The kitchen is a bustling hub of culinary creativity. As a result, it also can become the center of chaos.
While you might diligently wipe down countertops and scrub pots, certain corners of your kitchen are neglected during your cleaning routine, and various nooks and crannies are left untouched. As they fade into the background, they silently accumulate germs and grime that can be hazardous to your health.
Whether you genuinely overlooked these spaces or are subconsciously avoiding them altogether, the fact remains: they demand your attention. In order to maintain a truly pristine kitchen, every inch of it should be gleaming. Here are some of the most forgotten areas in your kitchen that need to be cleaned regularly.
Cutting Boards
When they’re not properly or frequently cleaned, both wooden and plastic cutting boards can harbor bacteria and unpleasant smells. After each use, cutting boards should be washed with hot, soapy water.
Cabinet Tops And Other High Surfaces
The tops of cabinets and other high surfaces, such as shelves and light fixtures, are often overlooked because they’re out of the line of sight. Therefore, they tend to gather a layer of dust and grease. Use a stepladder or a stool to reach these spots. Wiping them down on a regular basis can make a major difference in the overall cleanliness of your kitchen.
Garbage Cans
These receptacles keep your garbage contained, but that also means they’re prone to collecting stale odors and gross bacteria. Give your garbage can a thorough cleaning once in a while by wiping down its exterior and interior with a disinfectant. Consider adding baking soda to keep it smelling fresh.
Silverware Drawer
You’d be surprised to see how much gunk your silverware drawer contains after taking a closer look. Every day, bits of debris and tiny crumbs are unknowingly swept inside.
To clean the drawer, remove the liner and all the silverware. The hose attachment on your vacuum can be used to suck up the mess. Then, wipe the drawer down with warm, soapy water.
Ventilation Hood And Filters
The ventilation hood above your stove is designed to trap grease, dust, odors, and food. If it’s not cleaned regularly, all that built-up debris has the potential to cause a fire hazard. Clean the inner and outer parts of the hood.
Additionally, remove the filters to check if they need to be cleaned or replaced. Doing so will ensure efficient ventilation and create a healthier cooking environment.
Seals And Gaskets
The gasket around your refrigerator helps create an airtight seal that allows the appliance to maintain a cool temperature on the inside. The seal can also trap a lot of crumbs and spills, too.
Clean it with warm, soapy water or a mixture of warm water and baking soda to prevent mold growth and maintain a tight seal for energy efficiency. You can also use a microfiber cloth or an old toothbrush to scrub away residue that has accumulated in the gaskets.
Dish Drying Rack
The tool that touches nothing but clean dishes needs cleaning itself. Your dish drying rack can accumulate dirt and food particles that can eventually turn into mold. About once a week, give it a good scrub with warm, soapy water. Try using distilled white vinegar to eliminate stubborn stains from hard water.
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By Emily Chan
Emily Chan is a writer who covers lifestyle and news content. She graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in... More about Emily Chan
