The kitchen is the heart of the home —where meals are made, stories are shared, and life happens. But with all that action, it also has the potential to be the messiest room in the house.
Most of us focus on what we can see when we clean — wiping down counters, scrubbing the sink, and maybe even mopping the floor. But what about the hidden grime? Bacteria, grease, and dust have a way of settling into the spots we forget, making the kitchen look clean while lurking beneath the surface.
Experts like those at the American Cleaning Institute (ACI) stress the importance of cleaning beyond the obvious. Studies have shown that kitchen appliances, handles, and even the spice rack can harbor more bacteria than a bathroom doorknob. But don’t worry — you’re not alone in missing these sneaky spots. Here are some of the most commonly overlooked areas in the kitchen. Add them to your next deep clean, and you’ll have a space that’s not just tidy, but truly clean.
Trash Cans
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It’s no surprise that when we think of cleaning the kitchen, the trash can almost never comes to mind. But the fact is, it can get pretty gnarly, especially if your trash bag leaks. Whenever you change your garbage bag, make it a habit to give your can a little rinse. Add some cleaner inside if you need to. The cleaning experts at Better Homes and Gardens recommend using baking soda as a deodorizer if your trash can has become extra unpleasant.
Drawers
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Have you looked in your kitchen drawers lately? We often overlook them, only opening them to find utensils or cooking tools we need at the moment or to put them away.
However, I bet if you look closely, you’ll find they need a good cleaning. Dust, dirt, and food particles are not uncommon to make their way inside. Over time, they build up and get all over your tools. They could use a good wiping out occasionally.
Baseboards
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We sweep and mop our floors, but how often do you get down and clean your baseboards? If you’re anything like me, probably not often enough.
Dust, dirt, and pet hair can all get trapped on them, and over time, the build-up will begin. Most of the time, it’s a quick fix, and a damp rag is all you need. If there are dried spills, you might need a cleaner to help you along.
Dishwasher
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Wait, doesn’t the dishwasher do the cleaning? It does, but it has a filter where it traps loose particles from your dishes. Over time, that filter can get overloaded.
If you’ve ever opened your dishwasher to a bad odor, the filter is likely to blame. Make sure you clean it out regularly.
Oven
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Your oven can get messy quickly, especially if sauce or cheese melts onto the interior. It doesn’t take long for those spills to cook onto the surface. When they do, you get a burning smell every time you use your oven.
To avoid this, clean up spills as they happen (let them cool first!) and occasionally clean your oven from top to bottom.
Cabinet Shelves
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You’re constantly opening your kitchen cabinets for dishes and food. Like your drawers, the shelves can trap dust and other particles. Just think about when you take cans out and have to clean off their tops before you cook.
When you restock your cabinets, move your dishes or cans around and give the shelves a quick wipe down. A duster will work well in this instance.
Small Appliances
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We use our small appliances — coffee makers, air fryers, pressure cookers — on a regular basis, often without a thought to how dirty they are. A study by NSF showed that yeast and mold were present in 50% of tested coffee reservoirs.
Fortunately, these appliances are easy to clean. Washing the exteriors with a clean, soapy rag or a sponge will keep them looking fresh. Be sure to clean the water reservoir of your coffee machine at least once a month.
Can we talk about how dirty your microwave can get? Unless you cover your dishes every single time, you’re apt to get splatters inside. If it’s all dried on, you can heat a cup containing equal parts water and vinegar to loosen up the food and then wipe it down.
Sink
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It’s easy to think your sink is clean because you’re always running water, but even it can get dirty with stuck-on particles. And let’s not forget the drain.
If you have a garbage disposal, it’s important to run it every time you wash dishes or run your dishwasher, as they are interconnected.
Vents
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Take a close look at your vents and you might see a film of dust has settled on them. Don’t feel bad if you haven’t cleaned them in a while; it’s easy to forget how they fade into the background.
Also, don’t forget to change those vent filters (if you have them) at least every three months, especially if you have pets.
Light Switches
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The light switches in your home see a lot of action, and the kitchen is no exception. Just think of where your hands have been all day, and then you’ve touched the switches, leaving traces of bacteria behind. And when you’re sick, it’s worse.
Anti-bacterial cleaning wipes are your best bet for cleaning them off quickly and easily.
Sponges
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We’re used to throwing our sponges out when they start smelling rank, but did you know they don’t have to? You can clean your sponges, too. The science journal Nature published a study showing that a wide range of harmful bacteria live in sponges, making it essential they be cleaned regularly.
The simplest way to do it is to soak the sponge and wring it out, then place it in the microwave for a minute. Just keep an eye on it so it doesn’t dry out. I sometimes put it in the dishwasher with a load of dishes, as well.
Pet Bowls
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Your pet bowls can get dirty quickly, especially since they eat and drink out of them multiple times a day. Like our dishes, they should be washed regularly.
I wash my dog and cat bowls in the sink with hot, soapy water at least every other day.
