7 Things People Forget to Clean in Their Kitchen

Most kitchen cleaning routines naturally focus on the big, obvious areas: the counters, the sink, the stovetop, and the places where meals are prepared. Those surfaces are easy to see and easy to remember.

But kitchens also have plenty of smaller spots that sit just outside the usual routine. From tucked-away appliance parts to the edges of everyday containers, these areas can collect crumbs, drips, dust, and cooking residue over time.

A quick check of these often-missed spots can help keep your kitchen looking cared for from top to bottom.

Refrigerator Door Gasket

The refrigerator gets plenty of attention, but the narrow fold around the door often gets overlooked. The gasket sits along the edge of the door, making it easy to miss during a quick wipe-down of shelves and handles.

GE Appliances recommends cleaning a refrigerator gasket with a solution of warm water and baking soda, followed by a thorough rinse and drying with a clean cloth. GE also notes that mild soap and warm water may be appropriate and advises avoiding bleach and cleaners other than mild detergent on the gasket.

When cleaning this area, open the refrigerator door and gently work around the folds with a soft cloth. Avoid pulling the gasket out of position. Since refrigerator materials and care instructions vary, it is always best to follow the guidance for your specific model.

Range Hood and Its Filter

The outside of a range hood is usually easy to notice, but the filter underneath can disappear from the cleaning list because it sits out of the normal line of sight. It is one of those kitchen parts that quietly does its job while blending into the background.

Cleaning instructions depend on the type of filter and the specific range hood model. Whirlpool’s range hood maintenance guidance says compatible metal grease filters can be cleaned according to the model instructions, including washing in a sink with warm water and detergent or in the dishwasher when the model allows it. The exterior of the hood can also be wiped with a soft cloth or nonabrasive sponge and a cleaner that works with the hood’s material.

Before removing anything, check the manual for your range hood. A washable metal grease filter and a charcoal filter used in a recirculating installation may have different care instructions, so they should not be treated as interchangeable.

Cabinet and Appliance Handles

Kitchen handles are used constantly, but they often blend into the background of cabinet doors and appliance fronts. Because they are small compared with the rest of the kitchen, they can be easy to skip.

For cabinets, Masterpiece Cabinets recommends mild soap and warm water, along with a soft-bristled brush or sponge when needed. The surface should be rinsed with clean water and dried thoroughly with a soft cloth. Wellborn Cabinet also recommends mild soap and water for cabinet door and drawer hardware.

Appliance handles may have different requirements. Electrolux advises using a soft cloth on smooth handles and avoiding household cleaners containing ammonia, bleach, or alcohol. Since finishes vary, a product that works on one surface may not be right for another. Check the care instructions before using stronger cleaners.

Underside of Cabinet Shelves

The top of a cabinet shelf gets plenty of attention because it holds dishes, glasses, and pantry items. The underside is a different story. It is an easy place to forget, especially on open shelves or the bottom of cabinets above counters.

MasterBrand recommends cleaning cabinet surfaces with a soft cloth dampened with warm water. For additional cleaning, the company suggests a mild dishwashing-liquid solution, followed by wiping and drying.

A simple approach is to start with a dry, soft cloth to remove loose dust. If residue remains, use a lightly damp cloth and a finish-compatible cleaner. Avoid soaking cabinet panels or spraying cleaner upward near seams or lights. Cabinet materials vary, so avoid assuming one cleaner works for every finish.

Spice Jar Tops and Containers

Spice cabinets are usually organized around the labels and contents, but the containers themselves deserve a quick look too. The lid, shaker top, rim, sides, and bottom can all be easy to overlook.

For filled spice containers, the goal is to clean the outside without introducing moisture into the spices. McCormick recommends keeping dried herbs in airtight containers with tight-fitting lids and using clean, dry utensils. A lightly damp soft cloth can be used on the outside of containers, followed by drying the exterior.

Reusable spice containers can have different care instructions. For example, OXO shows that dishwasher directions may differ between parts of the same container. Some components may be dishwasher-safe while another part, such as a lid, may require hand washing. Check the manufacturer’s instructions before cleaning empty containers.

Toaster Crumb Tray

The toaster crumb tray is usually located at the back or bottom of the appliance, which makes it easy to forget during everyday kitchen cleanup. It is a small feature that can go unnoticed until someone remembers to check it.

Using the Hamilton Beach/Proctor Silex 22302 as an example, the instructions say to unplug the toaster, allow it to cool, slide out the crumb tray, discard crumbs, wipe the tray with a clean cloth, and return it to place. The manual also advises against turning that model upside down and recommends gently tapping the sides to release crumbs.

Toaster designs differ, so the exact process depends on the model. Some trays may remove completely, while others may open differently. Follow your toaster’s instructions rather than assuming every crumb tray works the same way.

Dishwasher Filter

The dishwasher filter is located beneath the lower rack at the bottom of the tub, which puts it in a spot that is easy to miss. Since it is hidden away, it may not be part of the usual kitchen cleaning routine.

For the KitchenAid KDFE104HPS dishwasher, the user guide describes a two-part filtration system with an upper filter assembly and a lower filter. The instructions include removing the lower rack, turning and lifting out the upper assembly, removing the lower filter, rinsing the filters under running water, and using only a soft brush for material that does not rinse away. Wire brushes and scouring pads are not recommended.

Not every dishwasher uses this same filtration setup. KitchenAid documentation notes that different models may use different systems, including removable filter cups or self-cleaning filtration designs. Check your dishwasher model and follow the correct manual.

A kitchen cleaning routine is often built around the largest and most visible surfaces, but the smaller details matter too. The next time you clean your kitchen, take a moment to look at these overlooked spots. A few extra checks can help keep the whole space looking fresh and well-maintained.