Cleaning Behind Appliances
The spaces behind major kitchen and laundry appliances are among the least-cleaned and most consequential areas of Ontario homes. Refrigerators, stoves, and washing machines create hidden spaces that accumulate years of dust, food debris, lint, and moisture — and in some cases, these accumulations become fire hazards, pest attractors, or sources of odour that affect the whole room.
Behind the Refrigerator
The refrigerator coils — at the back or bottom of most modern refrigerators — are dust magnets. Dust-clogged coils force the refrigerator compressor to work harder, increasing energy consumption by 20–30% and shortening the appliance's lifespan. Behind and under the refrigerator also accumulates food debris and moisture from condensation drip pans. Pull the refrigerator out annually: vacuum the coils with a brush attachment, wipe the floor, and check the drip pan. This one task saves energy and prevents odours.
Behind the Stove
Food and grease fall and splatter behind and under the stove continuously during cooking. Annual cleaning reveals the accumulation — typically significant grease buildup on the wall behind, food debris on the floor, and sometimes the beginnings of a pest attractant. Pull the stove out, clean the wall behind (degreaser works best), clean the floor underneath, and check the gas or electric connections for any issues while it's accessible.
Behind the Washer and Dryer
Lint accumulates behind and around both appliances. For gas dryers: check the exhaust duct for lint accumulation — dryer vent lint is one of the leading causes of residential fires in Ontario. For washing machines: check the water supply hoses for any signs of bulging or corrosion, which are warnings of imminent hose failure (a washing machine hose burst is one of the more common and costly household water damage events).