Deep clean pantry shelves, cracks, and crevices

Steps

1. After removing all food, vacuum shelves, corners, cracks, and shelf-bracket holes thoroughly
2. Wipe all surfaces with hot soapy water or a 50/50 vinegar-water solution
3. Pay special attention to shelf liner edges, wall-shelf junctions, and door hinges where larvae hide
4. Let shelves dry completely before restocking

Why It Works

Pantry pest eggs and pupae hide in crevices far from the food source. Cleaning eliminates these hidden life stages that would otherwise re-infest new food within weeks.

Tips

• Use a crevice tool attachment on your vacuum to reach shelf-bracket holes and corners
• Remove and replace shelf liner paper — larvae pupate underneath it
• Repeat the deep clean 2 weeks later to catch any missed eggs that have hatched