The kitchen, when not properly cleaned or maintained can become a very dirty place. Bacteria loves the kitchen because food and moisture are ideal places for it grow and spread. Since we use the kitchen to store, prepare and cook food, bacteria can be easily transferred from dirty kitchen areas to us. Therefore it is important to keep your kitchen as clean as possible. Here are several kitchen cleaning tips to help reduce bacteria and maintain a clean kitchen.

Microwave: Stuck on food particles in your microwave can be very difficult to remove. Clean your microwave by putting a microwavable cup filled with water inside on a high setting until it creates steam. The steam will make loosen the stuck on food. Remove the cup filled with hot water carefully and wipe away the mess with a microfiber cloth.

Refrigerator: Keep your refrigerator organized and smelling fresh by dating perishable food items. Remove old food items to prevent unwanted odors and protect yourself from accidentally consuming the bad item. Clean your refrigerator by whipping the inside with vinegar and water to disinfect. Keep a box of baking soda open in your fridge to remove unwanted odors.

Kitchen Tools: Keep your cooking and cleaning tools clean by boiling them in a water and vinegar solution. Items like sponges gather a lot of bacteria when they are drying out because small food particles combined with moisture attract bacteria. Can openers can also be very tricky to clean because stuck on food and bacteria hide inside the hard to clean gears. Boiling item such as these is a great way to kill bacteria. However boiling water is hot, be careful when handling items after boiling them!

The Garbage: Kitchen garbage cans need to be cleaned and disinfected regularly. Bacteria that builds up inside your garbage cans from old food and liquid creates unwanted odors. To temporarily remove unwanted odors sprinkle a little baking soda into your garbage can. To remove long term odors you can use dish soap and warm water to disinfect and clean your garbage cans.

Countertops: Start by using a microfiber cloth to remove larger crumbs and food particles. Next apply your surface cleaner of choice or a water and vinegar solution to your countertops. Once you solution is applied wipe the entire counter with an absorbent cloth to remove any excess cleaning solution.