Some of our fondest sensory memories are born in the kitchen. The smell of roast meat or a tasty soup can take us back to wonderful times from our past. But this space is also one of the dirtiest. There are many bacteria on various kitchen products. Fortunately, if you know what they are, you can clean them with ease. These are the places in your kitchen that need to be cleaned the most.
Blender blades/rubber ring Blenders are very useful tools, but they are difficult to clean. The things you mix inevitably find their way into an impossibly reachable chasm. The blender's rubber ring — the round piece of plastic attached to the blade — is rarely cleaned or scrubbed. Many bacteria remain there.
Can opener Whether opening a can of tomatoes or can of beans, the can opener is both useful and practical, but this basic kitchen appliance needs extra attention. Rinsing the can opener under warm water is not enough. To completely clean a can opener and remove all traces of salmonella, E. coli, yeast and mold, it is best to place it in the dishwasher after each use. If you don't have one, wash it in warm, soapy water and let it dry.
The kitchen sink
The kitchen counter, the place where fresh fruits and vegetables and other ready-to-eat food items are put, is very dirty. One study found that one in three countertops was riddled with harmful bacteria. Wiping the counter with a used dishcloth or sponge only exacerbates the problem. To effectively clean a countertop, spray it with kitchen cleaner or disinfectant and wipe with a paper towel.
Cutting board
Chopping boards are a nest for bacteria. When you cut raw chicken or beef into cubes, salmonella and other bacteria settle in crevices or imperfections on the cutting board. Cutting boards, especially wooden ones, should be washed in hot, soapy water after each use. To remove remaining germs and ensure safety, place the cutting board in the dishwasher or disinfect it with bleach or kitchen cleaner. Different cutting boards should always be used for meat and vegetables to avoid cross-contamination.
Dishcloth
It's common to do laundry once or twice a week, but how often do you throw your dishcloth in the wash? Dishcloths and sponges contain a lot of bacteria.
Coffee tank
The coffee tank (the compartment that holds the water) should be cleaned regularly. The moist and dark area is the perfect place for mold to linger and grow. Cleaning the coffee hopper properly is easy; pour in equal parts water and vinegar and let it stand for 30 minutes, then turn on the coffee maker and let the vinegar solution drip out. Rinse it out with water before brewing a new one.
Knife Blocks
Unless you're a really messy cook, your knife block probably won't get covered in food. However, the deep indentations of your knife block contain all kinds of fungi, yeasts and even some bacteria.
Microwave buttons
How many times a day do you use your microwave? Whether you're heating something up or cooking an entire dish, you probably didn't wash your hands before you hit the buttons. Don't forget to disinfect the buds every now and then so you don't get your hands dirty right before you eat.
Vegetable drawer refrigerator t
Vegetables are the foundation of healthy eating, but the crisper drawer is far from the cleanest place in the kitchen. The tray is moist and provides optimal conditions for bacterial growth. To properly clean the compartment, remove the drawer completely and wipe it with a clean cloth and a mixture of dish soap and warm water. Use some warm water and baking soda to prevent odors from developing.
Refrigerator door handle Although it won't come into contact with food, the refrigerator door handle is still one of the dirtiest places in your kitchen. After handling raw meat or even wiping the counter with a sponge, the next door your hand usually touches is the refrigerator door. Just as the bathroom door knob is a serious source of germs, the refrigerator door handle should be cleaned thoroughly, ideally with disinfectant wipes.
Reusable shopping bags
They may be great for the environment, but they're not that popular for you. For example, reusing a bag that once contained raw meat poses the threat of cross-contamination. If you are going to use these eco-conscious bags, make sure all food placed in the bag is covered tightly, the bag is washed once a week and kept out of the boot of your warm car.
Rubber spatulas
Rubber spatulas are durable and multifunctional, but they should be cleaned thoroughly after each use. When the rubber part of the spatula is scratched or scarred, bacteria can hide in the crevices. Many rubber spatulas are dishwasher safe, so don't be afraid to put it in.
Salt and pepper set
No one probably thinks about cleaning these cute, harmless-looking kitchen utensils, but their surface is a magnet for bacteria.
Sink
It may come as a surprise, but the kitchen sink is most likely one of the most common places you forget to clean. Everything—from leftover spaghetti sauce to chunks of mashed potatoes—is dumped in the sink. The sink effectively becomes a bacteria cauldron of all the germs you thought would never go away. You should especially clean your sink if you choose to wash your chicken in it – but you really shouldn't.
Sponge
Sponges are designed to clean dishes, but they spread more bacteria on plates, bowls and pans. The porous material of the sponge makes it the perfect breeding ground for germs and bacteria. When cleaning a surface used to cook raw meat, the sponge picks up potentially dangerous strains of bacteria, such as salmonella, which thrive in moist crevices. These moisture-loving bacteria are also likely to grow in these areas of your home – the ones you often forget to clean.
