The 10 Dirtiest Spots in My Kitchen (That I Used to Miss)
I always thought my kitchen was clean until I started noticing weird smells and sticky spots in places I never thought to check. Turns out, a lot of grime hides in plain sight. Here’s a list of the 10 dirtiest spots I now clean regularly. They don’t take long, and trust me, they make a big difference.
1. Fridge Door Seal
That rubber lining around the fridge? It’s a crumb trap. I use a toothbrush and soapy water once a month and wipe it dry so mold doesn’t move in.
2. Knife Block
Clean knives going into a dirty block? No thanks. I shake it out and scrub inside the slots with a pipe cleaner. Then let it dry upside down.
3. Under the Drying Rack
Water, gunk, and mildew build up fast under there. I wash the tray and rack with hot soapy water every weekend vinegar if things get crusty.
4. Stove Knobs
Mine were sticky and gross. I pop them off, soak in soapy water, scrub with a toothbrush, and dry. Don’t forget behind them it’s nastier than it looks.
5. Under My Toaster
One day I lifted it and found a graveyard of crumbs. Now I wipe under it once a week. Takes 30 seconds. Totally worth it.
6. Microwave Back Panel
I used to only wipe the tray. But the back wall? It collects grease and splatter. I spray it with vinegar and water, wait a bit, and wipe it down every few weeks.
7. Inside the Drain and Stopper
It smells if I don’t clean it. I scrub the stopper and pour boiling water and vinegar down the drain. No more stink.
8. Sponges and Brushes
If they’re not clean, I’m just spreading germs. I toss sponges in the dishwasher and scrub brushes weekly. Super easy.
9. Bottom of the Fridge Drawer
Leaks and sticky spots love to hide there. Once a month I pull the drawer out and give it a good soapy wash. That’s it.
10. Salt & Pepper Shakers
They’re tiny but filthy. I wipe them after cooking and wash them weekly. Easy to forget, but I feel better once it’s done.
These spots don’t need a deep clean every day. I just work a few into my weekly routine, and my kitchen feels fresher, smells better, and stays clean longer. It’s those small details that really add up.