The kitchen is the hardest room in a Sydney home to keep genuinely clean. It's used multiple times a day, generates grease and moisture, and has dozens of surfaces that each accumulate grime at different rates. Most homeowners do a reasonable job on the obvious areas — benchtops, the stovetop, the sink — but there are a handful of spots that get missed almost universally.
The Rangehood Filter
The rangehood filter is possibly the most neglected area in the average Sydney kitchen. Over time, grease saturates the mesh filter and it stops working effectively. Not only does this affect air quality, it's also a fire hazard. Most filters should be cleaned or replaced every three to six months, depending on how much cooking happens at home.
To clean a standard baffle or mesh filter, remove it and soak it in a sink of hot water with dishwashing liquid or a degreasing product. Let it sit for 15–20 minutes, then scrub with a stiff brush. Dry thoroughly before replacing. For many homeowners in Surry Hills and Paddington with gas cooktops and high cooking frequency, this is a monthly job.
Behind and Underneath Appliances
The gaps beside and underneath the fridge, oven, and dishwasher are dust and grime traps. Crumbs, grease droplets, and pet hair accumulate in these spaces over months. In older kitchens in Balmain or Leichhardt, these areas can harbour cockroach activity if left unchecked.
- Pull the fridge out at least twice a year to clean behind and underneath
- Vacuum and mop under the oven and dishwasher when possible
- Check the gap between the oven and countertop where crumbs fall
- Wipe down the sides of appliances that face each other
Splashback Grout and Tile Joints
Grout between kitchen tiles stains faster than most people expect, especially near the cooktop. Grease splatter combines with dust to create a dark film that regular wiping doesn't remove. A paste of baking soda and water applied with an old toothbrush, left for 10–15 minutes and then scrubbed, makes a significant difference. For stubborn stains, a diluted bleach solution on white grout works well.
The Inside of Cupboards and Drawers
Kitchen cupboard interiors collect crumbs, spice spills, and food residue. The cupboard under the sink is particularly prone to water damage and mould. Every three to six months, empty each cupboard, wipe it down, check for leaks or moisture, and reline with fresh shelf paper if you use it.
The Dishwasher Interior
Dishwashers clean your dishes but rarely clean themselves. Limescale deposits, food residue in the filter, and mould in the door seal are common in Sydney's moderately hard water. Run a cleaning cycle monthly with a dishwasher cleaner tablet, and check the filter at the base regularly — it should be rinsed every few weeks in high-use households in Marrickville or Newtown.
Window and Exhaust Fan Covers
Kitchen exhaust fans collect grease and dust on their covers. Remove and wipe the cover every couple of months. If you have a kitchen window, check the tracks — steam and grease from cooking settle here and attract grime.
A regular professional clean as part of a HomeKeep subscription covers the visible kitchen surfaces consistently, making it easier to stay on top of the less obvious areas between visits. When professionals are already handling the routine maintenance, you have more capacity to tackle the bigger tasks like filter cleaning and appliance shifts.
