How to Clean & Sanitise High Touch Kitchen Surfaces
There is no denying that an overlooked kitchen is the breeding ground for lethal germs and bacteria that can cause various health hazards and foodborne diseases. From food buildup to clogged drains and a greasy oven, all contribute to an unhygienic and foul smelling kitchen environment. This can also put your hard earned bond money at stake when preparing for the final rental inspection.
While regular cleaning, wiping countertops and doing dishes are essential tasks, don’t forget high touch surfaces of your kitchen. They can harbour disease causing germs that require effective cleaning products and extra care to promote a healthy, hygienic cooking space.
In this guide, we bring you a comprehensive guide on cleaning and sanitising different high touch surfaces in your kitchen. The best part is that all products used in this guide are eco friendly and fume free. Isn’t it fantastic!
These are one of the most frequently touched surfaces in a kitchen. Greasy, stained handles are often contaminated with E. coli and Salmonella, which can cause serious health concerns. These lethal germs spread from unwashed/dirty hands after handling raw food, especially meat.
How to clean and disinfect? First things first! Spray the handles with white vinegar and a soapy solution, then leave them for a few minutes. Next, scrub with a soft sponge or pad. Once the grease has been removed, apply 70% rubbing alcohol to kill lingering germs. Make sure you dry with a clean cloth.
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2. Light Switches/Switchboard
Common germs found on light switches include Staphylococcus, which is often transmitted through dirty hands. Make sure you turn off the switches and dampen a microfibre cloth with a rubbing alcohol solution. Gently wipe down the switchboard to remove fingerprints and invisible germs. It is good to disinfect light switches every day to prevent germ infestation.
3. Degrease and Disinfect Oven & Stovetop
An oven is one of the most loved kitchen appliances. Unfortunately, it is coated with greasy stains, burnt food particles and other harmful chemicals. The most common bacteria found in ovens are Staphylococcus, which can cause diarrhea and food poisoning. How to clean?
Remove and soak racks and knobs in hot soapy water.
Coat interiors and stovetop with baking soda and water paste
Scrub the surface with a brush to dislodge stains. You can also use a magic eraser for a damage free scrubbing.
Spray vinegar to achieve spotless results.
Wipe the control panel and crannies
Dry and reattach removable parts
Make sure you deep clean exhaust fan and range hood filters to prevent germs buildup
4. Microwave Buttons and Door Handles
Remove grease and fingerprints from microwave buttons by wiping with a cloth dampened in vinegar solution. You can also use tea tree oil to kill lingering germs. Make sure you clean inside and outside the appliances, scrub away stains for spotless results, and ensure they dry to avoid moisture or mould buildup.
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5. Fridge Door Handle
A dirt laden door handle on your refrigerator may harbour germs like Listeria and E.coli causing foodborne illnesses. Germs spread when you touch the surface after handling raw meat or spoiled food.
After deep cleaning your refrigerator, spray white vinegar spray onto the handle and leave it for a few minutes. You can also use rubbing alcohol and mild dish soap to kill germs. Wipe down the surface with a dry cloth.
Tip: Make sure you discard expired or stale food properly when sprucing up your fridge.
6. Disinfect Sink, Faucets and Garbage Disposal
Dirty dishes left in the sink for too long tend to harbour lethal germs and bacteria, such as E. coli and biofilm bacteria. Food waste, moisture buildup, and a clogged garbage disposal also harbour germs.
Make sure you do the dishes before going to bed. Next, apply baking soda and scrub the sink. For faucets, use castile soap or white vinegar and gently scrub the area. Garbage disposal can be cleaned and disinfected using the baking soda and white vinegar duo.
Rinse and dry thoroughly. Ensure you disinfect these areas more frequently to prevent germ growth.
7. Kitchen Countertops
Common germs found on kitchen countertops include Campylobacter, Salmonella, etc., due to food spills, raw food, and cross contamination. Make sure you wipe down countertops after preparing your team. First, remove food crumbs and spills using a damp cloth.
Next, apply a baking soda and water paste, then disinfect the surface. Scrub the area with a wet sponge and dry the countertop.
8. Trash Can
It must be cleaned regularly to prevent germ infestation. A kitchen dustbin becomes contaminated through direct contact with food waste and rubbish, leading to the presence of Salmonella, fungi, and E. coli. Make sure you empty the trash can and wash it with hot water. Sprinkle a generous amount at the bottom of the can, spray vinegar on the lid and handle and scrub gently.
Make sure you rinse and dry the bin before lining it with a trash bag. Professionally trained end of lease cleaning Melbourne experts also prefer using sustainable cleaning methods to clean and disinfect a rental home to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Infographic For Cleaning These High Touch Spots In Your Kitchen
Wrapping Up
High tough spots in a kitchen can harbour lethal and disease causing germs, viruses and mould. These spread via dirty hands, raw food and cross contamination. Make sure you clean and disinfect these surfaces regularly using all natural products. This will help you maintain a clean, hygienic and germ free kitchen environment.
An oven is one of the most loved kitchen appliances. Unfortunately, it is coated with greasy stains, burnt food particles and other harmful chemicals. The most common bacteria found in ovens are Staphylococcus, which can cause diarrhea and food poisoning. How to clean?
