We all have our standard cleaning routine when it comes to one of the busiest spaces in our homes: the kitchen. Whether you go full Monica Gellar with your washing and scrubbing or just do a quick wipe down, there are some spaces in particular that are prone to collecting germs and other allergens. However, some of these spaces can be quite often forgotten in the typical cleaning rundown. Read on to find out the six dirtiest spots in your kitchen and how to successfully add them to your disinfecting routine, if they aren't already getting the attention they deserve.
Problem: Kitchen worktops are on the top of the dirty list for good reason: they receive the most amount of contact day after day. Think about it. We prepare all of our meals on the worktop, place our shooping bags (and possibly handbahs, purses, laptop bags etc) on top of them, and rest our car keys and mobile phones there too.
Solution: Spritzing your kitchen counters with your favourite all-purpose cleaner and wiping them down once or twice a week will guarantee a surface that is much more sanitary and germ-free.
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Kitchen Sink
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Sheila Gim
Problem: Right behind your kitchen worktops inevitably comes the kitchen sink, another area that is prone to bacteria and other allergen build-up. Between all of the leftover cooking liquid, juice, and milk we pour into it every day, it is important to remember that this space is exposed to its fair share of mess too.
Solution: Be mindful that using a dirty sponge to wipe down your sink every few days isn't helping, it is only spreading more germs about. Instead, be sure to either use a clean sponge or one paper towel sheet to wipe down the sink with a disinfectant. No more dirty sinks here!
Problem: Speaking of sponges and other cleaning brushes . . . they get dirty too! Like, really dirty. And it can be easy to forget that they need to be cleaned too. The last thing you want is to use a germ-infested sponge to "clean" the rest of your kitchen. This is only making your mess ten times worse!
Solution: Every couple of days, pop your brushes and reusable sponges on the top rack of your dishwasher to run with the rest of the load. You can even alternate so you always have a cleaning brush available should you need it. And if you have any questions, it doesn't hurt to buy a new packet of brushes or sponges to start from scratch every so often.
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Fridge Drawers
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Jae Payne
Problem: The drawers in your fridge might seem unassuming, but they can be one of the germiest spots in your kitchen. How many times have you had to throw out half-finished expired cheese, vegetables, or even protein? If you aren't careful, leaving old food in these drawers can start to collect bacteria and infect the space inside your drawers.
Solution: First, be sure to keep your meats separate from your fruit and veg and in their respective drawers. Also, every once in a while, make a point to pull each drawer out and rinse with a mild detergent and warm water. This will help to wipe any lurking germs away for good.
Problem: Those oven knobs and light switches will get you every time. When is the last time you have even thought to clean these small areas of your kitchen!? For us, at least, it's been a while. If you are an avid chef always preparing meals for yourself and your family, you are bound to be touching those oven and hob knobs on a pretty consistent basis, all throughout flu season no less. And if you aren't always cooking up a storm, you definitely are flicking the lights on and off every day. So it makes sense that these guys need a cleaning too every once and a while.
Solution: Keep a roll of disinfectant wipes handy, and wipe your oven knobs and light switches as a part of your regular cleaning routine. You won't be sorry, especially when a bad cold is going around!
Problem: Our coffee makers are commonly forgotten when it comes to a kitchen detox, but this beloved little machine is another top hangout for germs, especially on and inside the water reservoir. Drinking possibly allergen-filled coffee is clearly a big no-no, so this small space is important to keep high up on your cleaning radar.
Solution: Kiss any lurking bacteria goodbye with a simple homemade mix of 2 cups white vinegar and 1 cup water. Run your concoction through the brew cycle twice, and you will be guaranteed germ-free!
