The kitchen is the heart of the home, where we cook, eat, and gather with family. But it’s also one of the messiest rooms. Even if you wipe down your worktops and do the washing up daily, dirt and grime can sneak into hidden corners. When it comes to spring cleaning, the kitchen definitely deserves extra attention.
Let’s uncover the spots most people forget during a deep clean – and share how you can tackle them like a pro. And if it all sounds like too much? Don’t worry – a one-off cleaning service or a trusted spring cleaning company can help you get the job done properly.
1. The Top of Cabinets and the Fridge
Out of sight, out of mind, right? The tops of your kitchen cabinets and fridge are magnet spots for greasy dust. It builds up slowly but can quickly become sticky and stubborn if left too long. These high-up areas are rarely seen, which makes them easy to forget, but they affect your overall air quality and cleanliness.
Quick fix: Use a step ladder and wipe the surfaces with a degreaser or a mixture of warm water and washing-up liquid. Once clean, line the tops with baking paper or newspaper. Next time, replace the lining, and you’re done! This makes future cleaning easier and saves time in the long run.
2. Behind and Beneath Appliances
When did you last remove the fridge, oven, or washing machine? Crumbs, spills, and even mould can gather behind these heavy appliances. If neglected, these hidden zones are often breeding grounds for bacteria and can attract pests.
Deep clean tip: Gently move the appliance (get help if needed), vacuum any debris, and then mop and disinfect the floor. This is one of the trickiest parts of a deep kitchen clean, so many people choose a spring cleaning service to do the heavy lifting. Some appliances may also have removable parts or filters that should be cleaned periodically.
3. Inside the Oven and Behind the Door
Oven cleaning is no one’s favourite chore, but it’s one of the most important. While you might clean the trays and shelves, don’t forget the inside of the door and the seals, where grease and burnt bits love to hide. When cooking, food particles and spilt oil can build up in these areas, creating unpleasant smells and smoke.
Try this: Make a paste of baking soda and water, apply it to the inside of the oven and door, leave overnight, and then scrub clean. Or call a cleaning company in London that offers professional oven cleaning as part of its deep-clean packages. It’s not only safer but also ensures a sparkling, grease-free oven.
4. Drawer Liners and Cutlery Trays
These might look clean on the surface, but crumbs, hair, and dust love to settle underneath. They’re easy to overlook because they’re hidden – until you pull them out. Dirty cutlery trays can also harbour bacteria and leftover food particles.
Tip: Empty the drawer completely, wash or wipe down the tray, and vacuum the drawer base. If needed, add a fresh liner for an easy reset. Keeping these areas clean helps prevent contamination and keeps your kitchen hygienic.
5. Small Appliances: Toaster, Kettle, Microwave
We use these daily, but we often leave them out of the cleaning routine. Crumbs in the toaster, limescale in the kettle, and old food splatters in the microwave can all lead to bad smells and bacteria. Small appliances are some of the dirtiest items in your kitchen because they’re used frequently and rarely cleaned.
Keep it clean: Empty the crumb tray, use a descaler in the kettle, and steam-clean the microwave with a bowl of water and lemon juice. Wipe the outside and the cables, too. Don’t forget under the appliances and behind them—dirt also tends to collect there.
6. Inside the Bin and Recycling Area
Even if you change the bin bag regularly, the inside of the bin gets dirty and smelly! Bottle drips or soggy cardboard can also make the recycling area sticky. This is especially important in warmer months, as bacteria can multiply quickly in these moist environments.
Cleaning trick: Rinse the bin with hot water, scrub with disinfectant, and let it dry thoroughly. Sprinkle baking soda on the bottom to keep smells away. A one-off cleaning service can handle a full reset quickly. Some services will even clean outdoor bins if requested.
7. Behind the Sink and Around the Taps
Grime, limescale, and even mould can hide behind the kitchen taps or around the edge of the sink, especially if water is allowed to sit for too long. Constant exposure to water makes these areas prone to hard water stains and mildew.
What to do: Scrub the base of taps and tight edges with an old toothbrush, limescale remover, or white vinegar. Dry thoroughly after cleaning to prevent more buildup. You can also use a small tool like a cotton bud to get into fine crevices.
8. Cabinet Handles and Light Switches
You touch these daily without thinking, but when did you last clean them? Grease and bacteria can build up fast, especially in a busy kitchen with multiple users.
Simple fix: Wipe down with an antibacterial spray or disinfectant wipes. This takes less than a minute but makes a big difference in keeping your kitchen hygienic. Consider doing this weekly, especially after preparing raw meat or fish.
9. Extractor Fans and Vent Filters
Extractor fans work hard to remove smoke, grease, and steam—but they need cleaning, too! Over time, grease builds up on the filters, reducing efficiency and causing smells. Poor ventilation can also lead to dampness or mould problems.
Clean them like this: Remove the filter, soak it in hot, soapy water or degreaser, then rinse and dry. Some filters are dishwasher safe – check your manual. Or leave it to a spring cleaning company to handle it with the right tools. They often clean the entire unit, not just the visible parts.
10. Tile Grout and Splashbacks
Grout between your kitchen tiles and splashbacks can absorb grease and stains. Even if your tiles are sparkling, dirty grout makes everything look dull. Over time, this grime can also damage the integrity of the grout.
Fix it fast: Scrub the grout with a stiff brush and baking soda paste. For splashbacks, spray with a degreaser and wipe clean with a microfibre cloth. Regular upkeep can keep these areas looking as good as new.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Forget the Forgotten
It’s easy to forget the hidden nooks and crannies during a regular clean, especially when life gets busy. That’s why deep cleaning your kitchen every few months is so important. These forgotten spots can harbour bacteria, cause odours, and affect your health over time.
Whether you prefer a DIY approach or want to leave it to the pros, a one-off cleaning service can be a wise investment. A trusted cleaning company in London will come prepared with the right tools, products, and know-how to get your kitchen sparkling clean, even the spots you didn’t think of.
Looking to keep your home consistently fresh? Consider booking regular domestic or spring cleaning services for that full refresh.
Need help with a deep kitchen clean? Our spring cleaning experts are just a call away. Let’s make your kitchen shine!
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