Often the germiest places in kitchens are overlooked, which is pretty scary being that the kitchen is where meals are prepared. If your kitchen isn’t kept clean, your family’s risk of getting sick is dramatically increased.
Below are often overlooked places to focus on while cleaning the kitchen:
Cutting Boards
Left over food scraps are a good way to allow bacteria to collect. Always wash cutting boards after every use with soap and hot water. Use a dishwasher if applicable.
Stove Knobs
Human hands spread germs like crazy, so be sure to wash your hands before you begin cooking. Every two to three stove uses, remove all stove knobs and wash with soap and hot water.
Kitchen Counters
Counter-tops should be wiped down after every cooking session or spill. Use soap and hot water or a water/bleach solution.
Faucets
With all the hands that touch faucets throughout the day, they tend to collect a lot of germs. Thoroughly wipe down faucets with disinfectant spray or wipes every day.
Coffee Makers
The inside of a coffee maker is the perfect environment for germs to accumulate due to the moisture and darkness. Every once in a while, fill your coffee pot with half water and half vinegar. Pour the mixture into your coffee maker and brew to clean the inside of your coffee maker.
Kitchen Sinks
Kitchen sinks see a bunch of food scraps and other substances. Once or twice a week, clean the bottom and walls of the sink. Then, mix two teaspoons of bleach into a container of water and pour it down the drain.
Dish Sponges
Sponges are used everywhere; on the counter, the sink, etc. So, naturally they are going to build up a ton of germs. Be sure to wash dirt and scum out of your sponges with soap and hot water after every use. You can even microwave sponges for two minutes to ensure you kill any lingering microorganisms.
Stay Stocked Up on Cleaning Supplies
You never know when you’re going to have to clean up a mess in the kitchen, so it is important that you always have some general cleaning supplies on hand. A few items to keep are hand soap, dish soap, disinfectant wipes, bleach, sponges, and lots of paper towels!
