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Use This Trick to Clean the Gross Gap Between Your Stove and Counter

That pesky gap between your stove and counter is full of dirt and debris. Here's how to properly clean it.

Headshot of Macy Meyer
Headshot of Macy Meyer
Macy Meyer Writer II
Macy is a writer on the AI Team. She covers how AI is changing daily life and how to make the most of it. This includes writing about consumer AI products and their real-world impact, from breakthrough tools reshaping daily life to the intimate ways people interact with AI technology day-to-day. Macy is a North Carolina native who graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill with a BA in English and a second BA in Journalism. You can reach her at mmeyer@cnet.com.
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  • Macy has been working for CNET for coming on 2 years. Prior to CNET, Macy received a North Carolina College Media Association award in sports writing.
Macy Meyer
2 min read
stove top

Banish the dirty and dusty gap with this simple trick. 

 Jason Finn/Getty Images

Keeping your kitchen clean means more than just wiping down the counters and sink. There are also tricky spots that will gather dust, dirt and food crumbs, even if you can't see it. The gap between your stove and counter might only be a narrow gap, but over time it's sure to fill up with grease and small spills that become a larger problem down the line.

It makes sense that this hidden crevice gets dirty so fast. Most of your cooking happens right on the stove and nearby countertop, so everything from chopped veggies to oil splatters can fall straight into that tight space. Ignoring it not only looks messy but can also attract pests, and nobody wants that in their kitchen.

The good news? You don't have to risk straining your back just to clean it. With a simple strip of aluminum foil, you can block crumbs and splatters before they even hit the gap. It's quick, cheap and takes almost no effort, leaving your kitchen cleaner without the hassle of moving heavy appliances.

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How to use aluminum foil to keep the stove gap clean

    Home Tips
    CNET
  1. Measure the length of the gap between your stove and counter. Add about 4 inches to that number.
  2. Tear off a sheet of aluminum foil to match that length.
  3. Fold the foil strip in half lengthwise.
  4. Fold up the edges to create a shallow "boat" shape. No need for perfection. Just make sure the sides are high enough to catch spills.
  5. Gently slide your foil boat into the gap so it rests on the floor and stays out of sight.
clean stove and counter

A fresh boat ready for floor-protecting duty.

 Alina Bradford/CNET

That's it. Think of it like a mini drip tray for that tricky crevice. When it gets dirty, just toss it and replace it with a fresh one. It's a low-effort solution for a cleaner kitchen — and one less mess to worry about.

For more cleaning tips, explore how to wash your bedding the right way and how to clean your kitchen in less than 15 minutes.Â