Your usual kitchen cleaning routine probably covers the basics, like wiping down counters, washing dishes, and taking out the trash. But many of the messiest and most bacteria-prone spots get overlooked — even kitchens that appear to be sparkling clean may have hidden spots housing dirt, grime, and bacteria. Here are the top 10 places you might have forgotten to clean, and how to tackle them.
1. Garbage Can
Even if you stay on top of taking out the trash, the bin itself can still harbor unpleasant odors and residue. Liquids often leak through liners, leaving behind grime that clings to the can and encourages the growth of odor-producing bacteria.
To clean your trash can, mix a natural cleaning solution of one part vinegar, one part water, and a few drops of mild dish soap in a spray bottle. Remove leftover debris from the can and spray the inside and outside of the can with the cleaning solution. Use a scrub brush for stuck-on gunk, then rinse and wipe the can dry. To keep it smelling fresh between deep cleans, sprinkle odor-absorbing baking soda in the bottom of the can once a week.
2. Behind the Refrigerator
You may remember to periodically clean the inside of your refrigerator, but it’s easy to overlook the dust, food crumbs, and grease that build up behind and underneath your refrigerator. This buildup can potentially restrict airflow and attract pests.
To clean behind the fridge, unplug it, then carefully move it forward. Remove dust from the coils with a soft vacuum brush or microfiber dusting cloth. Then wipe the back panel and walls with a damp microfiber cloth — use a solution of 1:1 vinegar and water to break down grease.
3. Inside the Cabinets
Cabinets collect dust and crumbs gradually, and spices, oils, and other cooking items can leave residue behind. Empty your cabinets and use a vacuum attachment or brush to remove crumbs and dust. Use soapy warm water and a microfiber cloth to wipe down the interior, then use a dry cloth to remove excess moisture. If you use shelf liners, clean or replace them as necessary. Take this opportunity to sort through your pantry stockpile and purge expired items.
4. Small Appliances
Appliances that get used daily, such as microwaves, toasters, and air fryers, can get grimy quickly. To clean your microwave, add two cups of water and two tablespoons of white vinegar to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat the bowl and mixture in the microwave to generate a cleansing steam, then remove the bowl and wipe down the microwave interior. Clean the microwave turntable in your sink with dish soap.
Cleaning an air fryer follows a similar process. With the air fryer unplugged and cooled, remove the baskets and grates, and soak them in hot, soapy water. For tougher messes in the drawer or basket, fill it partway with a 1:1 vinegar and water mixture. Scrub each component as needed and dry them thoroughly before reassembling the appliance.
For cleaning toasters and toaster ovens, unplug them and let them completely cool. Then, remove the crumb trays and wash them with hot, soapy water. Clean the exterior of small appliances with a soft microfiber cloth and a solution of warm water and dish soap.
5. Kitchen Sponges
Without regular cleaning or replacement, kitchen sponges can become a breeding ground for bacteria. After each use, rinse thoroughly and squeeze out excess moisture. Here are a few ways to give your sponges a deeper sanitization:
- Toss the sponge on the top rack of the dishwasher during a heated dry cycle.
- Microwave damp sponges for up to 60 seconds — watch carefully to avoid melting or scorching.
- Heat a pot of water to a boil, toss in the sponges, and turn off the heat. Allow the sponges to soak for 5 to 10 minutes.
6. Coffee Maker
Coffee residue, mineral buildup, and bacteria accumulate inside your coffee maker. To clean your coffee pot, fill the reservoir with a 1/2 cup of water and a 1/2 cup of white vinegar. Run half of a normal drip cycle to allow the solution to enter the lines, then pause the cycle. Let it soak for about half an hour, then resume the drip cycle. To rinse any remaining vinegar from the system, run two brew cycles with plain water. Finally, wash out the inside of the reservoir once more, and wipe stains from the exterior with a microfiber cloth.
7. Pet Bowls
Pet bowls harbor germs just like human dishes — especially on the rare occasion that Fido or Whiskers leave food behind. Regular washing helps to prevent illnesses from bacteria buildup in dishes and other pet supplies, such as bedding, harnesses, and toys.
To wash pet dishes by hand, use soap and hot water, rinse thoroughly, and allow them to air dry. To wash them in the dishwasher, check to ensure they’re dishwasher safe. If the dishes are ceramic or similarly fragile, put them on the top rack to minimize the risk of chips and cracks.
8. Silverware
With regular washing, silverware can lose its shine and become tarnished and discolored. To restore your silverware’s appearance, soak your utensils in warm water with a splash of dish soap. Scrub away residue gently with a soft sponge or cloth until your silverware shines again. For tougher cleans, use a paste of baking soda and warm water to remove surface stains. Rinse your silverware thoroughly after cleaning and dry it with a soft towel to prevent water spots.
9. Cutlery Tray
You clean your silverware with every use, but how often do you clean the tray? Cutlery trays can collect crumbs, dust, and moisture in just a few weeks. To clean your tray, remove the utensils, shake out any loose debris into the trash, and vacuum or wipe away remaining debris. Wash the tray by hand with soapy water — or let the dishwasher handle it if the tray is dishwasher-safe. Dry the tray completely before returning your silverware to prevent mold or moisture buildup.
10. Cutting Board
Cutting boards absorb food particles and moisture, especially if they’re made of wood, and they may develop stains and odors. After each use, scrub the board with hot, soapy water. For a deeper cutting board cleaning, sprinkle coarse salt or baking soda over the surface, rub with a halved lemon, and rinse. Avoid soaking wooden boards to prevent warping and cracking, and apply food-safe mineral oil to keep moisture out and create a natural barrier against stains and bacteria.
Cross Kitchen Cleaning Off Your To-Do List
Even the tidiest kitchens may harbor a few forgotten messes, but you don’t have to tackle them on your own. Casillas House Cleaning Service handles scrubbing and sanitizing your kitchen to leave it feeling fresh and clean.
Need a helping hand with a kitchen deep-clean? Call us at 775-357-4216, or request an estimate online today!