9 Filthy Spots in Your Kitchen You Never Knew You Were Neglecting
Updated: Sep. 15, 2021You tidy up your kitchen a few times a day, but these tricky spots probably haven't even been on your radar. Until now! Read on to find (and clean) all sorts of forgotten filth traps.
Range hood filters
Ever take a close look under your range hood? You might be horrified by what you find there. The aluminum mesh filters that vent smoke and grease from your cooktop are probably covered with, well, smoke and grease. Remove the filters and soak them in hot, soapy water, then give them a good scrub.
Top of the fridge
Places that are hard to reach and hard to see are the places dust loves to live. The top of your refrigerator is a perfect example. So while you may remember to clean the doors of your fridge, make a note to remember the top as well. Wipe it down at least once a week. Find the best DIY cleaners for around the house.
Between the counter and range
It should be no surprise that the crack where your counter meets your oven gets coated with drips and crumbs. But it’s surprisingly easy to tidy it with this trick: Drape the blade end of a butter knife with a damp microfiber cloth. Then insert the cloth-covered knife in the crevice and gently slide to clean. Here are 11 ways you might be cleaning your kitchen wrong.
Dish drying rack
Are you placing your sparkly clean dishes on a dirty dish rack? It’s easy to forget that your drying rack needs to be cleaned too. Just fill the sink with soapy water, and if your dish rack is in particularly bad shape you might want to add a capful of bleach. Then submerge the dish rack and start scrubbing! Don’t dread the dishes—try these clever products that make the job easier.
Can opener
We’re guessing you don’t often give much thought to the gears of your can opener. But it is one of those kitchen items that may be a lot dirtier than you think. To remove built-up food and rust, it’s vinegar to the rescue. Soak the can opener in white vinegar, and then use an old toothbrush to scrub away all that gunk.
Refrigerator coils
The refrigerator coils are what keep your fridge running in tip-top shape. If dust builds up around them, they aren’t as efficient at releasing heat from the unit. To keep your energy costs down and keep dust away, clean the coils with a vacuum attachment at least twice a year. Don’t miss these other ways to clean tricky household objects.
Garbage can
It’s where you throw your garbage, so why does it need to be cleaned? It can become a breeding ground for mildew, mold, bacteria, and—let’s face it—really bad odors. Spray it down with the hose outside or in your sink, then use some dish soap and an old rag to scrub away any buildup.
Silverware drawer
Your silverware drawer can quickly gather crumbs and other debris because it’s one of the most often-used drawers in the house. About once a month, empty out all your utensils and give the cutlery tray a good cleaning. It’s surprisingly satisfying! Find inspiration for organizing your utensils here.
Garbage disposal
If there’s a funky smell in your sink, it might be time to clean your garbage disposal. Use a simple paste of baking soda and water to scrub the rubber flaps along the neck of the disposal. Don’t forget the underside of the flaps—that area is often the dirtiest. To clean disposal blades, put some ice cubes and rock salt (or you can use citrus peels) in your disposal; then run it with cold water. Don’t have a lot of time? Then learn these tricks to clean your entire kitchen in just five minutes.
