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5 of the dirtiest spots in your kitchen
Even if you meticulously clean your kitchen, and believe it to be squeaky-clean, chances are its still home to nasties that are bad for your health.
"Moisture and food particles make it the perfect environment for growing germs that can make you sick," says Kelly A. Reynolds, PhD, an environmental microbiologist at the University of Arizona's Zuckerman College of Public Health in Tucson. "If you're not killing them, you can go from 10 microbes to millions within 24 hours."
The key is to focus on the most hazardous errors where these germs thrive and multiply. Here are five of the dirtiest spots in your kitchen to pay attention to.
1. The sink
There can be millions of pathogens (disease-causing germs) clinging to the sink, the seal of the drain and the rubber gasket around the garbage disposal. Be sure to lean your sink once a day- even when it’s not used – and immediately after rinsing raw meat, veggies and pet bowls. When using disinfectant, let it sit for a while before wiping away.
2. Your sponges
Seventy-five per cent of household dish sponges and rags carry disease-causing Coliform bacteria such as E. coli, and a dirty sponge or rag will spread those germs to any surface it touches. Replace dishrags daily. Launder in hot water and dry on hot, which kills more germs.
3. Refrigerator and cabinet handles, stove knobs and light switches
We often forget about these areas because they may not look dirty, but any area you touch multiple times a day is highly likely to be contaminated. Wipe down these areas as part of your
regular kitchen disinfecting routine.
4. Your rubbish bin
No matter how careful you are, food particles, meat juices and other nasty stuff build up in your rubbish bin. Once a week, take your garbage can outdoors or haul it into your shower. Spray inside and out with a disinfectant, let it sit for the time recommended on the label, then rinse and let it air-dry.
5. Reusable grocery bags
Reusable grocery bags often carry disease-causing bacteria such as E. coli. Most reusable bags are porous, so juices from meat can soak into the fibres. They are also often not made of materials that can withstand a hot water wash, so if you want to hold onto your bags, find some that can take a spin in tour washing machine.
What's your kitchen cleaning routine? Do you have any top tips to share? Share them in the comments below.
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What's your kitchen cleaning routine? Do you have any top tips to share? Share them in the comments below.
Related links: