Even if you spend hours cleaning out your kitchen, there are still places where bacteria and germs can hide.
Deyan Dimitrov is a cleaning expert and CEO of LaundryheapAccording to a study, seven areas that are not often washed can hold grime. How many are you guilty of this?
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These are his top seven kitchen places you should be checking today…
Sauce and spice shelves
Your spice shelf may be attractive to the eye but it could also collect dust, accidental spillages, and powder below.
Deyan said that the Central Recorder: “I would recommend giving the storage areas of your condiments a thorough clean with surface cleaner and a damp cloth every few weeks, to ensure that any dirt and grime doesn’t fester away in hidden areas.”
Before you add the spices, ensure that the shelf is completely dry.
Toaster crumb tray
Deyan says that if there are visible crumbs in your toaster it is time for a cleaning.
The cleaning wizard’s secrets: “Make sure to unplug your toaster first (with dry hands!), then remove the crumb tray and empty it out over a sink or bin. Use a dry toothbrush to clean in and around the bread slots to dislodge any big crumbs and follow with a standard wash, with washing up liquid, to get rid of any sticky spots.”
After it is completely dry, insert the crumb tray again and shake the entire appliance over a sink or bin.
Wooden spoons
Although most people wash their wooden spoons and place them in the dishwasher every day, it may not be enough.
Deyan explained to us that the kitchen tools can harbor bacteria if they come in contact with raw meat.
The professional replied: “To avoid spreading unhealthy bacteria, regularly soak your spoons in a solution of hydrogen peroxide before cleaning.”
Mix one teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide with two litres of water to make a dilute mixture. After soaking the spoons for a while, wash them as normal.
Oven gloves
Although oven gloves look clean from the outside, small remnants of food can harbor germs in the crevices.
Oven gloves can be added to your weekly laundry, but some will need to be washed separately depending on their cleaning instructions.
Pre-soak your hands in a mixture consisting of one tablespoon of baking soda, one tablespoon of washing liquid for 10 minutes.
Tea towels
You should be careful that you don’t mix tea towels when it comes to different jobs, as you could transfer germs onto your skin or other dinnerware.
They can cause stomach upset if they are swallowed.
Deyan suggested having three tea towels: one to dry your dishes and another one to wipe your hands. The third one can be used for cleaning up spillages and surfaces.
Tea towels should be washed every day at 40C in order to sterilize them.
Kitchen apron
Your apron should be washed after every use.
After soaking it in water and vinegar, let it sit for 15 minutes before washing at high temperatures.
It is important to keep it dry and in a ventilated place. This will prevent dampness from spreading.
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