Unseen Kitchen Dangers Lurking in Your Home

Are you a cleaning enthusiast? You might still be making mistakes that could harm your health. Cleaning expert Diane Dimitrov claims there are six spots and tools in the kitchen most of us forget to clean, and these could harbor bacteria that are very dangerous to our health. Here's the full list:

The Spice and Sauce Shelf

Your spice and sauce shelf might look enticing, but it can accumulate dust, spilled spices, and sauces. Dimitrov told the Daily Star: "Give your spice storage area a thorough cleaning with a damp cloth every few weeks to ensure dirt and bacteria don't linger." Also, make sure the shelf is completely dry before you return your spices..

The Toaster Crumb Tray

If you see visible crumbs inside your toaster, Dimitrov says it's time to get rid of them. "First, make sure to unplug the toaster (with dry hands!) and then remove the crumb tray, empty it over a sink or trash can. Use a dry toothbrush to clean inside and around the toaster, removing large crumbs. Wash the crumb tray thoroughly with dish soap to get rid of sticky stains. Once the tray is completely dry, place it back inside and shake the toaster well over a sink or trash can to ensure no extra crumbs remain."

Wooden Utensils

We often wash or put our wooden spoons through the dishwasher, but Dimitrov says that's not thorough since wooden tools can develop bacteria, especially in the tiny cracks after direct contact with raw meat: "To avoid spreading bacteria, regularly soak the spoons in a hydrogen peroxide solution before thoroughly washing them. Create a diluted mixture by adding one teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide to two liters of water and soak the spoons for several minutes before washing as usual."

Oven Mitts

Even if your oven mitts look clean on the outside, they might have bacteria inside, especially if there are tiny bits of leftover food. It's recommended to wash the mitts weekly (depending on usage) or hand wash (depending on cleaning instructions). You can also soak your mitts in a solution of one tablespoon of baking soda and one tablespoon of laundry detergent for 10 minutes before putting them in the machine..

Kitchen Towels

Our kitchen towels need frequent washing. Moreover, many of us tend to use the same towel for drying hands, drying dishes, and cleaning dirty surfaces, which is severe according to Dimitrov. To maintain hygiene, it is advisable to have three separate towels: one for hands, one for dishes, and one for cleaning surfaces. Mixing them could create bacteria and transfer them to your skin or other utensils. Wash towels every few days at 40 degrees to properly disinfect them..

Kitchen Apron

The apron we wear while cooking and baking in the kitchen absorbs food specks full of bacteria, especially if it has a front pocket. It is crucial to remember to wash the apron after every few uses. It is also recommended to soak it in a solution of water and vinegar for 15 minutes before washing. After washing, air it out in a well-ventilated area to prevent moisture buildup..