It is easy to be deceived by a work plan that seems clean. However, the most rigorous bacteria are not visible to the naked eye. We have listed the most contaminated places that require our greatest attention, as well as the solution to clean them properly.
Cooking sponge
The sponge is used to clean the worktop, remove the residues on our cutlery, dishes and plates, disinfect the refrigerator and much more. Always humid and with many small holes, it is a perfect house for bacteria. A study published in 2017 on “Microscopy analysis and confocal microbiome” analyzed the microbiome present on cooking sponges and found bacteria such as Acinobacter, Moraxella and Chryseobacterium. The solution to avoid bad odors and keep the sponge clean is to spin it, rinse it and keep it out of the environments that are too wet. For deeper cleaning, you recommend plunging it into a mixture of white vinegar and water for 30 minutes to keep it clean. Finally, it is recommended to change your sponge at a frequency of about once a week.
Lever
A place often forgotten when cleaning the kitchen is the sink. According to several studies, the kitchen sink is one of the places most contaminated by bacteria, much more than some of the places we think first, like toilets. Bacteria like E. coli or salmonella can easily find refuge and the accumulation of fats and residues in the pipes lead to unpleasant odors. A simple rinsing and a cloth after each session in the kitchen already makes the difference. It is also advisable to clean the pipes once a week with a mixture of bicarbonate and hot water poured into the drain to eliminate residues and prevent odors.
The cutting board
In a 2011 study entitled “International Household Germ”, the cutting board was classified in fourth row of the kitchen microbes nests, after the sponges and the sink. Due to its frequent use, various foods such as meat, vegetables and fruits accumulate bacteria, creating ideal ground for increasing contamination. It is advisable to clean your cutting board well after each use to avoid the risk of food poisoning. A sponge with soap after each use is enough.
Corners and edges
When you pass the washer on the work surface after cooking, you tend to forget the corners of the wall, the underside of the devices arranged on the work surface, and especially the edges of the induction plate. These are the most complicated places to clean, yet they are the most contaminated. The almost invisible residues accumulate in the edges, which risks promoting the creation of bacteria. Our cleaning advice: use a used toothbrush, perfect for cleaning difficult to access places.
Liquid tasks
Everyone has already stained the kitchen, letting too hard boil the tomato sauce. The same goes for fruit or overturned water juice. These spots are quickly forgotten, but to wipe to absolutely after cooking. These are perfect places for the contamination and development of bacteria.
How to clean your worktop
Wipe the big residues
Before cleaning your worktop, it is advisable to remove large food or liquid residues before starting cleaning. Using a clean cloth or paper towel to prevent large residues from mixing with cleaning products.
Clean with hot soapy water
Prepare hot water with preferable soap soft like dishes. Rub the worktop with a clean sponge or a cloth, including the most hidden areas. If the surface is made of wood or stone, it is advisable not to wet the surface too much and to wipe with a cloth directly after to avoid damaging the material.
Disinfect the worktop
Once the work plan is clean, it must be disinfecting to kill the rest of the bacteria. There are many products available in supermarkets but it is also possible to prepare your own disinfectant by mixing 1 tsp. white vinegar in 1 l of hot water. Then, just apply the solution to the surface of the worktop and leave to act for about 5 min to ensure the elimination of bacteria. To complete this step, it is necessary to rinse the surface with water, to avoid any residue of cleaning products.
Dry the worktop
An often poorly done step is drying, especially on surfaces such as wood and stone, where water promotes the development of bacteria and the formation of mold. To properly dry your worktop, it is recommended to use a clean and dry cloth or a paper towel. Especially in corners and cracks.
Maintain cleanliness throughout the day
After cleaning the worktop, it is important to keep the worktop clean and clean immediately after each use. It is advisable to clean your work plan well at least once a day to ensure that you have eliminated any risk of contamination.
By following these steps, it is guaranteed to have a clean work plan, in peace.
