Where To Clean: 5 Of The Dirtiest Places In Your Kitchen

In most homes, the place with the most harmful germs and bacteria is the kitchen. Because of this, keeping your kitchen clean is one of the most important things to do if you want your living space to be as safe as possible. If you have a cleaning service that comes and cleans your home, make sure to keep an eye out for these things as well. Here are some of the dirtiest places in your kitchen, all of which should be kept clean at all times.
1) Sink
Would you be shocked to learn your kitchen sink contains more bacteria than your toilet? As surprising as it may be, this is the case in most homes. Sinks are the perfect host for bacteria, as they contain nearly constant moisture and small pieces of food bacteria can feed on. E. coli is one of the most common bacterias found in kitchen sinks, which is known for causing severe digestive issues and fever in those who are infected by it.
2) Knobs and Handles
The knobs and handles of appliances, cookware, cabinets and drawers are some of the most commonly overlooked parts of a kitchen. All of these surfaces, which are touched constantly during the process of preparing meals, can harbor bacteria and mold. This bacteria and mold is able to live on the knobs and handles in your kitchen for long periods of time when they aren’t cleaned regularly. Simply take a moment to wipe down all knobs and handles in your kitchen with disinfectant wipes each day, and everyone living in your home will be safer as a result.
3) Coffee Maker
Coffee makers are among the least-cleaned appliances in the average kitchen. Though clean water is going into your coffee maker, it can still harbor bacteria if that water is left standing inside the machine, as it offers a warm environment bacteria will love. It’s recommended coffee makers are cleaned at least once every week. The biggest key to successfully cleaning a coffee maker is ensuring it’s completely free of moisture before it is stored away.
4) Sponges
Sponges are typically the most bacteria-laden part of a kitchen, which is a disturbing thought considering they come into contact with dishes and utensils you then use to consume food. Because they’re typically kept next to or inside the kitchen sink, which we’ve already established is dirtier than a toilet, it’s important to replace used sponges constantly. Cleaning them with hot water and soap after each use is the best way to keep bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli away from yourself and your loved ones.
5) Refrigerator
Due to its cold, controlled environment, many people wrongly assume the interior of a refrigerator is sanitary and resistant to bacteria. In fact, refrigerators are one of the easiest places in your entire home for bacteria to form and thrive. Liquids leaking from packaging is the most common cause of bacteria appearing in refrigerators. A leaking package of chicken, for example, will result in liquid penetrating deep into the cracks of your refrigerator, which are difficult to reach with cleaning solutions.
These are just a few of the many places in your kitchen which require constant cleaning to remain safe. By keeping these areas of your kitchen clean, you’ll ensure you’re doing everything possible to keep harmful germs and bacteria away from those who live in your home.