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Sparkle & Sanitize: How Often You Should Really Clean These 10 Common Kitchen Essentials
The kitchen is the heart of the home, but it’s also one of the busiest and most used spaces, which means it can quickly get dirty. While we’re all familiar with the basics—wiping down counters, washing dishes, and cleaning floors—there are certain kitchen essentials that we often overlook when it comes to sanitizing. Some might be cleaned on a weekly basis, while others require more frequent attention to keep bacteria, germs, and grime at bay.
To help you maintain a sparkling, sanitized kitchen, here’s a guide on how often you should really clean 10 common kitchen essentials:
1. Kitchen Sponges
How Often: Daily (or after every use)
Sponges are one of the most used cleaning tools in the kitchen. They come into contact with raw food, grease, and sticky residues, making them a breeding ground for bacteria if not cleaned properly.
Tip: After each use, rinse your sponge thoroughly and squeeze out excess water to prevent bacteria growth. Replace your sponges at least once a week, and for a deeper clean, disinfect them by microwaving them for 1-2 minutes (when damp) or placing them in the dishwasher.
2. Cutting Boards
How Often: After every use
Cutting boards are used for everything from slicing raw meat to chopping vegetables. This makes them a prime spot for cross-contamination if not cleaned properly. It’s especially important to sanitize cutting boards after preparing raw meat, poultry, or seafood.
Tip: Use a separate cutting board for raw meat and another for produce. After use, wash cutting boards with hot, soapy water, and sanitize with a mixture of 1 tablespoon of bleach per gallon of water. Alternatively, you can use vinegar or hydrogen peroxide.
3. Dish Towels
How Often: Every 1-2 days
Dish towels are constantly handling food, wiping up spills, and drying dishes. They can quickly harbor bacteria if not cleaned regularly. After each use, toss your dish towel in the laundry, especially if it’s soiled with food or liquid.
Tip: Wash dish towels in hot water with detergent, and ensure they’re completely dry before reuse to avoid any mildew or bacteria growth.
4. Sink
How Often: Daily
Your kitchen sink is used to wash dishes, rinse vegetables, and clean off raw meat. Given all the tasks it handles, it’s essential to keep it sanitized. A dirty sink can easily transfer germs to your dishes and food.
Tip: Clean your sink daily with a non-abrasive cleaner or disinfecting wipe, paying attention to the faucet handles and any cracks around the drain. A mixture of vinegar and baking soda works wonders to remove stains and odors.
5. Refrigerator
How Often: Every 1-2 weeks
Your refrigerator stores food at various temperatures, which can lead to spills and crumbs that accumulate unnoticed. Cleaning your fridge regularly is key to preventing bad odors, mold, and bacteria growth.
Tip: Empty your fridge every couple of weeks, and wipe down shelves with a solution of warm water and dish soap. Don’t forget to throw away expired items and wipe down any food splatters from jars or bottles.
6. Microwave
How Often: Weekly
The microwave is notorious for splatters that get baked on after heating meals. These splatters can become sticky and difficult to clean over time. To keep your microwave sparkling and odor-free, it’s essential to clean it regularly.
