Are Your Kitchen Surfaces As Clean As You Think?

Every surface in your kitchen can be a germ and bacteria magnet which can cause illness if they are not cleaned properly. These surfaces can included your counters, cutting boards, utensils, and even appliances. Making sure that all of your surfaces are cleaned before and after food preparations can cut down on the amount of cross contamination in the kitchen.

The Germiest Kitchen Surfaces

According to the National Sanitation Association, there are six “germiest” items in your kitchen that contain the following microorganisms that can cause sickness:

1. Refrigerator vegetable compartment: Salmonella, Listeria, yeast and mold
2. Refrigerator meat compartment: Salmonella, E.coli, yeast and mold
3. Blender gasket: Salmonella, E. coli, yeast and mold
4. Can opener: Salmonella, E. coli, yeast and mold
5. Rubber spatula: E. coli, yeast and mold
6. Food storage container with rubber seal: Salmonella, yeast and mold

Sounds kind of gross, doesn’t it? This gives you an idea of how important it is to keep your surfaces as clean as possible and to wipe them down when they have been handled.

Best Kitchen Surfaces Cleaning Supplies

There are tons of cleaning supplies out on the market that you can use to keep your kitchen surfaces clean and germ free. If you prefer to not use the products on the market and stick to an all natural cleaning, good old soap and hot water will due the trick. Most people will also add some equal parts vinegar to the water. Sponges, dishtowels and dishcloths are also used on a daily basis when cleaning the kitchen and drying off dishes, but you should make sure that those are thoroughly cleaned and/or replaced as they can become quite smelly over time. When you notice this, it means that it has become unsafe to use and there is bacteria growing that can be transferred to other things.

Tips:

• Disinfect sponges by heating them in the microwave or using the hot drying cycle in the dishwasher.
• Frequently wash dishtowels and dishcloths in the hot cycle of the washing machine.
• Spills should be cleaned up immediately or surfaces can be wiped with a clean paper towel reducing the risk of cross contamination.
• Always wash your hands before, during and after food preparations.
• Learn simple clean tips for preventing food poisoning.

How clean do you think your kitchen surfaces are?

Image: iStockPhoto