Keeping your kitchen clean is a never-ending task, but there’s one sneaky spot that loves to collect grime: the narrow gap between your stove and the counter. It’s a magnet for crumbs, grease splatters and anything else that escapes your countertops — and it’s tough to clean without moving the entire stove.

Since most of your cooking happens on the stovetop and nearby counter space, it makes sense that this area attracts debris. But ignoring it doesn’t just look bad, it can also invite unwanted pests. The problem? Most of us avoid cleaning that tight space because moving the stove is a hassle (and let’s be honest, kind of risky).

Here’s the good news. You can stop crumbs in their tracks and keep that hard-to-reach crevice just as clean as the rest of your kitchen with one kitchen staple: aluminum foil. No scrubbing, no lifting, no problem.

Fore more kitchen upgrades, explore the best dishwashers, best washing machines and best refrigerators of the year. 

How to use aluminum foil to keep the stove gap clean

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.

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.