The kitchen is one of the most sensitive areas because it is the place the food we eat is prepared. We do our best to keep our kitchens clean and germ-free with basic cleaning but we hardly give much thought to kitchen sanitation. You will be surprised to learn there are fewer germs on a toilet seat compared to a typical kitchen sink. Therefore, it goes without saying that kitchen cleaning and sanitation is crucial to our health.
Cleaning is not the same as sanitizing
Cleaning the kitchen is getting rid of the visible dirt and food particles from the surfaces using soap and water. On the other hand sanitizing is cleaning down to the invisible level and eliminating or reducing germs to safe levels using chemicals.
We have sampled some of the effective cleaning solutions used in most leading restaurants and kitchens to kill toxic bacteria and germs hiding in kitchen surfaces.
Prepare your own kitchen Sanitizer
Germs and bacteria exist but they are invisible to the naked eye. Prepare your own homemade sanitizer by adding a few drops of liquid chlorine bleach (unscented) to one gallon of water. Grab a cotton cloth, dip it into the solution and use it to wipe down the entire kitchen surfaces. Allow the disinfectant to act on the surface by letting it sit for a few minutes then use a dry and clean cotton cloth to wipe it dry.
Alternatively, you can fill a spray bottle with the bleach solution however care must be taken to avoid spraying the solution on the carpet and clothing decolorizing them.
You can apply the solution on the exterior of the kitchen appliances and countertops to sanitize the surfaces.
The Kitchen Sink
With our busy lifestyles who has the time to wipe down the entire kitchen surface inch by inch to kill all the bacteria and germs? The kitchen sink is a haven for germs and bacteria. The drain is full of pathogens from the all the vegetables and meat we wash in the sink.
Once you do the dishes, clear any food particles from the sink. Plug in the sink stopper and fill the sink to the brim with hot boiling water. Pour ½ a cup of bleach per gallon of water and swish the solution around before allowing it to sit for a couple of minutes. Remove the stopper and allow the solution to run down the drain eliminating all the germs and bacteria building up down there. Finally allow the sink to air dry.
Sterilize sponges
Kill the germs and bacteria growing on your kitchen sponges by microwaving regularly for at least 2mins. Ensure the sponge is wet and does not contain any metals otherwise it could cause a fire.
Prevent Cross Contamination
Old dirty dishes, raw meat, vegetables, trash and dirty hands make the kitchen a breeding ground for germs and bacteria. Use disposable gloves anytime when handling raw meat, eggs, seafood, and poultry, doing dishes or taking out the trash.
Use disposable wet wipes to quickly and conveniently sanitize surfaces including countertops, cabinets, tables, fried door and faucet handles, stoves, sinks etc.
Always wash your hands thoroughly before and after food preparation or taking out the trash. Prevent cross contamination by separating food to stop the spread of bacteria and germs from one food to another.
Clean the food preparation areas completely after every use and have designated cutting boards. Remember you can only keep your kitchen sanitized if it is clean in the first place. Involve the entire family in the daily and weekly kitchen cleaning schedule.
According to this commercial cleaning service in Winnipeg the kitchen is the ideal breeding ground for germs and bacteria but with proper cleaning techniques and equipment, you can make your kitchen clean and safe.