Despite the fact that it’s the place we prepare our food in and as such should be the cleanest room of the whole house, more often than not the kitchen is the dirtiest one. Now, you’re probably thinking “Not my kitchen! I try to keep everything in perfect order.” But truth is, when it comes to germs, the rule “what you can’t see, can’t hurt you” does not apply.
The biggest mistake I’ve seen people make when it comes to the state of their kitchen is focusing on order while completely neglecting cleanliness. For instance, many share the belief that dirty dishes sitting around for hours on end are okay as long as they’re hidden away in the dishwasher. Why should you waste a washing cycle on only a few plates and glasses when you can just wait until the whole thing fills up. Even if it means it’s going to take two days.
Truth is, dirty dishes left for too long can attract cockroaches that try to make their way in the dishwasher and as a result burn out the control boards on the door which cost a lot to replace. Always make sure you do not leave dirty dishes for too long, and spray under the dishwashers, the cabinets and the counter, to prevent a cockroach infestation.
Speaking of which, pest control professionals often find that the thing that’s attracting cockroaches and all sorts of nasty creatures is the garbage can. Even if you keep yours under the sink or somewhere closed, bugs can still detect the odours from decomposing trash. Remember to take out the trash first thing in the morning. And don’t just empty the contents and leave the same bag inside. You should replace your bin liners as often as you can. If you dread doing so, here’s a hack: just place several bags over one another before you put them on the can. This way when taking out a bag, there’s already going to be a new one in place. Plus, purchasing your bin liners in bulk is a great way to save some money.
And finally, don’t forget to clean your fridge at least once a month, as food remains can be the source of serious bacteria like salmonella and Listeria. A mistake in many homes is that raw meat or poultry is improperly stored. Always keep it on the bottom shelf or properly sealed as juices from it can begin to drip and contaminate other food items. Other kitchen areas to pay attention too is your counters, and in and around the sink. Always use sanitizing products daily, and properly wipe the surface. If it’s wet – it’s more likely to house nasty bacteria, such as E.coli.
While you might not see them or smell them, bacteria is going to be lurking next to your fresh food unless you take proper precautions. It is really important to be careful with kitchen bacteria, since it can easily come in contact with food and become a threat to your health.
