Tips for Cleaning the Kitchen Counters
One of the dirtiest areas in your home may actually be your kitchen counters. A strong but safe all-purpose cleaner will help but remember there are many areas where your kitchen counters may be harboring some scary germs and bacteria. Let’s talk about a few of these areas and what could be hiding on your kitchen counters. You might find that a few simple changes can make your kitchen counters safer. Here are a few things to keep in mind when cleaning the kitchen counters.
Cutting Boards and Meal Prep Areas
One of the biggest bacteria culprits in a kitchen is the cutting board and the meal prep areas. While making a home-cooked meal can be an amazing way to take care of your family, it can also leave behind some less than helpful bacteria. While this may leave you ready to order out, and skip the mess, you don’t have to. We have some tips for handling cutting boards and meal prep areas in a better way.
- Only cut meat on glass or plastic cutting boards - Meat can be directly linked to shigella, salmonella, and campylobacter. When cutting meat it is important to use the right cutting board and prep areas for it. Cutting boards that are wood are porous. This will mean you can not fully clean the cutting board and could be spreading harmful bacteria.
- Always use a cutting board - There are some people who will cut the meat up directly on a countertop in a hurry. This can leave behind harmful bacteria. When cutting up meat it is important to always use a glass or plastic cutting board.
- Properly wash and store cutting boards - Cutting boards can be cleaned with a safe all-purpose cleaner or washed with a quality dish soap. Make sure to wash both sides of the cutting board to avoid residual bacteria. Let dry completely before storing as well to avoid issues with standing water in cabinets or drawers.
Clean Under and Behind Things
There’s an old saying that fits well here, “out of sight, out of mind.” Many of your bacteria and germ issues can come from messes that are under or behind countertop appliances. In fact, many of these areas can be a breeding ground for germs and bacteria if they are not handled in the right way. Taking a few minutes to move things around to clean can make a world of difference. Here are a few areas to consider.
- Move appliances and storage containers off counters to clean - Countertops can quickly become the storage location for a variety of containers and small appliances. In many households, these items will not get moved to be cleaned under. It is important to pull all of these out and use an all-purpose cleaner to wipe down the area beneath them.
- Clean small appliances inside and out - Small appliances such as toasters, air fryers, instant pots, and other devices can be a breeding ground for bacteria. Residual foods that are left on can quickly become a problem. Take some time to clean the inside and outside of your small appliances. This will keep them in good working order while keeping messes at bay.
- Move food items and such to sealed containers - When cleaning behind items, you may find that items can spill and fall behind appliances and containers. Move items that are more likely to be spilled on countertops to sealed containers to minimize mess and germs. It can also help to store these items in cabinets so that there are fewer potential mess areas on the kitchen counters.
Clean Stove Tops and Sinks
Another big culprits for the mess, around kitchen spaces, are stovetops and sinks. These are often areas that are overlooked when cleaning. Residual food, drippings from sauces, and more can easily be collected. This can become a problem as these areas are not always the most thoroughly cleaned. Here are a few tips for cleaning stove tops and sinks:
- Wipe down all areas of the stove - Spilled food on stovetops can quickly lead to bacteria growth if it is left there. Take some time to use an all-purpose cleaner to thoroughly clean stovetops. It is also important to clean between the stove and the countertop as this area is often ignored.
- Clean oven doors and handles - Another area stubborn germs and messes like to hide are on oven doors and stove knobs/handles. These areas are common touchpoints for mess and germs that are frequently overlooked. When cleaning kitchen counters take a few minutes extra to wipe down oven doors, handles, and stove knobs to control the spread of germs.
- Clean sink drains and faucets - When cleaning your kitchen counters, take a few minutes on the sink to help control bacteria. Sink drains are often overlooked when cleaning the kitchen. Taking some time to empty drains and wipe them down with a quality cleaner can make a world of difference. You will also want to use an all-purpose cleaner to wipe down faucets and faucet handles.
Not All Cleaning Products Are Created Equally
When you are working on getting rid of kitchen bacteria it is important that you choose quality cleaning products. Some cleaning products will promise to kill bacteria while bringing other harmful chemicals into your home. When choosing a cleaning product, you want one that is able to effectively kill bacteria while staying safe for your home and the people who live in it. It is important that your cleaning products will effectively clean bacteria without causing new problems. With a bit of research, you can find a safe and quality all-purpose cleaner for your kitchen counters.