13 Common Kitchen Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid, According to Experts

white kitchen with blue cabinets and white tile — Photo:
Kylie Fitts

Even if you're diligent about keeping your kitchen clean, there are still some areas of this space that are often overlooked. From grease splatters and drink spills to foot traffic and crumbs, the kitchen builds up with dirt and debris more frequently than other areas of your home. To help you keep this space tidy, we're sharing some common kitchen cleaning mistakes experts say to avoid.

Alicia Sokolowski, president and co-CEO of AspenClean
Marla Mock, president of Molly Maid, a Neighborly company

01 of 13

Cleaning With a Dirty Sponge

Sponges need to be cleaned, too! "Neglecting to clean sponges regularly can spread germs and bacteria to your counters and dishes," says Alicia Sokolowski, president and co-CEO of AspenClean. "Best practice is to run sponges through the dishwasher every few days and replace them every two weeks."

02 of 13

Not Cleaning Under Appliances

Don't neglect the area under your appliances when cleaning your kitchen. "Small countertop appliances like toasters and blenders collect crumbs and spills underneath them, 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."

03 of 13

Neglecting Your Cabinets

Grease and grime easily accumulates on cabinet doors and handles, dulling their appearance and harboring bacteria. "Make sure to wipe those surfaces regularly with a gentle cleaner or a mixture of mild dish soap and warm water," says Sokolowski.

04 of 13

Not Cleaning From Top to Bottom

When cleaning any area of your home, moving from top to bottom is essential. "Starting the cleaning at the bottom causes dirt and dust from higher levels to fall onto already-cleaned surfaces," says Sokolowski. "Always clean the top shelves, cabinets, and counters first to prevent doubling your work."

05 of 13

Overlooking Your Sink Drain

Don't forget to clean your sink drain when deep cleaning your kitchen. "Food particles and grease tend to accumulate in drains, leading to unpleasant odors and clogs," says Sokolowski. "Make sure to clean your sink and drain weekly using a mixture of baking soda and white vinegar to prevent the clogs."

06 of 13

Using Too Much Cleaner

Be sure 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 is left on your surfaces after the cleaning."

07 of 13

Skipping the Stove Hood Filter

oak point kitchen black metal stove hood — Lindsay Salazar

When cleaning your range hood, also take time to clean its filter. "Neglecting your stove hood filter leads to reduced efficiency and fire hazard," says Sokolowski. "As the filter traps grease and fumes daily, wash it once a month in hot, soapy water as a preventative measure."

08 of 13

Using Harsh Chemicals on Countertops

When cleaning your 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.

09 of 13

Ignoring the Refrigerator

The refrigerator gets dirty quickly from spills, moisture, expired food, and improper storage, so be sure to include yours 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."

10 of 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. "Washing rags thoroughly after each use keeps them effective and hygienic."

11 of 13

Polishing Without Cleaning

Water running from kitchen sink faucet — Caia Image/Getty Images

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.

12 of 13

Overlooking Baseboards

The 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. "Cleaning this often-missed area makes your kitchen look cleaner overall and helps maintain a more polished appearance."

13 of 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.

Was this page helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

Tell us why!