How to Clean Under Your Fridge & Dishwasher

Dear friends,

There comes a time in life when one realises that the true enemies are no longer unruly children or questionable fashion choices – but the alarming mysteries lurking beneath one’s kitchen appliances. Yes, I speak of that shadowy underworld beneath the refrigerator and dishwasher, a place where crumbs gather and cockroaches go to die – ick!

Now, for those of us of a certain vintage (60 and gloriously above), the prospect of getting down there may feel less like housekeeping and more like preparing for an expedition. But fear not, we shall approach this with grace, cunning, and only the mildest amount of grumbling.

First, the refrigerator, our humming sentinel of leftovers past.

If it’s on wheels (and many are, though they pretend otherwise), gently coax it forward. Not with brute force, good heavens, no, but with a firm nudge and perhaps a polite word of encouragement. “Come along, darling,” works wonders.

Once revealed, you may find a startling collection: ancient peas, a rogue grape, possibly something that once aspired to be cheese. Equip yourself with a long-handled duster or a long narrow vacuum attachment, no need to crouch like a contortionist. Sweep or suck away with the quiet satisfaction of someone restoring order to the universe.

Now, the dishwasher is definitely trickier, and rather more secretive. Most cleaners will tell you to unscrew the kick plate to get better access – well dears that is not going to happen on my watch – my knees would never forgive me.

Until recently I used to use a long ruler wrapped in a kitchen disposable wipe (I love that one just throws them away, gunk and all – so civilised!). What I did come across recently while I was meandering gracefully down the shopping aisle was a real game-changer (as the yanks would say) a three-piece telescopic dusting set. How fabulous – what fun I thought – and promptly popped in into my shopping trolley. These telescopic dusting kits come with three or more attachable dusters. The long flat rectangular one is perfect for slotting under the dishwasher and fridge. If you dampen it first it works a treat to remove whatever lurks there. Do not be alarmed if you retrieve items you haven’t seen since 1997. Take it as a small archaeological victory.

And importantly – a word on posture and dignity: If one must bend, do so with purpose and something sturdy nearby to hold onto. The kitchen counter is your ally. This is not the time for heroics; we are aiming for longevity, not Olympic qualification.

And finally, a cheeky tip: Place a sheet of baking paper or a thin mat beneath the front edge of these appliances (where possible). Next time you clean, it will slide out debris like a well-trained butler presenting tea. Less effort, more elegance.

In closing, remember, cleanliness is not about perfection – it is about maintaining a home that feels cared for, even in the places one rarely sees. And if you find yourself muttering under your breath while fishing out a fossilised biscuit, just know – you are in excellent company.

Yours, with polish and flare.

Until next week dears, a fond adieu x