Family Friendly Kitchen Tips
We spend a lot of time in the kitchen, whether we're cooking evening meals, popping a wine cork to relax after a hard day's work, or having friends over for dinner. But there are a few things you may not be doing to ensure your kitchen is a family-friendly zone.
19/11/2017
Clean inside appliances
We take our appliances for granted, and while we regularly clean the outside of the washing machine, dishwasher and fridge, how many of us can honestly say that the inside is just as spotless and germ-free.
According to a 2011 US report, almost 60 percent of household refrigerators had mould or fungus growing in the seal around the doors. This is a simple clean-up job that will only take about 10 minutes tops. Simply use white vinegar and hot water to scrub around the door seal. You can even use an old toothbrush to get into tight areas.
To ensure your dishwasher is germ - and fungus - free, do a monthly rinse with a cup of white vinegar. This not only washes away fungus and mould spores, but helps reduce build up caused by hard water and mineral deposits.
Clean your coffee maker
There are many people that believe that running coffee through your coffee maker will disinfect it. Not true. There is nothing in coffee that acts as a disinfectant. To ensure your coffee maker is safe for use, gently clean it every 2 to 3 months with vinegar and water. This process will keep mould and bacteria at bay.
Microwave your kitchen sponge
Kitchen sponges are packed with germs, but zapping your sponge in the microwave for 60 seconds - in a bowl of lemon juice - will actually kill up to 99.9 percent of all germs (test carried out by Good Housekeeping). You can also use this method for sponges used in the bathroom and shower.
Dirty dishcloths and dish towels
While you may think you're cleaning countertops or drying dishes with dishcloths and dish towels, consider that these harbor bacteria and should be washed after every use. By using these cloths more than once you are actually spreading bacteria. It's best to start with a fresh towel each time you do dishes. Soak these cloths in household bleach and clean water to kill off germs and bacteria.
Clean a greasy extractor fan
Did you know that the filters inside an extractor fan need to be cleaned on a regular basis? Soak these in hot, soapy water at least once a month. With a little light scrubbing and a wipe down they will be good as new and trap far more.