Kitchens are some of the dirtiest areas in a house. What is more, the warm and moist environment makes it perfect for germs and microbes. You should give your kitchen a thorough cleaning at least once a month. However, if you are usually degreasing your countertops and backsplash, and decluttering your fridge, you are probably not doing enough. There are, in fact, many hidden places that collect a lot of dirt and grime and need cleaning as well. In this article, we will show some places that are often neglected during the cleaning of a kitchen. If you happen to be also ignoring them, make sure you give them a good scrubbing next time.
- Inside the knife block – Knife blocks are a great tool. They make storing knives easy and effortless. However, they are also a haven for bacteria and grime. To prevent them from sticking to your precious knives, you should give the holder a good cleaning once in a while. It may be tough to reach inside the tiny slots. To make it easier, turn it around and shake off any loose crumbs that may be stuck inside. Then soak the whole thing in hot soapy water for a bit and use a small brush to reach inside the cracks. Let it dry completely before storing your knives back inside. Any remaining moisture will cause bacteria and mould growth.
- Inside the toaster – Your toaster accumulated debris over time. Those prevent it from working efficiently and also attract pests. However, those crumbs are not visible so it is not uncommon for people to forget to clean them. Most toasters have a built-in crumb tray at the bottom. You can easily take it out and dispose of all the bread crumbs and other grime that has accumulated there. Then shake the whole unit upside down to get rid of anything that can be found inside. You can use a small brush to get rid of any stuck debris. Make sure you always unplug your toaster before attempting to clean it.
- Around and beneath the oven – You will be surprised by the amount of dirt that can be found around and under your oven. There are not just dust bunnies there, you probably will find crumbs, spilled crusty foods, and parts of your meals that ended up there without you noticing. Dust, mould, and pests will be welcome in this area if you do not regularly clean it. To do that, remove the storage drawer, shake it off and wash it with soap and water. Take the time to scrub any spills or burnt-on food. Use dish soap – its degreasing properties will help remove everything efficiently.
- The top of your extractor – Most people are not tall enough to see what happens on top of their extractors. Both the top and the bottom of your appliance collect a lot of grease over time. It requires thorough scrubbing once in a while, as well as a quick wiping once a week (depending on how often you use it). Wash it with dish soap that contains degreasing agents and do not forget to clean the filter as well.
- Inside your microwave – When used regularly, microwaves collect grease, and food spills and can develop a weird smell. Fortunately for you, it is very easy to get rid of the grease and stink. Fill a microwave-safe bowl with water and lemon juice, put it in the microwave, and run on high for about 5 minutes. When done, let the bowl remain inside for another 5-10 minutes. The steam created by the heated water along with the acidic nature of the lemon will help dissolve the greasy residue and make it easy to wipe away. You may need to use a plastic scraper for some stubborn stains. Keep in mind that the longer you wait between cleanings, the harder it will be to get rid of the dirt and grime inside.
- The inside of cupboards – Another area that is an out-of-sight, out-of-mind case. Cleaning the interior of your kitchen cabinets requires time and effort which makes it a chore that is often skipped. Even though your cabinets stay closed most of the time, dust and grime still find their way in. Remove all items from the inside, set them aside, and wipe down the shelves and walls on the inside of your cupboard. Wipe all the items that stay inside as well. You can use mats on your shelves which will make this annoying task a bit easier.
- Your cutlery drawer – Another place that is full of sneaky crumbs. To clean it, remove all cutlery, as well as all removable utensil trays. Wash them with warm soapy water and wipe them down with a microfiber cloth. You can use a handheld vacuum cleaner to get rid of all debris that can be found inside the drawer. Wipe the inside and outside of it with a damp cloth. Disinfect all handles as well.