Your Kitchen's 7 Dirtiest Spots
The kitchen is the heart of the home, which is why it is typically the dirtiest. There's the obvious mess, such as used dishes, a sticky floor, or a crusty oven. But there are often spaces and objects that are ignored, so ask yourself if there are any more places you're failing to clean.
Consider the spaces and objects you may use every day during food preparation. Kitchen countertops, handles, sinks, sponges, reusable water bottles, and other items should come to mind. Because they are frequently touched on a regular basis, it is critical to disinfect them on a daily or weekly basis to avoid bacterial buildup and cross-contamination.
Let's with QueenBee to find out what the dirtiest places are in your kitchen and how to properly clean them.
Sink
Even though your kitchen sink is full of water, there are likely bacteria lurking on the surface, particularly in the crevices where the sink meets the counter, around the drain, and garbage disposal stoppers.
After every meal preparation, washing dishes, or at least once every day, disinfect the kitchen sink, including the handles, faucet, and counter areas surrounding the sink. When you rinse contaminated items, they catch all of the splatters. Use a disinfectant-containing sink cleanser and a clean towel or disposable disinfectant wipes.
Knobs, Handles, And Touch Pads
Every appliance in your kitchen has a control panel or a handle that must be touched each time it is used. It's critical to remember to wash all of those knobs, buttons, and touchpads on a weekly basis because they're sometimes ignored when we're thorough cleaning our kitchens. Particularly if you are touching it while cooking or handling raw food. Use a disinfectant wipe or spray-on disinfectant cleanser and a clean cloth or paper towel to clean kitchen cabinet pulls, appliance handles, and control panels.
Dishcloths, Sponges, And Brushes
Many households use cellulose sponges, sink scrubbing brushes, and fabric dishtowels to limit the usage of paper towels and their environmental impact. Unfortunately, if not thoroughly washed and disinfected, kitchen sponges and cleaning brushes can harbor high bacterial levels.
If you use these items, wash them in hot water after each meal preparation or cleaning session. After each usage, place sink and vegetable scrubbing brushes in the dishwasher for complete cleaning.
Countertops
Don't ignore your kitchen counters—they're frequently where handbags, shopping bags, and other objects are stored on a daily basis, in addition to being a location to make food.
Clean before making food or at least once each day using a disinfectant wipe or clean cloth and disinfectant spray. Avoid using a sponge or used dishcloth because they may contain bacteria and germs.
Take time at least once a week to clean around corners, under small appliances, and along the borders of the stove or refrigerator and the countertop. You don't want to think about what's concealed in those damp, dark places.
Cutting Boards
Cutting boards, particularly wooden boards, can store bacteria in the microscopic nooks and crevices that form after just one use. At least two distinct cutting boards are required: one for fruits and vegetables and one for meats. Cross-contamination will be reduced during meal preparation.
After each usage, wash each board with hot, soapy water and rinse well with hot water. Then thoroughly dry with a paper towel or clean dish towel. Bacteria thrive in warm, damp environments, so don't let the boards drip dry. You can also choose cutting boards that can be cleaned thoroughly in a dishwasher.
Refrigerator
We've already explored what germs might lurk on refrigerator handles and touchpads, but even in frigid temperatures, some dangerous bacteria can grow within your fridge.
Most fruits and vegetables will keep longer if not washed before storing. It's best to store them unwashed in this situation to avoid early decomposition, but it's critical to wash the drawers frequently to avoid future contamination because food residues or bacteria can be left behind.
The same thing happens when raw meat is kept in the fridge. Packaging leaks and fluids collect in drawers and around shelf edges. Even packaged goods, such as milk or butter tubs, have been handled and stored multiple times before entering your refrigerator.
Remove refrigerator drawers or shelves—if possible—monthly and wash the surfaces with mild detergent and hot or warm water to get rid of any bacteria, yeast, or mold that can grow there. Using a clean cloth or paper towel, pat dry.
Wipe away any spills and give the inside surfaces a brief wipe with a disinfectant wipe in between full cleanings.
Take the further step of dusting the top of the appliance and vacuuming behind and underneath it as well. To vacuum the coils, remove the vent cover. Dust on coils forces the refrigerator to work harder to keep cool, consuming more electricity, and food particles hidden beneath are bug magnets.
Coffee Makers, Blenders, and Other Small Appliances
Even clean water that sits in a warm, damp area, such as a coffee maker, can foster the growth of bacteria, yeast, and mold. Some small appliances require cleaning after each usage. Disassemble and thoroughly clean small appliances at least once a week. Some components can be washed in the dishwasher, while others should be washed in hot, soapy water, rinsed in hot water, and well dried.
Utensils such as can openers, measuring spoons, and cups should be cleaned in the same manner.
Conclusion
Above are 7 places in the kitchen that QueenBee rated as containing the most bacteria and dirt. o be able to ensure the hygiene of these areas and equipment, you need to clean and sanitize daily. That will sometimes make you exhausted after a long day at work. Don't worry, because QueenBee provides professional house cleaning services with enthusiastic staff. Contact us when you need a nice clean kitchen and don't want to spend time cleaning it.
QueenBee Cleaning Pty LTD
- 42A Bougainville St Forrest ACT 2603
- 3/5 Daphne close Kingswood NSW 2747
- Hotline: 1800 1 CLEAN (25326)
- Email: info@queenbeecleaning.com.au