11 Tips for a Clean and Healthy Kitchen

Keep your highly trafficked kitchen clean and sparkling with these easy hacks and expert tips.

During the last year, our kitchens have been where life happens. Our kitchen islands, coffee machines, ovens, refrigerators and cutting boards have done double duty as work offices and full-service eateries — which is why it’s more important than ever to give them a deep clean.

With our kitchens doing double duty during the last year, it’s more important than ever to pay extra attention by giving your kitchen a deep clean.

With these 11 tips from NSF expert and microbiologist Lisa Yakas, you can quickly and easily clean your highly trafficked (and highly germy) kitchen.

1

Spruce Up Your Routine

It’s good to do a weekly deep clean and sanitize your kitchen. So choose a convenient day and stick to your plan to tackle the job.
2

Top Down

Work from the top down, which will help prevent dust from settling and dirt from spreading germs back onto the counters and floors.
3

Go Green

If you want to be environmentally friendly, consider an alternative to your regular cleaning products. Try a vinegar solution mixed with hot water for cabinets, walls and appliances to help neutralize odors, remove dirt and dissolve grease. Or look for an EPA Safer Choice cleaning product or another eco-label in your area.
4

Counterattack

For your food prep surfaces, such as counters and sinks, clean with a mild detergent and water, followed by a disinfectant. For specialty surfaces, use the disinfecting agent recommended by your countertop manufacturer. And in some cases, a bleach-based solution (one teaspoon of household bleach per quart of hot water) can be used.
5

Foodstuffs

Check the cupboards, pantry, refrigerator and freezer for expired foods. Discard any items that are beyond their posted “use by” dates.
6

Soak the Sponge

Kitchen sponges are Petri dishes for bacteria, so it’s important to rinse and clean them in a bleach solution and replace them frequently. You can also microwave your sponges. But when in doubt, throw it out.
7

Sweep It Up

Bring out the broom and do a clean sweep of the floor daily. Kitchen rugs and hand towels should also be laundered regularly to keep the kitchen smelling fresh.
8

Everything and the Kitchen Sink

Remember to give your kitchen sink a good wipe down with a disinfectant at least once a week.
9

Dive Deep

Make sure to clean the veggie compartment in your fridge effectively. First, remove the drawer if possible. Use a clean sponge or soft cloth and wash the bin with a mild detergent mixed with warm water. Rinse with tap water and wipe dry with a clean towel. To help control odors, use warm water mixed with a baking soda solution.
10

Sweat the Small Stuff

Don’t forget about can openers, rubber spatulas and food storage containers. After each use, wash them by hand in hot, soapy water, rinsing thoroughly with clean tap water before air-drying.
11

Bring On the Knives and Cutting Boards

Dark, moist environments can be a breeding ground for germs, and knife blocks and cutting boards are no exception. Both yeast and mold can grow here.