Keeping your kitchen clean is key to warding off unwanted germs and resulting illnesses. When it comes to areas that come into contact with your food, you want to pay special attention to your cleaning tasks. Here are three top ways to keep your kitchen cleaner that are simple and easy to implement.
Do Small Cleaning Jobs Throughout the Day
Any gunk or germs that are allowed to fester unchecked will simply multiply. Kitchens are no exception. Instead of allowing food crumbs and residue to turn into a difficult cleaning task, opt to do small cleaning jobs throughout the day. Quickly wipe the counters with a clean cloth or sponge after every meal prep, place used dishes directly into the dishwasher and wipe down the microwave or stove after cooking. These tasks only take a few minutes out of your day and allow you to spend less time in your kitchen cleaning later.
Replace or Ditch Your Sponge
Sponges are notorious for harboring germs and grime. These fluffy cleaning tools may seem clean, but could actually be spreading bacteria around on your surfaces. To ensure that they do their job well, replace them every 2-8 weeks. Alternatively, replace them entirely with a washable option like a dishwasher-safe silicone sponge or a kitchen cloth that can be put in the washing machine.
Clean Those Forgotten Surfaces
Even the most steadfast of us forget certain chores. There are some areas in your kitchen that you are likely not cleaning often enough or are forgetting entirely. To keep the heart of your home as germ-free as possible, tackle these often forgotten areas:
- Your Trash Can – Disinfect the inside and lid of your trash can regularly to avoid bad odors.
- Your Utensil Drawers – Regularly vacuum or dust to remove crumbs. Remove items and wipe down the inside to reduce grime.
- Your Kitchen Mat – Cloth mats may be machine washable or can be washed with a carpet shampooer. Rubber mats should be wiped down and disinfected periodically.
With a few smart strategies and some extra elbow grease to tackle those forgotten areas in your kitchen, you’ll soon find that every spot in your kitchen is clean enough to eat off of.
