Is your kitchen the busiest room in your home? Not only is it where you prepare meals but it is a center for family gatherings, doing homework, and hanging out.
Kitchens arguably require the most maintenance in your home, especially your countertops. Because this is where food is prepared, it is important to keep them clean and germ-free. Without proper cleaning, your countertop can become a breeding ground for germs and bacteria, which can lead to food contamination.
Being busy, we don’t always keep our kitchen countertops germ-free… but we should, to keep everyone using them healthy.
Here, we present some simple steps to follow to maintain a germ-free kitchen countertop in your Toronto-area home.
Kitchen Countertops in Toronto: How to Keep Yours Germ-Free
Keep your kitchen countertops safe and hygienic with these simple steps.
1. Clean Spills Right Away
Spilled gravy (among other substances) may seem harmless, but letting it sit on your countertop can make it hard to clean and encourage bacteria.
By cleaning the kitchen countertop in your Toronto home right away, you reduce grime, grease, and bacteria. Letting it sit leads to time-consuming disinfection.
2. Disinfecting Sponges and Dishcloths
Sponges and dishcloths are regularly used to clean utensils and countertops. That means they are potential breeding grounds for bacteria, moulds, and yeasts. Wash them under tap water, wring them out, and let them air dry before using them again. Dishcloths should also be run through your laundry every week and dried in your dryer at high heat to kill off any lingering germs or bacteria.
You can also sanitize sponges and dishcloths with store-bought disinfectant or a mixture of water and bleach to clean them up nicely.
3. Keeping the Countertop Dry
Moist surfaces attract germs, such as bacteria, moulds, and fungus. That’s why it’s important to keep your kitchen countertops dry. Make it a habit to clean the surface immediately after a spill. If you clean the countertop with any liquid, such as soap or water, make sure to dry it using a clean, dry cloth.
Wipe down any places where steam or condensation collects. This will reduce the chances of moulds or fungus growing.
4. Use Organic Cleaning Materials
Store-bought cleaning products like bleach can contain harmful chemicals that damage natural stone countertops. Undiluted bleach can also create fumes that can cause respiratory problems. Bleach can also corrode the surface, as natural stone countertops are porous, so liquid can seep in and form a stain.
Using strong products can cause natural stones like marble to lose their beauty. Whitish marks may appear while cleaning with substances that contain harmful chemicals.
Instead, store vinegar and hydrogen peroxide in separate bottles. One or two sprays of vinegar must be followed by two sprays of hydrogen peroxide to clean a small stain. Note: mixing the two can create peracetic acid, which may be toxic. That’s why vinegar and hydrogen peroxide must be used one after the other.
5. De-clutter Your Kitchen Countertop
It is also important to de-clutter your kitchen countertops. Making space will help in deep cleaning as it is easier to reach the countertops’ nooks and crannies.
So, remove all unnecessary items, like bills, receipts, keys, and groceries. Keep separate baskets for fruits and vegetables, and keep your pots and pans in cupboards. Unwashed utensils can spread germs on the countertop, as can reusing knives and cutting boards. So, clean everything before placing it on the countertop.
A germ-free kitchen countertop can be maintained by following some simple rules. This includes taking care of the kitchen countertops in your Toronto-area home, cleaning up stains, cleaning sponges and dishcloths, and de-cluttering your workstation. By following these rules, you can increase the countertop’s longevity and preserve its beauty. With proper cleaning, you can prevent germs and bacteria from growing on your countertop, making it a hygienic place.