When it comes to cleaning the kitchen, most of us focus on the obvious areas such as wiping down countertops, cleaning kitchen cladding, scrubbing the sink, and ensuring the hob is spotless. However, some hidden and often-overlooked spots can harbour an abundance of grease, grime, and bacteria, which can be left untouched for extended periods of time.
Here are eight forgotten kitchen spots you should clean today for a more hygienic, safe space to cook and eat.
1. The top of cabinets and cupboards
The tops of kitchen cabinets collect dust, grease, and food particles over time, creating a breeding ground for bacteria. You should wipe them down regularly with a damp cloth and a gentle cleaning solution to prevent buildup.
If your cabinets/cupboards are particularly high, use an elongated cleaning tool or safely use step-ladders to reach the area. Don’t attempt to climb on countertops as this could be dangerous.
2. Behind appliances
When was the last time you moved your fridge or oven to clean underneath and behind it? These areas are notorious for collecting crumbs, dust, and even mould. Just because it can’t always be seen, doesn’t mean it isn’t there spreading bacteria and creating an unclean environment.
Pulling out appliances every few months is recommended. If you can’t pull out the appliances yourself, make sure to get help.
3. The extractor fan
Your extractor fan works hard to remove grease and odours, but this means that grease is quick to accumulate on the surface, creating a sticky mess that’s tough to remove.
It’s recommended to use a strong degreaser and a microfibre cloth to keep it clean and functioning efficiently.
You should also make sure that the topside of the extractor fan is cleaned. It will likely collect a lot of dust, rather than the grease that’s collected by the underside.
4. Dining furniture
If you have dining furniture in your kitchen, chances are it’s not cleaned as much as dining furniture is in other parts of the house. This is because dining in the kitchen is often more rushed, whereas dining in a dining room is more thought-out.
You should regularly remove dining furniture if possible, and make sure to clean it down with antibacterial cleaner.
If you have high bar stools, make sure to clean the legs and seats regularly as they will likely collect grease and grime from cooking without you realising.
If you have pine dining chairs, then it’s important to be very careful when it comes to what cleaning products you use. Make sure to follow manufacturer cleaning guidelines, but wiping them down daily is recommended.
5. Handles and light switches
High-touch areas such as door handles, cupboard doors, taps, light switches and even spice and seasoning jars can be a hotspot for bacteria and dirt, especially when you’re cooking.
It’s recommended that you wipe down these areas daily, especially if you cook three times a day. An antibacterial cleaner is essential to keep germs at bay and prevent cross-contamination in the kitchen.
5. The kickboards under units
If you have space beneath your kitchen cupboards, or heaters placed in the kickboards, it’s likely that they’re being overlooked in terms of cleaning. However, this area needs to be focussed on at least monthly, as this space collects everything from dust, food crumbs and even pet hair if you have pets in your home.
Most kickboards will be able to be removed easily, but if they don’t, then it might be recommended to call in an expert.
6. The toaster
Toaster crumbs can accumulate over time, eventually becoming a fire hazard if left un-cleaned.
To clean the toaster, unplug it and remove the crumb tray regularly. Giving the inside a gentle shake over the sink can also help remove stubborn crumbs.
7. Rubber seals
Fridge door seals and oven seals can collect food residue and mould if not cleaned regularly.
You should use warm soapy water or a mild disinfectant to wipe them down and keep your rubber seals fresh.
8. Under the Sink
This is a common storage space for cleaning products, but spills and leaks can cause unpleasant odours and even mould growth.
You should regularly take the time to remove items, wipe down surfaces, and check for any plumbing issues that could be present. This can help prevent potential leaks before they become a major problem.
Regular cleaning of these hidden areas not only enhances hygiene but also prolongs the life of your kitchen and prevents bacteria from spreading while eating.
Take a moment today to tackle these forgotten spots to enjoy a cleaner, safer kitchen.
