Moisture and food residue make the kitchen the perfect breeding ground for germs that can make you and your family sick. You might think your kitchen is squeaky clean, but there are plenty of hiding places where bacteria can multiply. The dirtiest spots in your kitchen that you need to keep properly disinfected are:
- The Sink: Disease-causing germs love to cling to the sink, drain and the rubber seal of the drain or garbage disposal. Remember to clean your sink immediately after washing foods and dishes – don't just wipe and go. Use a kitchen cleaner and let the product sit for the time instructed before washing it away.
- Your Sponge and Dish Brush: A recent study found that 75% of household sponges and dish rags carry E coli. Change dishrags daily or microwave damp sponges for 2 minutes to disinfect, and wash dish brushes in the dishwasher to prevent bacteria from growing.
- Your Coffee Maker: Yeast and mold are found in abundance in coffee pot reservoirs. Once a month fill the reservoir with vinegar, let it sit for about a half an hour and then run a cycle through the machine. Afterwards, be sure to run clean water through the machine 2 or three times to get rid of the vinegar residue.
- Refrigerator Handles and Stove Knobs: Your hands touch these surfaces so frequently that they easily become contaminated, whether or not they look dirty. Be sure to wipe them down with disinfectant daily.
- Countertops: It is incredibly important to disinfect counters before and immediately after any food preparation to reduce bacteria. Remember – a wipe down is not sufficient for proper cleaning.
- Reusable Grocery Bags: Sure you are helping the environment, but E Coli has been found in abundance in these bags, especially if meat is being transported. Make sure your reusable bag is washable in hot water to prevent cross contamination. (Woman'sDay)
