Keeping your kitchen clean on a regular basis requires knowing what not to do. Here are common kitchen cleaning mistakes and how to avoid them.
It can be fun to experiment in the kitchen. Exploring with new dishes, or teaching someone an old family recipe.
What’s not fun is the clean-up. However, germs and bacteria are common on kitchen surfaces and it is vital to stay on top of keeping this area safe.
Even though you believe you know all the latest hacks, there may still be some kitchen cleaning mistakes you are making.
Here are 6 to avoid.
1. Cleaning in the Wrong Order
Maybe you are one of those people who hate doing the floors, so you clean them first. When it comes to cleaning this kitchen, this is a mistake.
Your kitchen should be cleaned from top to bottom. Clean all the counters and other surfaces first. There will always be crumbs or other debris that will fall to the floor.
The last thing you want is to have to clean the floors twice!
2. Depending Too Much on the Dish Towel
The handy dandy dish towel is the first thing reached for when anything happens in the kitchen. Whether it is to pull a hot pan from the oven, wipe up a spill, or dry off wet hands.
The problem is germs and other unsanitary items will be passed around each time you use the towel. Some dish towels stay hung out for days at a time. You should wash or put out fresh towels every day or so.
In addition, you should have more than one towel out so you avoid any cross-contamination. If you are looking for a dish towel replacement, check out the amazing microfiber cloths.
3. Putting Sponges in the Dishwasher
While it is true that sponges literally soak up bacteria and need to be cleaned regularly, it is false that you should do that in the dishwasher.
Sponges hold onto detergent that is released during the wash cycle and can cause damage over time to the dishwasher.
The best way to clean sponges is to wet them and place them in the microwave. Leave them in there for two minutes on high and that will kill all the bacteria. Do this every 2-3 days.
4. Kitchen Cleaning Mistakes – Washing Pots and Pans While Still Hot
If you are one of the rare individuals who like to clean as you go, stop when it comes to pots and pans. They should not be washed while they are still hot. This can actually cause them to warp.
Enjoy your meal, let them cool down, and then wash!
5. Not Cleaning the Garbage Disposal
It is a garbage disposal, after all, it needs cleaning too? Yes! Run it with some ice cubes to remove any stuck food residue.
You can also pour baking soda or a few slices of lemon to remove any lingering odors.
6. Forgetting the Appliances
Just like the garbage disposal, the other appliances in the kitchen need a thorough cleaning from time to time.
Don’t forget the coffee maker, microwave, or blenders when it comes to having a safe and clean kitchen area.
It Only Takes a Moment
Cleaning is a task many people put off. When it comes to the kitchen though, it is vital to stay ahead of the germs.
Avoiding these common kitchen cleaning mistakes will make your cooking and eating space safe and smell great!
