You probably worry about germs in your bathroom, but the kitchen may harbor more harmful bacteria. From the stovetop and sink to the sponge you use to clean your dishes, the kitchen is home to plenty of germs.
You can keep those harmful germs at bay with the right cleaning regimen. Cleaning and disinfecting your kitchen on a regular basis can help prevent illness and keep your family healthy.
Cleaning the Sink Drain
Keeping your kitchen sink clean is important, but regular cleaning may not be enough to disinfect the drain area. The moist surface of the sink drain can promote the growth of bacteria, and those germs can get on your dishes, pots, pans, and utensils.
Cleaning your sink drain regularly is the best way to protect your family and keep harmful bacteria off your dishes. Start by removing the drain plug from the sink, then scrub the drain thoroughly using a combination of disinfectant and dish detergent. Finish by dipping an old toothbrush in the same solution and scrubbing the interior of the drain. Use a disinfected sponge or cleaning rag to apply the detergent and disinfectant solution to the drain plug before placing it back in the sink.
Keep Your Faucets Clean
Cross-contamination is a big problem in the kitchen, and the faucet is a prime source. Everyone in the house touches the faucet every day, and the germs they leave behind will multiply rapidly unless you take action.
Wipe down the faucets each night before you go to bed to keep them clean, shiny, and disinfected. Use a combination of detergent and disinfectant and apply the solution with a clean sponge. Polish the faucets to a sparkling shine with a soft cloth.
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Disinfecting Your Sponges
Keeping your dishes and cooking utensils clean is important, but the sponge you use could actually be spreading harmful bacteria, including organisms that could make your family sick. Sponges have porous surfaces that can trap bacteria and germs, so disinfecting them after each use is essential.
Disinfecting your sponge is easy. Just place it in the microwave while it is still damp and microwave it on high for two minutes. Let the disinfected sponge in the microwave for at least 5 minutes until it has cooled off, then place it back in its regular spot.
Clean the Refrigerator Drawers
You can prevent cross-contamination by dedicating one crisper drawer to fresh fruits and vegetables and another to meats and poultry products. Even so, cleaning and disinfecting the drawers in your fridge on a regular basis is important.
Slide the drawers out carefully, then wash them down with mild dish detergent and warm water. Rinse the drawers until all residue is removed, then place them back in the fridge. Disinfecting the drawers on a monthly basis will keep your refrigerator looking (and smelling) like new.
Nothing can completely eliminate germs from your kitchen, but regular cleaning can keep the bacterial load to a minimum. Cleaning and disinfecting your kitchen on a regular basis is one of the best ways to help prevent illness and keep your family safe at home.