How Hygienic Is Your Kitchen? Signs It Needs a Deep Clean

Lenard Nagy
Jun 12, 2025

Keeping your kitchen clean is more than just wiping down the worktops and doing the dishes. It is one of the most important areas in your home where meals are prepared, families spend time together, and daily mess builds up.

While regular cleaning helps things look tidy, there may still be hidden dirt in places you do not often check. Grease, food splashes, and leftover crumbs can allow bacteria to spread without you even knowing.

A proper deep clean helps get rid of germs and grime that daily cleaning might miss. In this blog, we will explore the signs that your kitchen needs a deep clean and share tips to help you keep it safe and hygienic.

How Hygienic Is Your Kitchen? Signs It Needs a Deep Clean

It is easy to think your kitchen is clean just because it looks neat and tidy at first glance. The surfaces might be wiped, the floor swept, and the dishes put away, but this does not always mean it is truly clean.

Here’s how we will help you spot signs that may be hiding in plain sight. You will also see why regular cleaning is not always enough to keep your kitchen healthy and fresh.

Looks Can Be Misleading

Many people only focus on what they can see. A clear worktop or shiny sink might make the space appear clean. But germs can gather in areas you might not often check, such as behind the cooker, under the fridge or around taps. These hidden spots can become a problem if they are ignored for too long.

Noticing Hidden Grime and Mess

Over time, grease, crumbs and food bits can settle in drawers, behind cupboards or on tiles. If your kitchen has a strange smell or feels sticky in some areas, it may be time for a proper clean. Stains that keep coming back even after wiping are another clear sign something deeper is going on.

Why Deep Cleaning Matters

Deep cleaning means going beyond the usual quick wipe or sweep. It involves clearing out cupboards, scrubbing areas you do not clean every day and getting rid of germs that can make your kitchen unsafe. This helps keep pests away, stops illness from spreading and makes your kitchen a safer place to prepare food.

7 Top Signs Your Kitchen Needs a Deep Clean

Even if your kitchen looks tidy at a glance, there are often small clues that deeper cleaning is needed. If you notice any of the following signs, it might be time to give your kitchen a more thorough clean from top to bottom.

Constant Smells That Will Not Go Away

A strange or unpleasant smell that keeps coming back is usually a sign that something is stuck or has been left uncleaned. It might be food waste in the bin, old spills under the fridge or blocked sink drains that need more than a quick rinse.

Sticky or Greasy Surfaces

If your worktops, cupboard doors or cooker feel sticky even after wiping, this is a sign that grease has built up over time. Grease can trap dirt and make it easier for germs to spread, especially around cooking areas.

Visible Mould or Mildew

Black or green patches around your sink, windows or fridge are never a good sign. These can grow quickly in damp corners and can affect both your health and the smell of your kitchen if left untreated.

Pest Signs or Droppings

Even spotting one ant or a few crumbs that have been nibbled could mean you have unwanted visitors. Pests often hide behind appliances or inside cupboards and are drawn to leftover food or mess that has been missed.

Dust and Food particles in Hidden Places

Look behind the toaster, under the microwave, or in the back of drawers. If you see a buildup of dust or food bits, it means those areas have not been cleaned properly for a while and could be attracting pests.

Stained or Discoloured Grout and Tiles

Tiles near the cooker or sink can change colour over time due to grease, steam and spills. If scrubbing does not bring them back to their usual look, it is a good sign that the area needs a deeper clean.

Cluttered or Disorganised Storage

When shelves are packed and you cannot find items easily, it becomes harder to spot expired food or spills. Cleaning out these spaces fully helps you see what needs to be cleaned and makes the space easier to use.

Other Signs You Should Not Ignore

At times, smaller clues can also mean your kitchen needs a proper clean. For example:

  • You might have seen more ants or cockroaches than usual.
  •  Food may be going off quicker than it used to.
  •  Even after mopping, your kitchen floor still looks dull or feels dirty.

If these issues are left alone, they can turn into bigger problems. Getting help from a professional cleaning service provider like Perfect Clean can help bring your kitchen back to a clean and healthy state.

How Often Should You Deep Clean Your Kitchen?

The right time for a deep clean depends on how busy your kitchen is. If you cook at home regularly, a deep clean every three to six months is a smart choice. For lighter use, once a year may be enough. But if you notice any of the signs mentioned earlier, it’s best to book a deep clean sooner rather than later.

Kitchens used by families, shared households, or for frequent entertaining tend to build up grime faster. Grease, crumbs, and mess add up quickly even when you're tidying daily. A regular deep clean helps maintain hygiene, keeps your kitchen safe, and extends the life of your appliances.

Conclusion 

Keeping your kitchen truly clean takes more than a quick tidy. Hidden dirt, grease, and signs of pests often go unnoticed until they cause problems. Regular deep cleaning helps keep your space safe, fresh, and healthy for everyday use.

If you have been asking yourself, "How hygienic is your kitchen? signs it needs a deep clean", now is the time to act. Let Perfect Clean help bring your kitchen back to its best. Our team is ready to handle the job properly and give your kitchen the deep clean it needs. Book with Perfect Clean today for a cleaner, healthier home.

Would You Like a Free Cleaning Quote?

Contact Perfect Clean to get a cleaning quote within 60 minutes!
Get a Free Quote

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I deep clean my kitchen?

If you cook regularly, aim for a deep clean every three to six months. For light use, once a year may be enough. If you notice signs like smells, mould or pests, clean it sooner.

Can I deep clean my kitchen myself or should I hire professionals?

Many deep cleaning tasks can be done yourself, such as scrubbing cupboards and cleaning appliances. However, hiring a professional like Perfect Clean can help reach areas that are easy to miss and save you time with a more complete clean.

What everyday habits can improve kitchen hygiene?

Wipe surfaces after each meal, sweep the floor daily, and wash cloths and sponges often. Cleaning up spills quickly and keeping the bin clean also helps stop dirt and germs from building up.

What health problems can come from an unclean kitchen?

A kitchen that is not cleaned properly can hold harmful bacteria like Ecoli or salmonella. This may lead to food poisoning, breathing issues, or allergies, especially if mould is present. Keeping your kitchen clean helps protect your health.

How can I tell if my kitchen has a mould or mildew problem?

You may see black or green patches near the sink, windows, or behind appliances. A damp or musty smell is also a sign. These are clues that moisture has been sitting for too long and a deep clean is needed.

What should I do if pests keep coming into my kitchen?

If you often see ants, cockroaches, or other pests, food bits or spills may be attracting them. A deep clean can help clear their hiding spots and remove anything that draws them in. If they return, it may be time to call a pest control expert.

Get a FREE Cleaning Quote

Fill out the form below and we’ll get back to you with a comprehensive cleaning estimate!

Check - Elements Webflow Library - BRIX Templates

Thank you

Please check your inbox to download your Free EBook!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
*FYI, parts of this blog post were drafted by artificial technlogy. But rest assured, it's been thoroughly researched, edited, reviewed and me & my team.