countertops, floors, dishes and the inside of the fridge. But what about those spots that often go unnoticed and quietly gather grease, food bits and bacteria over time? These hidden places are easy to miss during everyday cleaning, yet they can affect hygiene, food safety and even the way your kitchen smells.
Whether you are doing a deep clean or just trying to stay on top of things, it helps to know where dirt likes to hide. In this blog, we will explore 10 common areas people forget to clean in the kitchen. Giving these spots a bit more attention can make your whole kitchen feel fresher and cleaner.
10 Common Areas People Forget to Clean in the Kitchen
Even if your kitchen looks spotless, there are always a few places that get missed. These forgotten spots may seem small, but over time they can gather grease, dust, and bacteria. So the next time you are cleaning your kitchen, take a closer look at the areas below. You might be surprised at what you find hiding in plain sight.
Range Hood and Filters
Let’s start with one of the most commonly forgotten areas. The range hood might appear clean on the outside, but inside, it often holds a thick layer of grease and dust that builds up over time from cooking steam and oil.
These filters are designed to trap airborne particles. However, if not cleaned regularly, they stop working properly and can even create unpleasant smells. In some cases, a dirty filter can affect how well your kitchen ventilates during cooking. To keep them working as they should, soak the filters in warm soapy water at least once a month. You can also use a bit of white vinegar for extra cleaning power. Wiping the exterior of the hood each week with a damp cloth will help stop grease from settling in the first place.
Stovetop Crevices
Next, those narrow gaps around the stovetop are a sneaky place for mess to gather. Even if you clean the main surface well, food crumbs, spills and oil often fall into the tiny spaces between the cooker and the counter.
These crevices are tricky to reach, which is why they are often left untouched. Over time, this build-up can cause unpleasant smells and attract bugs. To clean this area, try using a soft toothbrush or a thin cloth wrapped around a butter knife. Run it gently along the edges to lift out crumbs and grime. Doing this every week or two can make a big difference in how fresh and clean your cooking space feels.
Microwave
Moving along, the microwave is used nearly every day, but it is easy to forget to clean inside it properly. Over time, food splatters, steam, and spills collect on the walls and ceiling of the microwave, often going unnoticed until it starts to smell.
A dirty microwave not only looks unpleasant but can also affect how your food heats up. A quick and easy way to clean it is by placing a bowl of water with lemon slices inside, then heating it for one or two minutes. The steam will loosen dried-on food and make wiping it clean much easier. Be sure to clean the door seal, the handle, and the buttons too, as these areas collect grease and germs from repeated use.
Cutting Boards
Now let’s talk about cutting boards. These are used daily for all kinds of food, from vegetables to raw meat. Even with a quick rinse, they often hold onto smells, stains, and bacteria that sink deep into the surface, especially if the board is made from wood.
Plastic boards are slightly easier to clean, but they can also develop deep knife marks where germs hide. To give your boards a proper clean, sprinkle them with coarse salt and rub with half a lemon, or use baking soda with warm water. Let them dry upright so that water does not pool on the surface. This not only helps them last longer but also keeps your food prep safer and cleaner.
Sinks and Sink Drains
At first glance, your sink may seem clean because it gets rinsed constantly. However, the truth is that sinks are often one of the dirtiest places in the kitchen. Grease, soap scum, and food bits can settle around the edges, especially near the drain and overflow holes.
To keep the sink fresh, give it a gentle scrub with baking soda every few days. Pay attention to the rim and the area around the drain opening. You can also pour boiling water or a mix of vinegar and bicarbonate of soda down the drain to clear out grime and keep things smelling fresh. A clean sink not only looks better but also helps stop bacteria from spreading onto dishes and sponges.
Garbage Disposal
The garbage disposal is another place that people often forget to clean until it starts to smell. Even though it chops up food waste, small pieces often stay behind and begin to rot, especially in the hidden parts under the blades.
To deal with this, drop a few ice cubes and a slice of lemon into the disposal and run it with cold water. The ice helps knock off stuck-on bits, while the lemon freshens the smell. You can also use a small brush or toothbrush to clean around the rubber flaps at the entrance. Doing this once a week will keep your disposal in good shape and your kitchen smelling pleasant.
Cabinet Tops and High Surfaces
Now look up. The tops of kitchen cabinets, cupboards, and the fridge are usually out of sight, so it is easy to forget about them. But these surfaces gather a mix of dust, grease, and cooking steam that can form a sticky layer over time.
If not cleaned regularly, this grime becomes harder to remove and can even lead to bad smells or stain the paint. Using a step stool, wipe these areas with a damp cloth and mild cleaner once a month. You can also lay down some newspaper or greaseproof paper on top of cabinets to catch the dust and make future cleaning much easier.
Cabinet Shelves
Inside your kitchen cabinets, shelves collect crumbs, dust, and sticky marks from jars, tins, and bottles. These marks are easy to miss until you take everything out and look closely.
To keep the shelves clean, it is helpful to remove all items once every month or two and wipe the surfaces with a mild spray or soapy water. If any jars have leaked, clean them before putting them back. You might also consider using washable shelf liners, which can be taken out and rinsed easily. A tidy shelf helps you stay organised and makes your cupboards feel fresh.
Cabinet Handles and Doors (and Underneath Them)
Cabinet handles are touched many times a day but often get skipped during cleaning. Over time, they collect grease from hands, splashes from cooking and crumbs from baking.
Wipe down handles regularly with a soft cloth and warm soapy water. Do not forget to clean the area underneath the handles and along the bottom edge of cabinet doors. These spots collect dust and dirt as well, especially if you open cabinets while cooking or baking. A regular wipe every few days will help stop sticky build-up and keep your kitchen looking neat.
Under and Around the Oven
Finally, there is the space under and beside the oven. This is one of the easiest places to ignore because it is not usually visible. But food bits, dust and grease often fall into these gaps while cooking and build up over time.
If left uncleaned, these crumbs can cause unpleasant smells and even attract pests. Every few months, try to gently move the oven out if it is safe to do so. Sweep or vacuum the space underneath, then wipe the floor and walls with a damp cloth. Keeping this hidden area clean helps your whole kitchen feel fresher and healthier.
Conclusion!
It’s easy to focus on visible mess, but these ten forgotten kitchen spots collect grime, grease, and germs over time. Giving them a little attention can make your kitchen feel cleaner, fresher, and more hygienic.
However, not everyone has the time or tools to reach every corner. That’s where Perfect Clean can help. Our experienced team knows exactly where dirt hides and how to tackle it properly. If you want a spotless kitchen without the hassle, get in touch with Perfect Clean today and let us take care of the areas that often go unnoticed.
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