When it comes to germs in your kitchen, don’t follow the “what you don’t see can’t hurt you,” rule!
You don’t see them or smell them, but for some reason you know that they are there, lurking next to your fresh food and possibly threatening your health. It is really important to be careful with kitchen bacteria, as it can easily come in contact with food and become problematic.
Here are just a few places that pesky bacteria may be hiding out in your kitchen.
Your fridge: Your fridge could be harboring hundreds of bacteria. The meat drawer, veggie crisper, and fridge seal can all have salmonella, E. coli, yeast and mold. Your fridge should be cleaned thoroughly weekly to kill bacteria.
Your blender: Your blender gasket and rubber seal can also harbor salmonella, E. coli, yeast and mold. Clean thoroughly after each use to reduce germ build-up.
Food storage containers: Any food storage containers with a rubber seal can harbor salmonella, yeast and mold. Clean containers after each use and before each use for best germ blocking power.
Knife blocks: Your knife block can be home to thousands of microscopic germs. One way to avoid this is to keep knives clean. Disinfect your knife block monthly to kill germs.
Rubber spatulas: A rubber spatula can harbor E. coli, yeast and mold. Be sure to disinfect spatulas after each use.
Can openers: Can openers come in contact with lots of food and can hold germs on their cutting blades. Keep them clean after each use to prevent germs from coming in contact with your food.
Counter top and fridge cleaner – Mix 2 tablespoons of borax, 1/4 teaspoon of liquid castile soap, and 2 teaspoons of lemon juice in a spray bottle. Fill the rest of the bottle with warm water and shake to combine.
Germ killing soak – This soak is designed for spatulas, knives, blender parts and food containers. Mix 4 cups of warm water, 25 drops of tea tree oil, 25 drops of lavender oil and 2 cups of hydrogen peroxide in a large tub or sink basin. Let utensils soak for 1 hour, then rinse clean.
Abrasive cleaner – This cleaner is perfect for getting germs out of the fridge. Mix 2 tablespoons of baking soda with 1 quart of warm water and wipe down all surfaces in the fridge.
-The Alternative Daily