The Sneaky Spot Where Kitchen Grease Builds Up Without You Noticing

We all have to clean our kitchens so frequently — between the dishes, counters, and floors, it's easy to fall into a routine. Yet, there are some hidden items in the kitchen you should clean more often. Dirt and grease can easily build up in areas that aren't in our line of sight, which is why it's so easy to forget about them. Areas like cabinet tops and ceiling fans often go unnoticed, along with one sneaky spot you might be neglecting even more: light fixtures. They, too, can become covered in grease splatters from all of those dinners you've cooked.

Even the most cautious home chefs won't catch every pop and splash. Grease travels a lot further than you might expect, even settling on more out-of-reach kitchen surfaces like ceiling light fixtures. It's important to try and avoid grease buildup in general since it increases the risk of fire and produces unpleasant odors. You can take preventative measures like using a splatter screen, cooking with less oil, or simply grilling or baking instead. But if it's too late for prevention and your light fixtures are already covered in grease and grime, there are some simple ways to get them all cleaned up.

The first step in cleaning your light fixtures is to turn off the power, allowing everything to cool down before touching. Then, it's time to take a soft microfiber cloth and dust the fixtures to pick up loose particles. Carefully remove the light shades or covers, which may require a screwdriver. Next, using a rag dipped in a mixture of water and dish soap, clean the non-electrical parts of the lights to eliminate dirt and grease. If you notice smudges on any glass features, wipe them away with a glass cleaner. After the fixtures and covers are all clean, dry them off with a towel, then set aside for additional dry time.

If the lightbulbs are only covered in dust, use your dry microfiber cloth to freshen them up. However, if they're also filthy with kitchen grease, unscrew and remove them. Gently clean the glass part of the bulbs using a damp cloth. Make sure they're completely dry before putting them back, as well as the light fixtures. Once finished, you can turn everything back on and enjoy cleaner, brighter lights. While light fixtures may seem like a hard spot to get clean in your kitchen, they don't have to be. With a few easy steps, you can say goodbye to grease-covered fixtures.

It's a good idea to address all of the lights in your kitchen, especially if you've never cleaned them before. But if time is an issue, zero in on the lights closest to your stovetop. In particular, pay attention to the one that's installed in the range hood if you have one. It should have the most grease buildup since it sits directly above your oil-splattering pans.

Create a schedule for cleaning your lights so that they can always perform at their best. When grease builds up, it can reduce lights' brightness and make for a less sanitary cooking environment. Dust your lights every week or two, and give them a deep cleaning every few months. Keep in mind that LED bulbs don't attract as much grease, and you can select fixtures with finishes that are intended to be more grease-resistant. Whether your kitchen has overhead lights, chandeliers, or wall-mounted fixtures, don't forget to give them some TLC.