The kitchen is one of the busiest places in your home, yet one of the most overlooked. People are often more focused on clutter than actual dirt, leaving the kitchen beautifully arranged but with lurking germs.
This is why it is no surprise that the kitchen is one of the dirtiest rooms in a home. Sometimes it’s even dirtier than the bathroom! Here are the top places you should pay more attention to when cleaning up your kitchen.
1. Sink
A study revealed that 47% of kitchen sinks had coliform bacteria, while 27% tested positive for mould. Think about it, all dirty dishes are dumped on the sink, and you rinse cutting boards and wash veggies on it. The end result is plenty of bacteria and microbes lurking on its surface.
How to clean: disinfect your sink regularly to prevent germ buildup. Use bleach, hot water or baking soda and vinegar every week or fortnight to flush the sink drain. You should also keep it free of utensils by cleaning them at least once per day.
2. Countertops
Countertops are the heart of the kitchen. It is where most of the action in the kitchen takes place: preparing meals, chopping vegetables, cutting meat, etc. Surprisingly, most people only wipe it down with dishcloths and sponges, which also harbour lots of germs.
How to clean: Use a disinfectant and a clean cloth to clean the counter at least once a day and use paper towels to clean spills. Clean the moist areas underneath the appliances at least once a week and use a cutting board when preparing meals.
3. The Fridge
The irony of the refrigerator having germs is that it is the only place in the kitchen you can count on to keep your food cold enough and bacteria-free. However, while your food may remain fresh for longer, the vegetable crispers, ice, and meat drawers often harbour mould and bacteria.
How to clean: clean the fridge compartments with a disinfectant and use a clean cloth to clean the drawers. You could also do a white vinegar flush for the water dispenser and clean the ice maker & ice bin clean. This should be done monthly, or every time there is a spill in your fridge.
4. TouchPads, Knobs, and Handles
How many times do you touch the door, knobs and touchpads of your home appliances? A lot! You may be so accustomed to touching them that sometimes you make contact with these areas right after cutting raw meat. This then transfers bacteria like salmonella, E. coli, mould, and sometimes yeast.
How to clean: use disinfectant wipes to clean these areas every day after food preparation, or use a spray-on disinfectant.
5. Cutting Boards
Most wooden boards have crannies and tiny nooks which are a hotbed of germs. These crevices sometimes appear after use, and if the cutting board is not well-cleaned, cross-contamination could occur, causing food poisoning.
How to clean: Clean and rinse your cutting boards with hot water every day after use and then dry them off with a clean dish towel or paper towel. Don’t leave them to drip dry because they will create a warm moist environment suitable for bacteria growth.
6. Dish Cloths & Sponges
Here’s a shocking fact you probably didn’t know: at least 75% of dishcloth and sponge contain coliform bacteria. This is because they are always moist, creating a bacteria heaven.
How to clean: wash your dishcloths with hot water every day before use and let them dry out completely. Use paper towels to clean random spills in the kitchen.
Is Your Kitchen Really As Clean As You Think It Is?
A neat kitchen is not a reflection of its cleanliness. Pay attention to the above areas, and don’t forget to clean the small kitchen appliances. If possible, disassemble these appliances every week and clean them thoroughly.
