Catherine Toth Fox Catherine Toth Fox Born and raised in Oahu, Catherine Toth Fox is an editor and writer from Honolulu. She is also a children’s book author. She is also a podcaster, blogger, and a former journalism teacher. She is the editor at large of HAWAII Magazine. Editor of Hawai’i Farm & Food and columnist for Civil Beat, her work has been published on Outside, Lonely Planet, and other publications. The author lives in Honolulu with their husband, an aquaculturist, a Pokemon-loving son, two rescue dogs, and one kitten named Eevee.
The homes’ most soiled, dirtiest, and grimiest areas are found in the kitchen – and frequently overlooked when you clean. (Or perhaps you’re consciously avoiding these areas altogether.) However, the truth is these spaces that are often overlooked, from the refrigerator’s top to the panel that controls the microwave, also need some attention. Thirty-three places go unnoticed, and hotspots are hidden in your kitchen that you need to clean up now and often.
Range Hood and Filters
The hood on the range above your stove collects dust, grease, and food particles that aren’t just disgusting but could also be at risk of fire. Clean both the hood’s interior and exterior surfaces and the filters that may require replacing.
Stovetop Crevices
Have you ever stopped to look at all the tiny places and crevices on the stove? These nooks and crannies aren’t to be overlooked. When you clean the stove and counters following cooking, you may consider including these areas and consider installing the Crumb Catcher.
Microwave
Although your microwave is often used, its exterior and interior surfaces are not always noticed when cleaning it. Clean any food splatters or spills from the inside, and wipe the exterior clean to keep it clean and tidy. Don’t forget to check the control panel as well!
Cutting Boards
Cutting boards of plastic and wood are prone to absorbing odors and bacteria if not regularly cleaned. Clean cutting boards with hot, soapy water following every use. Follow this article to learn the best ways to clean different cutting boards.
Sinks and Sink Drains
Even with the constant use of your sink, it is more filthy than you think. You may be shocked by the gunk sucked into the drain you have in your sink. Clean your sink at home by gently rubbing the surface with baking soda before rinsing the sink, then covering it with a piece of paper soaked in vinegar for about 20 minutes. Rinse it off and clean it by washing it with soapy water.
Cabinet Tops and High Surfaces
In time, grease and dust build up on the surfaces of your cabinets and other characters that are difficult to reach, like the top part of the refrigerator. Please use an incline or step ladder to get these surfaces, and clean them up frequently.
Cabinet Shelves
Every few months, you must clean your cabinets, particularly those that contain “messy” goods like all-purpose sugar, flour, and open bottles of sauces and oils.
Under and Around the Oven
The areas around and beneath the oven may become as dirty as the interior if your range comes with a drawer on the bottom that can be removed, cleaned, and wiped clean. Also, you can use a vacuum cleaner to clean any crumbs, dirt, and dust accumulating there.
Under the Crisper Drawers in the Fridge
If you have drawers for crispers in lower refrigerator levels, pull them out and wash what’s under them. The area is a magnet for many dirt and spills from the top. Please get rid of the drawers. They can be cleaned using soapy and warm water, then clean the area with an aqueous cloth. Utilize a cleaner to clean up hardened spills and stuck-on food items.
Small Appliances
You frequently use smaller appliances that you don’t remember to clean. Check out the following list of devices you have that require some attention.
Toaster ovens or the oven of a toaster: Crumbs may build up in the interior of the toaster and cause fire hazards. Remove the plug and wash and dry the range and the toaster oven inside and outside.
Coffee makers: The buildup of hard water can affect the taste of the coffee. Coffee makers are easy to clean using white distillation vinegar. Like Keurig, Single-cup brewers, for instance, have more components to wash and remove.
Blenders If you’re somebody who prepares smoothies each morning, it’s a good idea to ensure your blender’s blades have been thoroughly cleaned. Blender with hot, soapy water, let it run for about 10 seconds, and then wash it off for the best cleaning.
Electronic kettles They can swiftly develop limescale, which is easy to remove. Mix a cup of white distilled vinegar with one cup of water into the kettle that you bring to a simmer, then let it rest for 30 minutes before cleaning. Then, fill your kettle with clean water, get it to boiling, and wash it once more. That’s it.
Rice cookerMany cookers are equipped with an interior lid, steam cap, and gaskets, which can be taken off and cleaned. You only require soapy water,m water, and a non-abrasive sponge.
Light Fixtures and Ceiling Fans
The light fixtures and the ceiling’s blades get frequently overlooked, mainly because they’re hard to reach. But overhead fixtures can gather debris and even grease. Utilize a soft, gentle duster or cloth with extended wands to clean the surfaces and eliminate accumulation. For ceiling fans, you can try the pillowcase method.
Dish Drying Rack
The rack you use to dry your dishes could be a magnet for food particles and dirt (which could turn into mold!) If you don’t keep it clean often. Clean it thoroughly before giving it a thorough scrub using warm, soapy water at least once weekly. To remove hard water or limescale stains, try cleaning using white vinegar that has been distilled.
Trash Cans
Liners and trash bags can keep your garbage all in one location. However, they can’t ensure the ability to keep your garbage cans clean or smell fresh. It’s recommended to clean the inside and outside of the trash can regularly, then spray the can with a disinfectant.