In the hustle of everyday cleaning, it’s easy to wipe down countertops and call it a day. But as a cleaning expert, there’s one kitchen cleaning mistake I always see homeowners overlooking, and it can lead to costly fixes.
Skipping cleaning behind your kitchen appliances, whether it's your fridge, oven, or dishwasher, or other bulky items, can quietly cause damage to both your appliances and your home, invite pests inside, or become a hotspot for opportunistic mold.
Cleaning a kitchen well means getting to the hardest spots. Skipping this will mean running the risk of expensive problems down the line.
The kitchen cleaning mistake costing my clients hundreds
1. The problem
Appliances like fridges and ovens generate heat and are often placed in tight spaces, making them magnets for dust, grease, food crumbs, and moisture. This can lead to greater problems.
Many homeowners forget or avoid cleaning behind and under heavy kitchen appliances such as the refrigerator, dishwasher, and oven. Over time, grease, food debris, and moisture build up in these areas, creating a breeding ground for pests like cockroaches and rodents.
These indoor pests can cause contamination and trigger costly exterminator visits or even appliance repairs due to chewed wires or clogged components. Additionally, dust buildup behind the fridge can interfere with the condenser coils, forcing the appliance to work harder, increasing your electricity bill, and shortening the appliance’s lifespan.
They say 'out of sight, out of mind', but behind your key appliances is among the dirty spots professional cleaners always notice in homes.
2. Potential costs
What starts as a bit of dust can quickly snowball into hundreds of dollars in damage.
Homes get dusty quickly, but especially in hidden kitchen spots such as around refrigerator coils. This buildup not only makes them work less efficiently, costing you more money to run, but the electrical components can become a common fire risk, especially if the appliance overheats due to poor ventilation.
Pest infestations can also quickly escalate and get expensive. Mice, in particular, can easily nest in warm, dark spaces and are notorious for chewing through electrical wiring, insulation, and hoses. Getting rid of mice becomes harder the longer the infestation has been going on.
I've seen homeowners hit with all manner of costs due to neglecting behind key appliances like their fridge or washer. How much can it set you back? Here's a quick list of some potential problems, and rough costs:
- Rodent damage: Repairing a few damaged wires can range from $150–$300, but if this requires full appliance replacement, it can soar to $800–$2,000.
- Pest control: Professionals can charge $150–$400 per visit, with follow-ups often required
- Refrigerator issues: Dirty coils can increase energy use by up to 35%. For a typical refrigerator, that’s an extra $35 per year.
- Compressor replacement: If the compressor fails due to strain, you're looking at $500–$700.
- Full fridge replacement: $1,200–$2,500.
- Mold remediation: For localized cleanup behind appliances, you'll be charged $500–$1,500. If mold spreads to walls or cabinets, it can cost $2,000–$6,000!
Obviously, this doesn't even factor in the worst potential impact of a fire – for example, if grease build-up near hot surfaces goes unchecked.
They say that the countertops are the first thing to clean in a kitchen – but behind your appliances should be high on the list as well. How to clean a kitchen like a pro starts with these often-forgotten spots, which can save you significant money and stress down the line.
3. The solution
The fix is simple – and it doesn’t need to be done as part of your weekly cleaning routine. I advise setting a quarterly schedule to clean under and behind all your major appliances.
Unplug them safely and carefully move them out. If the appliance is bulky, heavy-duty sliders and slim vacuum attachments can make the task easier and safer.
Vacuum dust and debris (or use a duster like the Swiffer Dusters Heavy Duty Extendable Handle Dusting Kit from Target) and wipe down the surfaces with a degreasing cleaner. Mrs. Meyer's All-Purpose Cleaning Spray, available at Walmart, and Attitude's Citrus All-Purpose Spray, also from Walmart are two versatile but reliable options.
A coil cleaning brush (see below) is also well worth the investment to keep your refrigerator running smoothly. White vinegar, available in large containers at Walmart, and Arm & Hammer Pure Baking Soda, also from Walmart, are natural cleaning agents that will safely shine your machinery. And remember: while you're back there, check for signs of mold or pest activity.
As a professional service provider, we see that regular preventive cleaning saves clients hundreds each year by avoiding emergency callouts and prolonging appliance life.
This is a powerful, non-toxic degreaser that effectively cuts through the grime commonly found behind appliances – particularly ovens and stoves.
I find this long, flexible brush to be perfect for reaching dust-covered coils, improving appliance efficiency. It’s affordable and easy to use.
This bleach-free powder cleans and polishes multiple surface types, and leaves behind a fresh scent with hints of lemon, vanilla and lavender.
So there you have it – the common kitchen cleaning mistake that could cost you hundreds, or even thousands and how to avoid a hefty bill.
The space behind your appliances may be out of sight, but it shouldn’t be out of mind. A bit of seasonal upkeep can prevent pest infestations, protect your appliances, and save you hundreds in repairs or energy bills.
Watch out for these warning signs it's time to replace your old appliances, and learn how to safely dispose of your home appliances.
