Sneaky Germ Hotspots

We all know that our kitchens are breeding grounds for germs, but there are also some not-so-obvious germ hotspots that are important to remember! Here are four items/area to pay special attention to:

Salt and pepper shakers

Salt and pepper shakers are pantry and mealtime staples and we touch them countless times. Be sure to thoroughly wipe these (and other seasonings you frequently use) down with a clean cloth and disinfectant after cooking and before and after use at the dinner table.

Dishwasher handle

We know that what’s inside is clean, however it’s important to clean and disinfect the handle (and other hinges and rubbers) too, to get rid of unwanted germs and fungi that love the humid environment!

Underneath stove knobs

Stove and oven controls are one of the filthiest areas in the kitchen as they get covered in food splatters and are touched a number of times during food preparation. Sure you may clean them regularly, but what gathers underneath can be germ-ridden. To clean, wipe away any visible dirt with a damp, soapy cloth and then disinfect each knob separately, paying special attention to grooves. If they can detach for disinfecting – even better!

Reusable shopping bags

Yay! You have swapped plastic for reusable, but be sure to throw your cloth bags in the laundry (or wipe them down inside and out with a cloth and hot soapy water) to get rid of any potential contamination by groceries – especially eggs and raw meat!

Do you have anything to add to this list of surprising germ hotspots? Let me know on my Facebook page!