Avoiding These 13 Typical Kitchen Cleaning Blunders, Suggested by Professionals
Even if you're meticulous about keeping your kitchen spotless, some areas tend to slip under the radar. From grease smudges and drink spills to foot traffic and crumbs, the kitchen accumulates dirt and grime more often than other parts of your home. To help you keep this space tidy, we're sharing some common kitchen cleaning mistakes experts suggest avoiding.
- Alicia Sokolowski, president and co-CEO of AspenClean
- Marla Mock, president of Molly Maid, a Neighborly company
01of 13## Cleaning with a Dirty Sponge
Your sponges need a good clean too! negligence in regularly cleaning sponges can spread germs and bacteria to your countertops and dishes, says Alicia Sokolowski, president and co-CEO of AspenClean. The recommended practice is to run sponges through the dishwasher every few days and replace them every two weeks.
02of 13## Not Cleaning Under Appliances
Don't disregard the area under your kitchen appliances when cleaning. Small appliances like toasters and blenders collect crumbs and spills underneath, creating a hidden mess, says Marla Mock, president of Molly Maid, a Neighborly company. Move these items when cleaning your counters to wipe away food debris and residue.
03of 13## Neglecting Your Cabinets
Grease and grime easily build up on cabinet doors and handles, dulling their appearance and harboring bacteria. According to Sokolowski, make sure to wipe those surfaces regularly with a gentle cleaner or a mixture of mild dish soap and warm water.
04of 13## Not Cleaning from Top to Bottom
Always clean from top to bottom when cleaning any area at home. Starting at the bottom causes dirt and dust to fall onto already-cleaned surfaces, says Sokolowski. Ensure you clean the top shelves, cabinets, and counters first to prevent doubling your work.
05of 13## Overlooking Your Sink Drain
Don't forget to clean your sink drain during deep kitchen cleanings. Food particles and grease tend to accumulate in drains, resulting in unpleasant odors and clogs, says Sokolowski. Clean your sink and drain weekly using a mixture of baking soda and white vinegar to prevent clogs.
06of 13## Using Too Much Cleaner
Be cautious not to overuse cleaner on kitchen surfaces. Excess cleaner leaves sticky residues that attract dirt, says Sokolowski. Always use the recommended amount of cleaner and ensure no residue remains on your surfaces after cleaning.
07of 13## Skipping the Stove Hood Filter
When cleaning your range hood, take time to clean its filter. Neglecting the stove hood filter leads to reduced efficiency and fire hazards, says Sokolowski. As the filter traps grease and fumes daily, wash it once a month in hot, soapy water as a preventative measure.
08of 13## Using Harsh Chemicals on Countertops
When cleaning kitchen countertops, opt for natural cleaners designed for the specific material of your countertops. Strong chemical cleaners often damage the surfaces and leave residues that are unsafe for food preparation areas, says Sokolowski.
09of 13## Ignoring the Refrigerator
The refrigerator gets dirty quickly due to spills, moisture, expired food, and improper storage, so include it in your kitchen deep clean. Regularly clean your fridge by pulling out the produce drawers and wiping underneath with a microfiber cloth dampened with a mix of 2 parts water and 1 part vinegar, says Mock. Don’t forget to vacuum the condenser coils on the bottom grille to remove dust and dirt.
10of 13## Using One Cloth for Everything
Using the same cloth for every cleaning task can spread germs and grime from one area to another. Designate specific rags for different jobs—one for polishing, another for counters, etc.—to prevent cross-contamination, says Mock. Wash rags thoroughly after each use to keep them effective and hygienic.
11of 13## Polishing Without Cleaning
Polishing a surface without cleaning it first just spreads dirt and grease around, leaving streaks and buildup, says Mock. Wash the surface with soap and water to remove built-up residue, then apply your polish.
12of 13## Overlooking Baseboards
Baseboards in your kitchen collect dust, crumbs, and grease but are often neglected during cleaning. Use a vacuum to remove debris, then wipe them down with a damp microfiber cloth to get rid of stubborn grime, says Mock.
13of 13## Skipping Frequently Touched Surfaces
High-touch surfaces, like handles, faucets, and appliances, are some of the dirtiest spots in your kitchen. Wipe them down weekly with a disinfectant to remove germs, oils, and dirt and keep them looking polished, says Mock.
- Martha Stewart, known for her expertise in home organization, emphasizes the importance of regularly cleaning sponges to avoid spreading germs and bacteria during kitchen cleaning.
- When focusing on kitchen cleaning tips, don't forget to organize your cleaning supplies for efficient and effective cleaning sessions, as suggested by Martha Stewart in her comprehensive home organization guide.
