Cleaning the visible surfaces in my kitchen has become second nature—I wipe down the counters, scrub the stovetop, and mop the floors. But what about those hidden spots, like the space under the fridge or oven? For the longest time, I avoided cleaning beneath my kitchen appliances, convincing myself that if I couldn’t see it, it didn’t need attention. That all changed one weekend when I decided to tackle a deep clean in my kitchen and was shocked to find a mountain of dust, crumbs, and even a stray spoon lurking under my stove. Ever since that eye-opening experience, cleaning under my kitchen appliances has become a regular part of my seasonal cleaning routine. While I’m on the topic of fridge care, you might also find helpful tips in how I store vegetables in my fridge without plastic, which complements keeping your kitchen fresh and eco-friendly. In this article, I’ll share exactly how I clean under my fridge, stove, dishwasher, and more—so your home can feel cleaner, fresher, and healthier.
What’s in This Article
- Why You Should Clean Under Kitchen Appliances
- How Often Should You Clean Under Appliances?
- Tools and Supplies You’ll Need
- How to Clean Under the Refrigerator
- How to Clean Under the Oven or Stove
- How to Clean Under the Dishwasher
- How to Clean Under the Microwave or Countertop Appliances
- My Real-Life Experience and Results
Why Cleaning Under Kitchen Appliances Is So Important
You might think that since we can’t see what’s hiding under our appliances, it’s not a big deal. I used to think the same way—until I pulled out my fridge and discovered a sticky spill that had turned into a mini ant colony. The reality is, those under-appliance areas gather more dirt than we realize. Crumbs, spills, pet hair, dust bunnies, and even mold can build up in these hidden spaces. Not only is this unsanitary, but it can also lead to unpleasant odors in your kitchen.
If you suffer from allergies, all that dust and debris can make your symptoms worse. Cleaning under the fridge, stove, or dishwasher not only improves indoor air quality but also helps your appliances run more efficiently by preventing buildup around vents and coils. I’ve even noticed my fridge performing better since I started this routine. If you’re someone who takes pride in a spotless kitchen, ignoring these areas is counterproductive. So let’s dive into how you can tackle these tricky spots effectively—without straining your back.
Tools You Need to Clean Under Appliances
Before diving into the cleaning process, it’s important to gather the right tools. I have a small cleaning caddy dedicated just for these deep cleaning sessions. First off, a long-handled duster or a vacuum with a narrow crevice tool is a must-have. I also like to use a flat mop or a Swiffer with a microfiber cloth to reach those tight spots. A flexible appliance cleaning brush comes in handy for scrubbing dust off coils or those tricky corners.
You’ll also want to have some baking soda, white vinegar, warm water, and dish soap on hand—this combo is my secret weapon for tackling sticky grime. And don’t forget an old toothbrush, microfiber cloths, rubber gloves, and a sturdy flashlight. Having all these tools ready makes the whole process a lot smoother and way less frustrating. I usually keep some furniture sliders or a friend nearby to help move heavy appliances safely. Trust me, trying to clean under the stove without these tools can be a real headache. Preparation is key!
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Cleaning under the refrigerator used to feel like a daunting task. It’s heavy, awkward, and just seems impossible to shift. But once I started using furniture sliders and unplugging the fridge before I clean, it became a lot easier. I begin by clearing off anything that’s stored on top or around the fridge. Then, I gently rock it back and forth to slide it out from the wall using the sliders. If your fridge has exposed coils at the back, now’s the perfect time to vacuum or brush off any dust.
While I’m already cleaning under the fridge, I often seize the chance to rearrange the inside as well—especially the vegetable section. If you’re trying to keep your veggies stored without plastic (like I do), you might appreciate this guide I put together on how to store vegetables in my fridge without plastic. It’s really been a game-changer for maintaining freshness and being more sustainable in my kitchen.
Once I can see the floor underneath, I vacuum up any loose debris and crumbs. Then, I spray a mix of vinegar and warm water directly onto the floor and let it sit for a few minutes. With a microfiber cloth, I wipe away any sticky spots. For tougher grime, I sprinkle some baking soda over the stains and scrub with an old toothbrush. And don’t forget to clean the wall behind the fridge—it often gets overlooked and collects grease.
After everything’s dried up, I carefully slide the fridge back into place and plug it in. Just doing this every few months really boosts both cleanliness and how well the appliance works. I even noticed my fridge was a lot quieter afterward!
How I Clean Under the Stove
The stove is another sneaky spot where messes hide. Since it’s right in the middle of all the cooking chaos, it collects everything—crumbs, sauces, oil splatters, and sometimes even utensils. My cleaning routine for under the stove starts with safety first. I always make sure the burners are off and cool. For electric stoves, I unplug them; for gas stoves, I turn off the gas valve if I’m planning to move it.
Just like with the fridge, I use furniture sliders to gently pull it out. What I usually find underneath is a mix of burnt food bits, oil smudges, and fine dust. First, I vacuum up the loose dirt. Then, I whip up a cleaning solution with dish soap, vinegar, and warm water. I pour it on the stained spots and let it soak for about five minutes. This helps loosen the grime, and I can scrub it off with a scrub pad or a toothbrush.
I also make sure to wipe down the side panels of the stove and the nearby cabinets, which often get greasy. After thoroughly drying the floor, I slide the stove back into place and double-check that everything is safely reconnected. Honestly, since I started doing this regularly, my kitchen has stopped smelling like last night’s dinner all the time.
How to Get Rid of Burnt Popcorn Smell Out Of Your House? Read Here.
How I Clean Under the Dishwasher and Other Built-In Appliances
Built-in appliances like dishwashers and under-counter ovens are a bit trickier since they can’t be easily moved. But that doesn’t mean you should skip them. I use a long, flexible duster or the hose attachment from my vacuum to reach as far as I can underneath. I’ve also used a flat mop wrapped in a damp microfiber cloth to slide underneath and wipe away dust and sticky residue.
Sometimes, I like to shine a flashlight from the other side so I can really see what’s lurking under there—it’s a great way to spot hidden debris. To tackle the small gap beneath my dishwasher, I simply take off the kickplate (most models allow you to unscrew it), vacuum the inside, and give the area a good wipe with a damp cloth. You wouldn’t believe how much gunk can accumulate there, especially if you’re using your dishwasher every day like I do.
You don’t need to go overboard with this every week, but doing it every couple of months helps keep odors at bay and stops buildup that could attract pests. Plus, there’s something oddly satisfying about knowing that even the unseen parts of your kitchen are squeaky clean.
Dealing with Stubborn Stains and Odors Under Appliances
Some stains under kitchen appliances can be a real pain, especially if they’ve been there for months or even years. I’ve discovered that baking soda and vinegar are like magic in these situations. I whip up a thick paste of baking soda and water and slather it on greasy or burnt spots. After letting it sit for about 10–15 minutes, I spray some white vinegar over it, and it starts to fizz. This reaction helps lift the grime, and I scrub it with a stiff brush or sponge until it’s all clean.
For those stubborn odors, I mop the area with a mix of lemon juice and warm water. Lemon is great at neutralizing smells and leaves everything smelling fresh. I once found a hardened milk stain under my fridge that was giving off a terrible odor. After a thorough clean with this combo, the sour smell vanished completely.
If you’re a fan of natural products like I am, you’ll love my go-to method for cleaning the oven with baking soda. It’s a simple, chemical-free technique that really tackles those tough stains!
If you’re sensitive to strong scents like bleach (which I steer clear of in my kitchen), these natural methods are both safe and effective. Just remember to dry the area thoroughly after cleaning—any leftover moisture can lead to mildew or mold, especially in warm kitchens.
How Often Should You Clean Under Kitchen Appliances?
I make it a point to clean under my major appliances, like the fridge and stove, every three months. For the dishwasher and other fixed appliances, I try to do it every 6 to 8 weeks with a flexible duster. You don’t have to go overboard, but keeping a routine is essential. Consider setting a seasonal reminder on your phone or jotting it down in your cleaning planner.
If you have pets or little ones running around, you might find yourself needing to clean more frequently. Pet hair and crumbs can sneak into the most surprising spots. I once discovered my dog’s toy bone hiding under the stove, which I had been blaming for a strange smell for days! Incorporating this task into your regular deep-cleaning schedule can save you time and hassle later on. It’s all about creating good cleaning habits.
Final Thoughts: The Hidden Magic of a Truly Clean Kitchen
Cleaning under kitchen appliances may not be the most exciting chore, but it’s definitely one of the most satisfying. There’s something so rewarding about knowing that even the hidden corners of your kitchen are clean and fresh. After my first deep clean, I noticed the air felt lighter, the odors vanished, and even my appliances seemed to hum more quietly.
It’s a small effort that yields big results. I encourage every woman managing her home to carve out a few hours to tackle this task once a season.
Related:
- How I Store Vegetables in My Fridge Without Plastic
- Some Unheard Methods To Get Rid Of Unpleasant Roach Smell
- How to Clean My Oven with Baking Soda
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