Experts reveal 7 of the dirtiest kitchen items that are germ-laden, but people still use them every day without realizing it.
SOHA website reports that experts have revealed the 7 dirtiest spots in the kitchen, along with advice on how to clean each spot to reduce the amount of germs and reduce the risk of illness.
1. Cooking equipment
Whisks, can openers and vegetable peelers are all kitchen essentials that can unknowingly harbor germs. Dr Chun Tang, a GP and medical director at Pall Mall Medical, says kitchen staples, especially those with multiple parts like whisks, can harbor bacteria such as E. coli, salmonella and listeria, which can cause gastrointestinal problems.
Some appliances should be cleaned as soon as possible after each use, Dr. Tang says. The small crevices and cracks of appliances can collect tiny, invisible particles, but we can unknowingly contaminate our tea, rice cookers, pans or other snacks throughout the day.
advice:
- Use a brush to clean the vegetable grater, rinse it thoroughly and let it dry on its own instead of wiping it with a cloth.
- For can openers, which many people may not think need to be washed, soak them in hot water mixed with liquid soap for about 30 minutes, then scrub with a sponge, rinse with clean water, and pat dry with tissue paper to ensure that there is no dirt left.
2. Eating utensils
Some types of utensils can harbor more germs than others, says Dr. Tang. For example, intricately patterned spoons, forks or chopsticks can get food stuck in the small crevices and rot, potentially breeding harmful bacteria such as salmonella and E. coli.
advice:
- Some strains of E. coli can destroy red blood cells and lead to kidney failure.
- If you need to buy a new device, choose one with a simple design and no small gaps for greater safety.
While washing your appliances in a dishwasher may seem convenient and uses hot water that human hands can’t tolerate, a 2019 study found that 100% of the dishwashers tested were contaminated with a variety of germs that could potentially be transmitted to humans. So it’s important to clean your dishwasher regularly to prevent the buildup of germs.
3. Blenders and air fryers
The next time you blend a juice or food, be sure to give your blender a thorough cleaning. A study by the National Sanitation Foundation found that blenders are the third-most germ-ridden kitchen appliance, harboring bacteria such as salmonella, E. coli, yeast, and mold.
How to clean your blender:
Dr. Emilia Pasiah, a family medicine specialist, recommends that:
- After use, fill the jar halfway with warm water and add a few drops of liquid soap.
- Run the blender on low speed for 30-60 seconds to remove any food particles.
- Disassemble and hand wash in warm soapy water.
- Use a soft brush or an old toothbrush to clean around the blade and hard-to-reach areas.
- Rinse with clean water and dry.
How to care for your air fryer:
Dr. Pasiah said germs often accumulate in the food containers, as leftover oil can go rancid and cause food poisoning symptoms such as stomach pain or nausea.
- Clean the pot after each use when it is completely cool.
- Soak the grill and tray in warm, soapy water and use a soft brush or sponge to scrub away food residue.
- For the inside of the pot, use a cloth dampened with soapy water to wipe clean.
- For stubborn greasy stains, use a mixture of 1 part vinegar to 3 parts water to effectively remove the stain.
4. Salt and pepper shakers
Think about how often you touch those condiment bottles each day. “They may be one of the germiest things in your kitchen,” says Dr. Tang.
“Bacteria such as staphylococcus and viruses from raw meat preparation or from sick people can easily be transmitted to these bottles, especially when they are passed around the dining table,” Dr. Pasiah added.
For safety, salt and pepper shakers should be cleaned regularly with a disinfectant wipe, paying attention to the top of the jar, which is touched most often.
5. Glasses and cups
Many people may think that simply washing a teacup is enough, but think again. “The problem is the biofilm, which is a layer of bacteria that can grow in the ยูฟ่าเบท cup, especially when it contains liquids like coffee or milk,” Dr. Pasiah explains.
Bacteria like Staphylococcus and E. coli can survive on surfaces for days, so use hot water, soap, and a clean sponge or brush. Rinse thoroughly and let air dry to avoid spreading germs from the cloth.
Caution:
Don’t keep a cracked cup or plate for later use, even if it holds sentimental value. “When ceramics are cracked or broken, the surface becomes uneven and can absorb germs like a sponge,” says Dr. Tang. To be safe, throw away damaged cups and plates, or if you don’t want to throw them away, use them for display instead.
6. Refrigerator
Cold temperatures in the refrigerator do not always mean that food is germ-free. Studies have shown that certain microorganisms, such as bacteria, mold, and yeast, can grow or survive at the average temperature of 4°C in a typical refrigerator.
For example, microbes from unwashed raw food can contaminate refrigerator surfaces through your hands, or leak out of packaging and potentially spread to other foods inside the refrigerator.
Dr. Pasiah recommends that
- Clean your refrigerator thoroughly every 1-2 months.
- Remove all food before cleaning.
- Wipe the shelves and surfaces with a mild cleaner or vinegar.
- Pay special attention to drawers, which are easy places for germs to collect.
- Don’t forget to clean the refrigerator door handle, which is a frequently touched area and harbors the most germs.
7. Dishwashing sponge and cloth
Even though they are used for cleaning, dishwashing sponges and cloths can harbor and spread a lot of germs.
The study found that 49% of household wipes tested positive for bacteria such as coliform and enterococcus, which can cause urinary tract infections and abdominal infections, as well as Staphylococcus aureus, which can lead to skin and bloodstream infections.
advice:
- Change the cleaning cloth regularly.
- Avoid sharing multipurpose towels, such as those used to dry hands, dishes, or surfaces.
For dishwashing sponges, it has been found that E. coli, Salmonella, and Listeria bacteria are accumulated. Consider switching to a dishwashing brush instead, as studies have shown that dishwashing brushes harbor fewer germs than dishwashing sponges.