Even if you generally stay on top of cleaning your kitchen, chances are there may be some neglected areas. Why? Well, most of us focus on cleaning the spaces that are most visible and on areas that regularly come into contact with food (think: countertops, floors, or the inside of appliances).

So while your kitchen might look clean, if you peer beneath the surface, you might find more grease and grime than you’d expect. Here are five areas of your kitchen that are probably dirtier than you think — and how to clean them, according to professional cleaning experts. 

What you need to know: The hood above your stovetop plays an important role in your kitchen, collecting smoke and other fumes when you cook. But these gases transform into grease when they cool down, which can clog the vent inside the hood, says Alex Varela, general manager of Dallas Maids.

The fix: Remove your filter and clean it about once a month. Varela recommends removing surface dust first, then using a non-scratch scrubber to wipe it down with hot, soapy water. Finish with a one-part-water, one-part-vinegar solution to stave off germs, then thoroughly rinse and dry. (For more, see our guide, Cleaning a Greasy Range Hood Filter.)

What you need to know: When was the last time you cleaned, let alone looked at, your fridge’s drip pan? According to George Hernandez, senior vice president of operations at PuroClean, this pan collects moisture, dirt, and bacteria, making it the perfect place for mold to grow. 

The fix: This moisture-collecting tray needs cleaning at least every few months. Hernandez recommends removing it, then spraying a mixture of one teaspoon hydrogen peroxide and one cup of water over the pan. Then, use a rag soaked in vinegar to wipe it down. To prevent mold from growing in the first place, keep it clean and wipe off the moisture frequently. And to find your drip pan in the first place, consult your refrigerator’s manual; most appliance manuals can be found online.

What you need to know: Another often grimy-but-overlooked space is beneath your oven — which, according to Kathy Cohoon with Two Maids & A Mop, can be a “catch-all for grease, crumbs, dirt, dust, and other debris.” 

The fix: Ovens can be difficult to move, but Cohoon still recommends a biweekly clean (or more if you spill or make a big mess). First vacuum or sweep any large debris, then spray an all-purpose cleaner and wipe the area. For those who cook frequently, Cohoon suggests vacuuming under the area with an attachment or sweeping with a thin broom daily.

What you need to know: Your dishwasher might seem clean after you run a cycle, but with time, it can collect food particles that make it smell gross and keep it from working effectively. One of the grimiest areas is your dishwasher filter, says Steve Evans, owner of Memphis Maids.

The fix: Try to clean your dishwasher filter every three to six months for peak performance. Evans recommends removing the bottom rack, then the filters at the bottom, and running them under hot running water. With a soft bristle brush, scrub with dish soap. Lastly, put them back and run a full cycle on the highest temperature setting with only a cup of white vinegar inside the dishwasher. 

What you need to know: From leaking juices to lingering food smells, your trash can is highly susceptible to messes (and germs!) that can cause your whole kitchen to feel gross. Using sturdy, tear-proof garbage bags may help, but sometimes, you need to clean the actual bin. 

The fix: Leanne Stapf of The Cleaning Authority recommends sprinkling baking soda at the bottom of your can once a week to freshen it up and absorb smells. To clean the garbage can, empty it out and then wipe it down with a solution of half vinegar and half tap water. Just as baking soda does, vinegar cuts through smells, with the added benefit of fending off germs.

What other hidden areas did we miss in the kitchen? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below.

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