The kitchen is the most used space in the home. It is where we prepare meals, dine in, and share family time. However, while it may seem clean, many spots have not been cleaned. Germs hide in unexpected places, like on appliance buttons, in fridge drawers, and in sponge holders. These are the places that can have an impact on the cleanliness as well as the kitchen hygiene.
In this guide, we will take you through some of the dirtiest parts of the kitchen that you should not forget to clean. Along with that, you will also get the easy kitchen cleaning tips to ensure everything is clean and safe for use. We will also provide a few smart upgrade choices from Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center, if you are considering new appliances with greater ease of cleaning.
8 Overlooked Dirty Kitchen Areas
Even the cleanest-looking kitchen can hide layers of dirt, bacteria, and grime in unexpected spots that get missed during routine cleaning. Let’s explore these dirtiest kitchen spots.
- Dishwasher Filter
Often located at the bottom of the dishwasher, the filters trap bits of food, grease, and debris after every cycle. Neglecting this small part can lead to odor and poor performance.
- Why it’s dirty: Grease, food bits, and moisture collect here, creating the perfect space for mold and bad smells.
- How to clean it: Remove the filter monthly, rinse it under warm water, and gently scrub with dish soap using a soft brush. Let it dry fully before reinstalling.
- Upgrade tip: Newer dishwashers with self-cleaning filters are designed to rinse out trapped debris automatically.
- Refrigerator Drawer & Gasket
Drawers and door seals can be some of the dirtiest spots inside your fridge. These areas collect juice leaks, food residue, and bacteria.
- Why it’s dirty: Crumbs, condensation, and produce liquids build up unnoticed inside bins and around rubber gaskets.
- How to clean it: Remove the bins and soak them in warm, soapy water. Scrub the gaskets with a vinegar solution and a toothbrush. Wipe dry to prevent mold.
- Maintenance tip: Look for refrigerators with antimicrobial appliance surfaces to reduce germ buildup on high-touch areas.
- Microwave Touchpad and Vents
Microwaves are often touched with greasy hands and splattered by food, especially around the control panel and inside vents.
- Why it’s dirty: Steam, oil, and repeated use cause buildup that attracts dust and bacteria.
- How to clean it: Wipe down the touchpad with a damp microfiber cloth and non-abrasive cleaner. Use a brush attachment to vacuum out vents monthly.
- Upgrade tip: Fingerprint-resistant microwave models are easier to keep clean.
- Stove Knobs & Control Panel
Despite daily use, these small parts are often easy to overlook during your cleaning routine, and grime builds up quickly.
- Why it’s dirty: Greasy hands and splashes cause residue buildup around the knobs and buttons.
- How to clean it: Remove the knobs and soak in warm soapy water. Clean the panel with a soft cloth and a gentle kitchen-safe cleaner. Dry thoroughly.
- Pro tip: Smudge-resistant stainless-steel panels make cleanup easier and reduce visible fingerprints.
- Garbage Disposal
Hidden beneath the sink, the disposal is responsible for grinding waste, but it’s also a trap for food particles, fat, and bacteria.
- Why it’s dirty: Moisture and leftover food quickly produce foul smells and bacterial buildup.
- How to clean it: Pour half a cup of baking soda into the drain, followed by one cup of vinegar. Let it bubble for 10 minutes. Rinse with boiling water and toss in lemon peels.
- Kitchen Sponge Holder or Sink Caddy
They may help keep sponges and brushes organized, but they stay wet and often coated with slimy residue.
- Why it’s dirty: The warmth and dampness can breed mold and bacteria on the underside and within grooves.
- How to clean it: Clean the holder in hot soapy water weekly, or use the dishwasher. Always let it dry completely.
- Maintenance tip: Models that are composed of antimicrobial materials and feature built-in drainage may prevent buildup for a longer period of time.
- Oven Door Glass and Handle
These highly visible surfaces collect grease, fingerprints, and food splatter from everyday cooking.
- Why it’s dirty: Frequent cooking causes a buildup of oils, smudges, and baked-on residue.
- How to clean it: Scrub the glass using a baking soda and water paste. Spray vinegar on the handle and wipe with a clean cloth. Do this every two weeks.
- Upgrade tip: Opt for ovens with steam or pyrolytic self-cleaning functions to simplify oven maintenance.
8. Coffee Maker Water Reservoir
This spot often remains out of view, but the warm water that sits in it day after day creates an ideal environment for bacteria.
- Why it’s dirty: Moisture plus heat equals mold, algae, limescale (from hard water), and bacteria inside the reservoir.
- How to clean it: Fill with equal parts vinegar and water. Run a brew cycle, then flush with clean water two more times. Repeat monthly.
- Suggestion: Choose coffee makers with removable tanks to simplify cleaning.
By paying attention to these problem areas and learning how to clean kitchen appliances in the right way, you can get rid of that hidden kitchen dirt, increase the life of your appliances and have a healthier cooking space every day.
Appliance Hygiene Features to Look for in 2025
Today’s kitchen appliances are designed to do more than cook, and they’re also built to reduce mess, minimize bacteria, and make maintenance easier. If you’re looking to upgrade your kitchen for health and convenience, here are the standout innovations worth considering.
Dishwashers with Self-Cleaning Filters
Traditional dishwashers require frequent manual cleaning of the filter to prevent buildup and odor. That’s where self-cleaning kitchen appliances step in. In newer Dishwashers, most have filters that automatically rinse food particles, so you will never face issues with clogging, and the machine will run seamlessly. This will save you time and ensure your dishes stay sparkly every time.
Microwaves with Fingerprint-Resistant Finishes
Microwaves are one of the most-used appliances in the kitchen, and their touchpads can quickly become covered with smudges and grime. Models with fingerprint-resistant finishes are a game-changer. These Microwaves stay cleaner longer and are easier to wipe down after each use. For busy households, this simple upgrade improves both appearance and cleanliness.
Refrigerators with Antimicrobial Coatings
Bacteria can especially lurk on touchpoints, such as refrigerator handles, edges of doors, and shelving with heavy usage. Which is why one of the best features in a modern refrigerator these days are antimicrobial appliance surfaces. They should be treated in order to prevent harmful microbes from growing on them, so that you can keep your food storage areas cleaner and safer for your family.
Ovens with Steam or Pyrolytic Cleaning
Gone are the days of harsh oven cleaners and hours of scrubbing. Today’s Ovens offer steam and pyrolytic self-cleaning cycles. Steam cleaning softens spills for easy wiping, while pyrolytic cleaning incinerates food debris at high temperatures. These features make deep cleaning effortless and help maintain your oven’s performance over time.
To explore these cleaning-friendly options and find appliances tailored to your kitchen needs, visit Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center. Our wide range of innovative products will help you maintain a more hygienic, stress-free cooking space.
Bonus Tips: Daily Habits for a Cleaner Kitchen
Keeping your kitchen clean every day doesn’t have to be a chore. With a consistent daily kitchen cleaning routine, you can prevent grime, germs, and clutter from taking over your space.
Here are a few quick and effective habits to adopt:
- Wipe down handles and knobs daily – These are high-touch surfaces that collect bacteria, grease, and food residue. A quick wipe with a disinfectant or vinegar solution keeps them germ-free.
- Clean sponge holders weekly – Moisture from wet sponges turns holders into breeding grounds for mold. Use hot soapy water or run them through the dishwasher to keep them clean.
- Run a dishwasher cleaning cycle once a month – Food particles and grease collect in your dishwasher over time. You can use a special cleaner or a cup of vinegar placed on the top rack for a deep clean.
- Use natural cleaners like vinegar and baking soda – These are safe, effective, and budget-friendly. Use them to scrub your sink, stovetop, and other surfaces without introducing harsh chemicals.
By incorporating these small steps into your daily routine, you’ll know exactly how to keep kitchen clean without the stress. These simple routines save you time, make your kitchen feel fresher, and help extend the life of your appliances and surfaces.
Stick to it for just a few minutes each day—and you’ll enjoy a kitchen that always feels guest-ready and welcoming.
The Takeaway
Cleaning a kitchen properly requires more than a quick wipe down of the counters. It’s about consistency, focusing on the ignored places, and smart decisions about choosing an appliance. One of the most practical decisions homeowners can make is to upgrade kitchen appliances to models that reduce cleaning time and resist dirt buildup. From self-cleaning ovens to dishwashers with built-in rinse cycles, these modern features can help you keep your kitchen cleaner with less effort.
If your goal is to create a space that supports long-term hygiene and ease, contact Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center and visit any one of our six convenient showrooms, located in Studio City, Calabasas, Santa Clarita, Torrance, Costa Mesa, or Mission Viejo to speak with an expert and experience the products firsthand.
For example, you can shop dishwashers that help eliminate odor and buildup through innovative self-cleaning technology. Or shop microwaves with easy-to-clean interiors that simplify your post-meal routine. When paired with the right habits and tools, these clean kitchen tips will help you build a space that’s healthier, easier to maintain, and more enjoyable to use every day.