10 Hidden Kitchen Spots You’re Forgetting to Clean
Your kitchen may look spotless at a glance—the counters wiped down, dishes washed, and floor mopped. But lurking beneath the surface are hidden grime magnets that often go unnoticed and uncleaned for weeks (or even months). Whether you're a home cook, a cleanliness enthusiast, or someone just trying to keep things hygienic, this guide will walk you through 10 spots in your kitchen that you're probably not cleaning—but definitely should be. Grab your gloves—let’s deep clean the forgotten corners!
1. The Spice Rack & Spice Jars
Why it’s dirty:
Spices live right next to your stove, meaning they get a steady coating of grease, dust, and crumbs. Plus, we often touch them mid-cooking with dirty hands.
How to clean:
Wipe jars with a damp cloth and mild soap.
Clean racks or drawers with an all-purpose cleaner.
Check expiration dates while you’re at it!
2. Knife Block (Or Magnetic Strip)
Why it’s dirty:
Knife blocks are hard to clean and absorb moisture, making them a breeding ground for mold and bacteria—especially in the slots. Magnetic strips collect grease and dust over time.
How to clean:
Remove knives and turn the block upside down to shake out crumbs.
Clean inside the slots with a pipe cleaner or compressed air.
Wipe the outside with vinegar or soapy water.
Magnetic strips: wipe down thoroughly with a degreaser.
3. Under the Sink Cabinet
Why it’s dirty:
This hidden zone often becomes a dumping ground for half-used cleaners, old sponges, and mysterious spills. It’s humid, dark, and rarely aired out—perfect for mildew and mold.
How to clean:
Empty it out completely.
Toss expired or unused products.
Wipe all surfaces with disinfectant.
Add a moisture absorber or baking soda to keep it dry.
4. Coffee Maker Reservoir & Parts
Why it’s dirty:
Coffee makers often build up calcium deposits, mold, and old coffee residue, especially in the water reservoir and internal tubing.
How to clean:
Run a 1:1 vinegar-water solution through a brew cycle, followed by clean water.
Wash all removable parts with soap weekly.
Wipe the warming plate and exterior regularly.
For pod machines:
Don’t forget the puncture needle—use a paper clip to dislodge buildup!
5. Behind and Beneath the Appliances
Why it’s dirty:
Crumbs, dust, grease, and even lost utensils collect under and behind your stove, fridge, and microwave. These areas are out of sight, out of mind—and often full of bacteria and pests.
How to clean:
Move appliances (carefully!) and sweep/vacuum the area.
Mop or scrub with warm soapy water or degreaser.
Clean the appliance back panels while you're at it.
6. Drawer Organizers and Utensil Trays
Why it’s dirty:
Even though these hold clean items, dust, crumbs, and food particles sneak in. Drawer organizers are rarely emptied or washed.
How to clean:
Remove everything.
Vacuum or shake out crumbs.
Wash trays in warm soapy water and dry thoroughly.
Wipe the inside of the drawer before replacing them.
7. Dishwasher Filter and Seals
Why it’s dirty:
Dishwashers clean dishes—but they also trap grease, food gunk, and hard water scale. Over time, the filter and rubber seals get nasty and start to smell.
How to clean:
Remove and rinse the filter weekly under hot water.
Scrub it gently with a toothbrush.
Wipe the door seals with a vinegar-soaked cloth.
Run a hot vinegar cycle once a month.
8. Refrigerator Seals and Drawers
Why it’s dirty:
You wipe your shelves, but how often do you clean the door seals, crisper drawers, or under the bins? Spills and moisture collect here and can cause mold and odor.
How to clean:
Use a toothbrush and baking soda to clean rubber seals.
Remove drawers and wash with hot soapy water.
Wipe the hidden area underneath drawers and shelves.
Pro tip:
Keep an open box of baking soda inside to reduce odors and moisture.
9. Sink Strainer and Drain Stopper
Why it’s dirty:
This small item catches a lot of food, hair, and gunk—but how often do you actually scrub it?
How to clean:
Remove and soak it in hot soapy water or vinegar.
Use a toothbrush to scrub off grime and buildup.
Do the same for the drain rim around it.
10. Touchpoints: Handles, Knobs, and Switches
Why it’s dirty:
You touch these dozens of times a day—with dirty or raw-food-covered hands—but they often get overlooked during regular cleaning.
What to clean:
Fridge and oven handles
Microwave buttons
Light switches
Cabinet knobs and drawer pulls
How to clean:
Wipe down daily with a disinfectant or vinegar solution.
Use a toothbrush for tight spots or textured handles.
A Few Other Forgotten Spots
Top of the fridge (grease + dust)
Toaster crumb tray
Blender base
Garbage can lids and rims
Reusable grocery bags and lunchboxes
How Often Should You Clean These?
| Item | Recommended Frequency |
|---|---|
| Coffee Maker | Every 1–2 weeks |
| Knife Block | Monthly |
| Spice Jars & Rack | Monthly |
| Under Sink Cabinet | Seasonally |
| Dishwasher Filter | Monthly |
| Refrigerator Seals & Drawers | Monthly |
| Utensil Trays & Drawer Liners | Every 1–2 months |
| Behind/Beneath Appliances | Every 3–6 months |
| Sink Strainer & Drain Stopper | Weekly |
| Handles, Switches & Knobs | Daily or Weekly |
Clean Deeper, Not Just More Often
Cleaning the kitchen isn’t just about wiping surfaces. The key is to go deeper into the areas you forget—because that’s where the real grime (and germs) hide.
By tackling these 10 spots on a regular schedule, you’ll:
Improve kitchen hygiene
Prevent pests and odors
Prolong appliance lifespan
Feel more in control of your space