Are You Cleaning These 7 Germiest Kitchen Spots?

The presence of bacteria in raw meat and other raw foods can make your kitchen a hotspot for germ infestation. The sink, counters, cutting boards, sponges, oven racks, cabinet handles, faucets, etc., can harbour E. coli and other lethal bacteria if not cleaned and sanitised regularly.

Furthermore, food spills, splatters, gunk, leftover food particles, and clogged drains can spread harmful microbes throughout your kitchen, causing various foodborne illnesses and infections. To create a sterile home environment, go beyond regular dusting, wiping, and mopping. It is good to pay special attention to the most neglected areas where germs tend to lurk and proliferate.

In today’s article, we will unveil 7 germiest spots in your kitchen and share useful tips on keeping them spotless and hygienic all year round. Whether refreshing up your home or preparing for an expert end of lease cleaning Sydney service, using proven hacks and tricks can help prevent cross contamination while creating a healthier and organised cooking environment for your family.

Let’s Get Started!

1. Kitchen Sponges, Rags and Dishcloths

Sponges and dishcloths are the most unnoticed things in the kitchen. Unfortunately, leaving them dirty and damp can harbour a variety of bacteria, including E. coli, Campylobacter, Salmonella, Listeria, and Staphylococcus aureus. Wiping surfaces with germ laden sponges can lead to cross contamination, causing mild to severe infections. Some microbiologists say a dirty kitchen rag or sponge contains more pathogens than the toilet seat. Isn’t it scary?

When you clean your kitchen next time, prioritise sponges and dishcloths. It is always good to sanitise your sponge every one or two weeks. All you need to do is microwave your damp sponge for 2 minutes. Add white vinegar or baking soda for best results. Moreover, switching to reusable dishcloths can make your life easier.  Ensure your wash them in hot water after each use to keep germs at bay.

2. Door Handles, Knobs and Touch Pads/Control Panels

Cleaning inside the oven or microwave is essential, but you can’t overlook the door handle, knobs, touch pads and control panels. These are highly touched spots that can be a breeding ground for harmful microbes. Ensure you remove greasy stains and fingerprints from the handles and control panels using a DIY solution.

White vinegar and rubbing alcohol spray can kill microbes on these surfaces. Spray the solution on a microfibre cloth and gently wipe down the surface. Do this weekly to prevent germ infestation.

3. Kitchen Sink and Faucets

The kitchen sink is used for rinsing raw meat and vegetables, cleaning dirty dishes, etc. If it is not cleaned and sanitised regularly, it increases the chances of harbouring disease causing germs. Among all kitchen surfaces, the sink is one of the most contaminated spots, leading to food safety deterioration.

Even scarier, the bacteria in the sink or on your hands can cross contaminate other surfaces, including your dishes, pots, and stovetop. Thus, it is always good to clean and sanitise these spots daily after preparing your meals.

Use dishwashing soap and warm water to wash the sink and faucet. To banish germs and bad odours, apply baking soda paste, covering all nooks and crannies. Leave it for a few minutes and scrub with a brush or sponge. Spray rubbing alcohol on faucets can also kill lurking germs effectively.

End of lease cleaning Sydney professionals also recommend unclogging drain and garbage disposal. It is good to pour a cup of baking soda and vinegar down the drain. The duo will create frizz and break down gunk and grease. Lastly, pour a cup of hot water for the best outcomes.

4. Cutting or Chopping Boards

Chopping boards, especially wooden ones, can be breeding grounds for common household germs and bacteria. Microbes from raw meat and vegetables can transform into the nooks and crannies of your board even after a single use. Therefore, it is good to have at least two separate cutting boards: one for fruits and vegetables and one for raw meats. This will prevent cross-contamination when preparing meals.

To eradicate germs, cut a lemon in half, sprinkle baking soda over it, and gently scrub the surface, covering nooks and crannies. While citric acid in lemon has antibacterial properties, baking soda can help eliminate buildup grime and grease effectively. Ensure you dry the board to prevent further contamination. Soda crystals can also help restore the lost shine of your chopping boards.

5. Deep Clean and Disinfect Your Fridge

Neglecting refrigerator cleaning and maintenance can harbour harmful bacteria inside, even with cold temperatures. Leftover food, spills, stains and gunk can make things worse. Ensure you regularly clean and organise your fridge to promote food safety. Here is a quick guide for efficient sanitisation:

• Remove and sort through all food contents. Toss stale, expired and unwanted items.
• Remove and soap drawers and shelves in hot, soapy water.
• Spray white vinegar solution inside your fridge, including nooks and crannies, to break down stubborn stains and gunk.
• Scrub with a soft bristled brush, covering edges, crannies and rubber gaskets of the door. Wipe down with a clean cloth.
• Remove the vent cover and vacuum the coils.
• Place a bowl of coffee beans to banish the lingering smell from your appliance.
• Strategically organise your fridge to prevent food wastage.

6. Small Appliances: Blenders and Coffee Makers

Most people clean microwaves, ovens, and dishwashers when sprucing up their kitchens. Unfortunately, small appliances like coffee makers and blenders are key germ hotspots. Thus, it is imperative to regularly clean these appliances using glass cleaners or DIY natural products. It is best to clean them after every use or at least once a week.

7. Stove Knobs and Rangehood Filter

The grease buildup, gunk and grime over stove knobs and rangehood filter create a perfect environment for germs infestation. Since it is one of the most unnoticed spots, bacteria lurk and spread on other surfaces, leading to cross contamination. Ensure you de grease the knobs using baking soda paste. Gently scrub and wipe the area.

For a greasy rangehood filter, remove and soak it in hot, soapy water with soda crystals. Next, scrub the surface with a brush and rinse thoroughly. If you are at the end of your tenancy, book experts for a budget end of lease cleaning Sydney service and secure full bond money. They clean according to the pre-approved checklist, leaving no signs of dirt, germs and gunk behind, ensuring a seamless move out.

Clean and Disinfect 7 Germiest Spots in Your Kitchen

Wrapping up

Your kitchen may look spick and span after a basic clean up, but invisible invaders can lurk around different surfaces, leading to various health hazards. When sprucing up your kitchen, pay attention to sponges, cabinet and door handles, sinks, cutting boards, refrigerators, and small appliances to ensure a healthy and hygienic cooking environment in your home.