Most people assume that their home is like a clean haven which is free of any dangerous germs and microorganisms. The truth, however, is quite different. There are thousands of bacteria living in your house. On the bright side, many of them are not a great threat to your health. On the downside, very few of them are living in areas in your home which are traditionally viewed as dirty like the toilet seat or your bathroom in general. So where are those bad germs and viruses hiding? The answer may shock you – in the kitchen.
Kitchen as a Hotspot for Bacteria
According to scientists, the surface of a toilet seat in an average home is much cleaner compared to the countertops in the kitchen, for example. But how is that even possible? Well, it turns out that there are two main reasons for that. The first is that we disinfect and sanitise our bathrooms and toilets more regularly compared to some areas in our kitchens because of the common belief that the former two spots are filthy and filled with all kinds of germs. The second factor that makes kitchens one of the most bacteria-friendly (if not the most bacteria-friendly) areas in a home, is related to the fact that they are used as a place where we prepare and store food. Germs love food because it provides them with excellent conditions to grow. In other words, many microorganisms and viruses thrive when they live in an environment that is filled with food. Unfortunately, this means that pretty much anything in your kitchen is covered in bacteria. Some of the most contaminated spots and items in that part of your home include:
- Sponges
- The sink
- Dishcloths
- Countertops
- Cutting boards
But that is hardly the full list because the full list of bacteria domestic hotspots would also include the household appliances which can usually be found in the kitchen or which are used for food storage or preparation.
Top dirtiest home appliances
Household appliances on which we rely to keep our food in or which we use when we cook offer a cocktail of health threats. From yeast and mould to Salmonella and E. coli, you will be surprised to learn how many dangers are lurking from every side of your kitchen.
| Domestic Appliance | Bacteria and germs regularly found on the appliance |
| Refrigerator | Salmonella, yeast, Listeria, mould, E. coli |
| Blender | Mould, E. coli, Salmonella, yeast |
| Stove | Mould, yeast, coliform bacteria |
| Coffee machine | Mould yeast, coliform bacteria, E. coli, Streptococcus |
| Microwave | E. coli, Salmonella |
The refrigerator
This is the place where we keep most of our fresh and cooked food. So, it is only natural for it to be filled with all kinds of bacteria and microorganisms. If you want to have a clean fridge, you must follow a few food storage rules. First, raw and cooked food should be kept in separate compartments. Meat should also be stored in a separate compartment from everything else in the refrigerator. When cleaning the fridge, you must take all the food out of it. Wipe it well with a solution of water and mild detergent. To get rid of any unpleasant odours, mix some water with baking soda and wipe the shelves with the liquid.
The blender
The problem with blenders is that they are hard to disassemble so most people just don’t do that when they are washing them. Don’t make that mistake. Take the time to thoroughly wash every part of the blender. Some blenders can also be put in the dishwasher. That also will do the trick.
The coffee machine
Coffee makers and coffee machines are a great place for germs since they have a water reservoir. This means that they are constantly damp. Also, not everyone has the habit of regularly changing the water in their coffee makers. Instead, they simply top it up. Therefore, a good tip here is to pour fresh water into the machine every time before using it. Also, you must clean the reservoir by soaking it with a vinegar and water solution for a few minutes.
The microwave
You probably did not expect to find your microwave oven on this list, especially given the fact that it is believed to effectively kill bacteria living on kitchen sponges. But it seems that microwaves do not work in the same way on food. That is because they heat food from the inside out and not the other way around. So, if you fail to keep the food long enough in this type of ovens, the heat will not eliminate bacteria like E. coli from their surface. This is why it is so important to clean every splatter and remove all food debris from your microwave. Cover the food which you heat up in the oven and don’t forget to clean its handles every week. To disinfect the oven’s interior, you can use a solution with water and soap or with water and dishwashing products.
The stove
Just like microwaves, the regular food spills and splatters have made stoves so popular among germs. The knobs are one of the most bacteria-infested parts of the stove so make sure you clean them with soap water every single week.
Rely on a professional solution
The war against dangerous microorganisms that have settled in your home is never-ending and it requires daily efforts on your side just to keep the health-threats in your kitchen contained. It is recommended to clean your domestic appliances as often as you can and not to use them more than five times without giving them a good scrub. It is also advisable to use professional sanitation options if not regularly then at least every few weeks, unless you’re dealing with an end of tenancy cleaning service in London, which is a one time (albeit massive) cleaning ordeal. That will not only help you have more free time but it will also make your home cleaner and safer since licensed cleaners use advanced cleaning methods, machines and products. Many people are already using this strategy which is why the cleaning industry in London has been enjoying a steady growth over the past few years.
Whichever game plan you choose to follow, don’t forget to clean your household appliances, particularly those in the kitchen.