How to Clean Behind Your Fridge and Stove: The Forgotten Cleaning Zone

Have you ever pulled your fridge or stove away from the wall and been shocked by what’s behind it? Crumbs, dust bunnies, grease, and even the occasional lost spoon these areas are out of sight and often out of mind. But keeping the space behind your fridge and stove clean is more important than you might think.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to clean behind the fridge and stove easily, safely, and without any stress. Let’s tackle this overlooked task and make your kitchen sparkle from corner to corner!

Why Cleaning Behind the Fridge and Stove Is Important

• Pest infestations (ants, roaches love crumbs!)
• Fire hazards (grease buildup near the stove is flammable)
• Bad odors
• Decreased appliance performance

It’s recommended to clean behind your fridge and stove at least twice a year, or every 3–6 months if you cook often.

What You’ll Need

• Vacuum cleaner with hose or broom and dustpan
• Microfiber cloth or cleaning rags
• Degreaser or vinegar solution
• Baking soda (optional)
• Warm soapy water
• Old toothbrush or small scrub brush
• Gloves
• Floor protector or towel (to avoid scratching floors)

Safety First: Before You Move Anything

For the Fridge:

• Unplug the fridge to prevent electrical hazards.
• Remove fragile items from the top and sides.
• Check the cords for wear and tear before moving.

For the Stove:

• Turn off the gas supply if it’s a gas stove.
• Unplug the electric stove safely.
• Ensure the surface is cool before handling.

Step-by-Step: How to Clean Behind the Fridge

1. Pull the Fridge Away Slowly
   Grab both sides and gently pull. Use a towel or mat to slide if it's heavy.
2. Vacuum or Sweep
   Remove dust, crumbs, and hair. Focus around the coils too.
3. Wipe Down the Wall and Floor
   Use warm soapy water or vinegar solution. Use degreaser if needed.
4. Clean the Back of the Fridge
   Wipe the coils and vents with a dry microfiber cloth.
5. Dry Everything
   Ensure floor and wall are dry before pushing it back.
6. Plug It Back In
   Gently push it in and plug it in.

Step-by-Step: How to Clean Behind the Stove

1. Slide Out the Stove Carefully
   Move it slowly to avoid scratching the floor.
2. Vacuum Debris
   Vacuum up food crumbs, hair, grease, etc.
3. Use a Degreaser
   Spray and let sit 2–3 minutes before scrubbing.
4. Scrub Tough Stains
   Use a toothbrush or scrub brush.
5. Wipe and Dry
   Use a damp cloth, then dry everything.
6. Return the Stove to Position
   Reconnect gas or power carefully.

Natural Cleaning Tip

Want to skip chemical cleaners? Make a DIY degreaser with:

• 1 part vinegar
• 1 part warm water
• A few drops of lemon essential oil

Spray and wipe it's effective and smells great!

Related Read: Vinegar and Baking Soda Cleaning Hacks

Bonus: Prevent Mess in the Future

• Place a crumb-catching mat behind the stove.
• Avoid overfilling pots to reduce splatter.
• Vacuum the kitchen weekly, especially near appliances.
• Use a baking tray or foil cover when cooking messy dishes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Forgetting to unplug appliances.
• Using too much water.
• Not drying the area completely.

How Often Should You Clean These Areas?

Behind the fridge: every 6 months
Behind the stove: every 3–4 months (more if you cook often)

Also Read: Fall Cleaning Routine for a Cozy Home

Final Thoughts: Small Task, Big Impact

It might not be the most glamorous job, but cleaning behind your fridge and stove can make a big difference in your kitchen's cleanliness and safety. It’s a simple way to prevent hidden grime, pests, and fire hazards.

So next time you're doing a kitchen refresh, don’t forget to check behind those appliances. Your future self will thank you!

Quick Recap: How to Clean Behind Fridge and Stove

Task	How Often	Tools
Behind Fridge	Every 6 months	Vacuum, cloth, degreaser
Behind Stove	Every 3–4 months	Degreaser, scrub brush, microfiber cloth

If you found this guide helpful, don’t forget to explore more cleaning tips on our blog. Keep your home healthy, happy, and spotless even in the places you don’t see every day!