There’s the obvious messlike used dishes, a sticky floor, or a crusty oven.
Think about the areas and objects you may be using every day during food preparation.
Read on to find out what the dirtiest places are in your kitchen and how to properly clean them.
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Especially if you’re touching it when you’re cooking or handling raw food.
Unfortunately,kitchen spongesand cleaning brushes harbor high bacterial levels, if not properly washed and disinfected.
If you use these products, they should bewashed in hot waterafter each meal preparation or cleaning session.
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Sink and vegetable scrubbing brushes can beplaced in the dishwasherfor thorough cleaning after each use.
Most fruits and vegetables will stay fresh longer if they are not washed before storing.
The same thing happens with raw meat that is stored in the refrigerator.
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Packaging leaks and fluids accumulate in the drawers and along the edges of shelves.
Dry with a clean cloth or paper towel.
Remove the vent cover to vacuum the coils.
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This will reduce cross-contamination during meal preparation.
Wash each board after every use with hot, soapy water and rinse well with hot water.
Then dry completely with a paper towel or clean dish towel.
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Do not leave the boards to drip dry because bacteria love a warm, moist environment.
At least weekly, disassemble and clean small appliances thoroughly.
The same cleaning routine should be applied to utensils like can openers, measuring spoons, and cups.
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Most lunch boxes andreusable shopping bagscan be tossed in the clothes washer for a thorough cleaning.
Skip the sponge or used dishcloth because they may be harboring bacteria and germs.
You don’t want to imagine what is hidden in those moist, dark spaces.
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Salt and Pepper Shakers
One last dirty spot to consider is the kitchen salt and pepper shakers.
Shakers are often used and frequently touched during food preparation.
Microbial inhabitants of cleaning appliances and tools.
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Mretr T, Ferreira VB, Moen B, et al.
Bacterial levels and diversity in kitchen sponges and dishwashing brushes used by consumers.
2022;133(3):1378-1391.
Jan Mammey / Stock4B / Getty Images
Haden R. National clean out your refrigerator day.
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