How to combat germs in your kitchen
Most of the time homeowners spend their time in the kitchen cooking something for the whole family to enjoy. For many, the kitchen is considered the busiest place in the house and sometimes one of the dirtiest. Keeping your kitchen bacteria-free can be very challenging and tiresome as germs are practically everywhere. There are actually ways you can combat germ build up in your kitchen and restore its beauty and freshness. This will also help to prevent illness or sickness that may affect people inside the house, especially your family.
Always keep the sponges clean
The sponge is probably the most used item inside the kitchen. Can you imagine the amount of bacteria it absorbs every time you clean the counters or dishes? Since the sponge is always moist, it can be a perfect home for germs and bacteria with all those teeny weeny crevices. When you are using a filthy sponge in washing your dishes and counters, basically you are transmitting germs from one to the other. It is highly recommended to replace your sponge regularly or you can pop it inside the microwave oven for around 2 minutes to eradicate the germs.
Change your dishrags and kitchen towels regularly
Your rags and kitchen towels are as germ filled as your sponges, so you need to clean them regularly. Clean them using hot water then dry on high heat. Most germs lurk in a moist environment; hence drying them out does help in preventing germs and bacteria to spread further.
Regularly clean your kitchen surfaces
It is very essential that you clean your kitchen surfaces such as counters, stovetop, as well as your faucet knobs and handles, cupboards, and even your refrigerator door. Don’t forget to throw away trash and garbage daily and disinfect their containers with wipes or disinfectant sprays at least once a week.
Sanitize your cutting board
Your cutting board can also be a haven for germs to thrive. Research studies show that it has more than 200% fecal bacteria than the average toilet seat. Ugh! So better clean yours regularly in hot, soapy water then rinse with water and finish it by air drying after each use. To disinfect your cutting board, use a mixture of 1 tbsp. chlorine bleach with one gallon of water and let it stay for a few minutes. Rinse with water then air dry. It is advisable that you use different cutting boards for your meat and vegetables.
Sterilize your drain
Another place germs may thrive on is your drain, as it is always moist. Use baking soda and an old toothbrush to scrub it clean and sterilize it. Clean around the drain to kill bacteria that lingers there.
Always keep your hands clean and dry
Washing your hands is so important because they can also be a source of breeding germs and bacteria if not washed. Every time you are around food, make sure to wash before and after to prevent any food borne sickness that may arise. Also, see to it that you dry your hands with a fresh and clean paper towel rather than a communal hand towel.
Keeping your kitchen clean and as germ free as possible is most important to the well being of all who cook and eat there.
