There’s nothing more unsettling than finding mysterious marks or smells in your home, especially in the kitchen. After all, that’s the space where meals are prepared, and you want it to stay spotless and safe. So when one homeowner started noticing odd black dots popping up around her kitchen, she grew concerned—and took to social media to ask for help.
She posted in the “WeLoveMrsHinch” Facebook group: “Does anyone know what these points could be? They started on the kitchen tiles and this morning I found them on top of the PC we keep in the kitchen.”
The responses she got weren’t exactly what she expected, but they solved the mystery. Several users chimed in, explaining that what she was seeing was most likely spider droppings.
According to pest experts, spiders don’t leave solid waste like many animals. Instead, their droppings are thick, liquid-like splats—similar to dark ink stains. They often appear on walls, tiles, or other surfaces, and the color can range from black and brown to white or gray depending on the spider species. Essentially, it’s a mix of digested food and waste.
If you’ve never heard of spider droppings before, you’re not alone. But if you start noticing those little black marks around your kitchen, it’s important to figure out the source quickly. Of course, spider droppings aren’t the only possibility—here’s how to tell what you’re dealing with and how to clean it up.
What Those Black Dots Could Be
- Mold: If the spots look fuzzy and show up in damp areas, mold may be the culprit.
- Grease Spatter: Black dots near the stove or counters can often be grease splashes from cooking.
- Dirt or Grime: Built-up dirt over time can darken into black marks, especially on surfaces that aren’t cleaned regularly.
- Spider Droppings: Small splats or drips that look like ink stains are a common sign of spiders.
How to Clean Them
- For Mold: Mix 1 part bleach with 10 parts water, scrub the area, and always wear gloves with good ventilation.
- For Grease: Use a degreaser or make a baking soda paste for stubborn stains.
- For Dirt/Grime: A simple mix of dish soap and warm water is usually enough.
- For Spider Droppings: Wipe with soapy water or a disinfectant spray to remove stains and sanitize the area.
How to Prevent Black Dots from Returning
- Improve Ventilation: Always use an exhaust fan while cooking to cut down on grease buildup.
- Clean Regularly: Wipe down counters, walls, and tiles to stop dirt and food residue from collecting.
- Control Moisture: Fix leaks and reduce condensation to stop mold from growing.
- Address the Source: If spiders are leaving droppings, locate and seal their entry points or use natural repellents to keep them out.
The Bottom Line
Those mysterious black dots in your kitchen aren’t something to ignore. Whether it’s mold, grease, grime, or spider droppings, they all need attention to keep your kitchen safe and sanitary. By identifying the cause and tackling it with the right cleaning method, you’ll not only protect your kitchen but also prevent bigger problems down the road.
