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- The kitchen is a place where bacteria easily breed, such as sinks, refrigerators, dishcloths, and seasoning containers, so thorough cleaning is essential.
- Refrigerator handles, ice trays, meat/vegetable compartments, etc. are particularly prone to harboring bacteria, so care should be taken, and dishcloths and sponges should be replaced once a month or every 1-2 weeks.
- Seasonings should be stored in small containers and frequently washed with warm water and neutral detergent to prevent cross-contamination.
No matter how diligently you clean, there are more germs lurking in your kitchen than you might think. From the sink to the refrigerator, dishcloths, and spice jars... Food poisoning bacteria are also frequently found. Get rid of hidden germs with a thorough cleaning method for every nook and cranny in your kitchen, as suggested by cleaning experts.
Refrigerator, the #1 place where germs hide
Refrigerators are vulnerable to bacterial growth because they store many ingredients and food items. However, they are often left alone because cleaning them is a hassle. Pay attention to the 3 places in the refrigerator where germs are most likely to hide.
1. Refrigerator handle
Refrigerator handles are touched by many people dozens of times a day... You don't usually wash your hands before touching them. As a result, dangerous bacteria such as Salmonella and Norovirus live there. It is best to wipe down the refrigerator handles frequently with alcohol, soapy water, or vinegar water.
2. Ice tray
Ice trays are a breeding ground for bacteria if they are not cleaned regularly. Listeria bacteria is highly resilient and can survive even below -20 degrees Celsius, so it can survive in ice.
If you eat the ice that melts and breeds Listeria bacteria, it can lead to food poisoning or meningitis... To prevent this, it is best to soak the ice tray in tap water for at least 2 minutes and then rinse it with water, or soak it in vinegar water for 20 minutes and then clean it.
3. Meat/vegetable compartment
According to an NSF survey, the meat/vegetable compartment is also home to E. coli, Salmonella, and other harmful bacteria. It is recommended to thoroughly clean this compartment at least once a week with neutral detergent or baking soda diluted in water.
Baking soda is highly effective in killing bacteria because it attracts bacteria and destroys their cell membranes. Maintaining a refrigerator temperature below 5 degrees Celsius can also inhibit bacterial growth.
Dishcloths and sponges are full of germs, so disinfection is essential!
Dishcloths and sponges are also vulnerable to bacterial growth because food residue remains or they are always damp. E. coli, Salmonella, and other bacteria are crawling around here. It is best to replace dishcloths once a month and sponges every 1-2 weeks.
Disinfection methods: You can kill 99% of bacteria by microwaving the dishcloth for 2 minutes or more. However, steel dishcloths can spark due to electromagnetic radiation, so it is better to boil them in boiling water for 10 minutes or soak them in bleach water for about 5 minutes. For acrylic dishcloths, clean them with a solution of baking soda, vinegar, and water in a 1:1:1 ratio.
Store spices in small containers
Spice jars can also be a breeding ground for bacteria... Since you often touch them with unwashed hands after touching food, cross-contamination can occur. Especially when you store spices in large containers, moisture can build up, which encourages bacterial growth.
Therefore, it is advisable to store spices in small containers and clean them frequently with warm water and neutral detergent.
The kitchen is the front line in the fight against bacteria that threaten your family's health. By carefully checking for hidden sources of germs and maintaining cleanliness through timely cleaning and disinfection, you can ensure safe eating habits. With a little care, your small kitchen can transform into a healthy space.
