Kitchens are high-functioning spaces that tend to get dirty very easily. Therefore, it becomes necessary to give it a good wipe everyday to avoid accumulation of dirt. But wait! It doesn’t just end here. We are also required to give the kitchen space a periodic deep clean once every week or two weeks. While you might try your best to cover all the places, it is not unusual to miss some due to their inaccessibility or low-visibility. Although the dirt and grime might not be directly visible, these spots are most prone to their accumulation, and in the long run, might hamper the appearance of your kitchen. In this article, we will acquaint you with some such overlooked spots that need special attention in the kitchen-cleaning process.
See also: Declutter your Kitchen: A step-by-step guide
Underside of cabinets and handles
While most people make sure to keep the cabinet doors spick and span, they often neglect the undersides and handles, that becomes receptacles of grease and dust generated from cooking. With time, a stick film develops in these areas that attracts dirt and bacteria. Look for stickiness or a grimy texture in these spots, visible dust or discolouration or handles feeling greasy while opening and shutting the cabinets.Â
To address this, mix equal parts vinegar and warm water in a spray bottle, spray on the affected areas, and let sit for about a minute. Next, simply wipe the solution off with a microfibre cloth or sponge and rinse with a damp cloth and dry. If the spot is hard to reach, such as the handle, use a toothbrush or cotton swab to reach the crevices.
Inside and under the refrigerator
The inside of the fridge is mostly in sight and therefore gets periodically cleaned as required. But drawers, gaskets and the space underneath it keep collecting crumbs, spills and dust. If you notice persistent bad odours even after removing spoiled food, sticky spills or crumbs in drawers and excessive dust buildup under or on the backside of the fridge, it is likely that these spaces need to be cleaned.
Cleaning the interiors simply requires emptying the fridge, taking out the shelves and drawers, and washing them with warm soapy water. While they dry, wipe the interior walls with a solution of baking soda and water before putting back the parts and food items. To clean underneath and behind, it is recommended to pull out the fridge if possible, and vacuum with a hose attachment to remove dust from the coils and floor. Next, you can simply wipe down the back and sides with a damp cloth.
Oven knobs and stove crevices
Stove knobs and the area between burners are easy targets for food splatters and grease to settle. This results in a sticky mess which might not be directly visible but can accumulate if not addressed properly. Sticky or greasy knobs, visible crumbs or grime between burners and a lingering odour on the stovetop without any detectable source are some telltale signs.Â
Since stove knobs are generally removable, you can simply soak them in warm, soapy water for 10 minutes and scrub them clean gently with a toothbrush. Allow them to dry before reattaching. The toothbrush can also be used to reach the grimy crevices, edges and gaps. Make sure to also wipe the entire stove with a degreaser to get rid of accumulated grime.
Small kitchen appliances
Toasters, blenders, coffee makers etc are appliances of daily use. While they often get wiped adequately on the outside, it is possible that the food residue inside can cause odours and bacterial growth. This can result in visible crumbs in the toaster, cloudy blender jar and stale tasting coffee.
You can get rid of the crumbs in the toaster simply by giving it a good shake over the sink to let them out and wiping it externally. For the blender, fill the jar with warm, soapy water and operate it for 30 seconds before rinsing. A cycle with equal parts vinegar and warm water followed by the rinse cycle with clean water for the coffee maker.
Sink drain and garbage disposal
Even if your kitchen sink doesn’t look visibly dirty, bacteria, food particles and grease collect in the drain and disposal system, thereby causing foul odours. This can also result in slow drainage and visible grime inside the drain opening.
To get rid of this, pour ½ cup of baking soda down the drain followed by 1 cup of vinegar and let it fizz for around 10 minutes before rinsing with boiling water. Enhance the freshness further by dropping lemon peels and ice cubes into the disposal and turn it on.
Top of cabinets and refrigerator
Since high areas are out of sight and hard to reach, they can go overlooked during the cleaning process and collect dust and grease. Visible layers of dust on looking up or a sticky film from grease buildup, that can further cause more dust to stick to it, are some telltale signs.Â
Get rid of the grease by wiping it off using a cloth and degreasing spray. You might have to use additional soap solution and do some scrubbing for heavier buildup. To make future cleaning easier, you can line the area with wax paper.
Inside drawer organisers and cutlery trays
While cutlery is washed often and kept clean, people tend to overlook the crumbs and dust that settle at the bottom of the trays that hold the cutlery, potentially reducing the effectiveness of regular washing. Apart from crumbs that accumulate in the crevices in tray sections, there might also be a sticky residue at the bottom.
The best way to clean such trays and organisers is to empty them completely and wash them with soapy water. Once rinsed, make sure to dry it thoroughly before putting it back in place and keeping all the utensils.
Microwave vent and exhaust fan filters
Being so exposed to grease and dust, these areas start trapping them with use over time, thereby reducing airflow and efficiency. Sticky or dusty vents and grease buildup in the microwave hood can indicate a need for cleaning.Â
While the microwave vent can be cleaned by simply wiping with a degreaser or warm soap solution, cleaning the exhaust filter might require you to dismantle the appliance. Once you take out the fan filter, simply soak it in a solution of baking soda, soap and warm water for 15 minutes and scrub clean. Give it a thorough rinse and allow it to dry completely before reinstalling.
Behind and under the stove
These hidden spots attract food debris, dust and grease, and ultimately become a hub for pests and diseases. So if you notice bad odours and crumbs or debris near stove edges, it is recommended to shift the stove and check. If you notice this on shifting the stove, simply vacuum or dust away the loose crumbs and debris and wipe the region with soap and water. Let it dry before placing the stove back.
Sponges and dish brushes
Not just remote places, cleaning tools can also attract dirt and germs. Since these tools are directly exposed to dirty dishes regularly, they can become breeding grounds for bacteria if not disinfected. Look out for a musty smell emerging from the tools or dark, slimy buildup. The sponges can be cleaned by dampening them with clean water and microwaving for 1 – 2 minutes.For the brushes, disinfect at least once every week by soaking in vinegar or a bleach solution.
FAQs
Why do certain areas in the kitchen get overlooked during cleaning?
Areas in the kitchen might be missed while cleaning as they are not clearly visible, might be difficult to access or might not look visibly dirty.
How often do overlooked spots require cleaning?
Sink drains, garbage disposal, stove crevices, appliance surfaces, cutlery trays and microwave vents should be cleaned once every week or two weeks. Other areas like inside the fridge, under the stove, exhaust filters and cabinet tops should be cleaned monthly
What is the best way to clean greasy kitchen surfaces?
You can use a degreasing dish soap or mix equal parts vinegar and warm water and apply on the area with a microfiber cloth. Use baking soda for tough grease.
How can I prevent bad odours from my sink drain and garbage disposal?
Pour vinegar and baking soda down the drain weekly, drop lemon peels and ice cubes into the disposal and run it to freshen the smell and avoid pouring food scraps down the drain.
What is the easiest way to clean behind and under large appliances?
Remove dust without moving the appliance using a vacuum hose or long duster and place a washable mat underneath to make future cleaning easier.
How do I clean my kitchen sponge?
Dampen with clean water and microwave for 1 - 2 minutes, soak in diluted vinegar or bleach solution for 5 - 10 minutes, and consider replacing every few weeks.
How can I keep the top of cabinets and fridge clean on a regular basis?
Line the areas with wax or parchment paper that can collect dust and grease and can be replaced periodically without the need for scrubbing the area clean.
| Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com |
