Kitchen Deep Clean: The Areas Most People Forget

A weekly kitchen clean keeps visible surfaces tidy, but grease and bacteria are patient. They accumulate slowly in the places your regular routine does not reach: behind appliances, inside hinges, along the underside of shelving. These are the areas that make the difference between a clean kitchen and a truly clean kitchen.

The Rangehood Filter

The rangehood filter is almost certainly the most neglected item in most kitchens. Its purpose is to capture grease vapour, which means it becomes coated with thick, sticky buildup every time you cook. Left uncleaned, it reduces airflow, traps odour, and poses a genuine fire risk.

How to clean it:

1. Remove the filter — most models slide out or unclip easily
2. Fill a sink or large tub with boiling water and a generous squeeze of dishwashing liquid
3. Submerge the filter and leave to soak for 10–15 minutes
4. Scrub with a stiff brush, rinse thoroughly under hot water, and allow to dry completely before refitting

Clean the rangehood filter every 4–6 weeks if you cook regularly. Most households have never cleaned theirs — the difference before and after the first clean is striking.

Cabinet Door Edges and Hinges

Grease vapour from cooking does not only land on the stovetop. It drifts sideways and settles on the inside faces and edges of cabinet doors near the cooking area. Over time this creates a tacky, yellowish film that is not obvious until you touch it.

• Wipe all cabinet door edges and faces around the stove with a degreasing spray
• Use a cotton bud or old toothbrush to work into hinge recesses
• Check the underside of upper cabinets above the stovetop — this surface accumulates grease but is rarely seen

The Gap Beside the Oven

The narrow space between the oven and the adjacent benchtop or cabinet collects food, crumbs, and spilled liquids over months and years. It becomes a source of odour and can attract insects. A crevice attachment on a vacuum handles the accessible portion, followed by a flexible bottle brush or thin cloth to wipe down the sides.

Underneath and Behind the Fridge

The floor beneath the fridge collects dust, food particles, and moisture that migrate from the kitchen over time. More practically, the condenser coils at the rear or base of most fridges accumulate dust, and when they are insulated by it, the fridge runs less efficiently and the motor works harder.

• Pull the fridge forward — protect the floor with a cloth first
• Vacuum the coil vents at the rear or beneath the appliance
• Mop and dry the floor before returning the fridge to position

This task once every six months is sufficient for most households.

Inside the Microwave — Ceiling and Exhaust Vent

The ceiling of the microwave cavity and the small exhaust vent at the top accumulate food spatter and grease that regular wiping misses. The simplest approach: fill a microwave-safe bowl with water and several slices of lemon, heat for 3–4 minutes until the interior is steamy, then wipe down the softened residue with a cloth. The vent requires a careful wipe with a slightly damp cloth on the exterior grille.

The Dishwasher

Many people assume the dishwasher cleans itself during use. It does not.

• Filter: Remove the filter basket from the base of the cavity and rinse it under warm water weekly. In households that use the dishwasher daily, food residue accumulates quickly.
• Door seal: The rubber gasket around the door collects grease and residue that can develop mould. Wipe it with a diluted white vinegar solution monthly.
• Arms: The spray arms have small holes that can become blocked with mineral deposits. Remove them occasionally and rinse under running water with a toothpick to clear any blocked holes.

The Bin Area

The space around and beneath the kitchen bin is an overlooked source of odour. Bin bags leak, spills occur, and moisture accumulates under the bin base. Wash the bin with warm soapy water, allow it to dry fully before relining, and wipe or mop the floor and cabinet space around it regularly.