13 Unexpected Reasons Your Kitchen Is the Least Healthy Part of Your Home

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When someone thinks of a home they think of the kitchen with its promise of meals and fond memories. Yet, beneath the surface of its gleaming countertops and stocked cabinets lies a hidden truth: That might be the least healthy spot in your home. The space where you whip up comfort foods could very well be a hub of hazards — from sneaky contaminants to overlooked hygiene pitfalls.

NSF International, a public health organization, found most of us think of the kitchen as a place of nourishment and family bonding, but it can be more germ ridden than the bathroom. It’s not a scare tactic, it’s a reality check! So, sit back and let’s see how your kitchen is sabotaging your health in unexpected ways.

Dirty Sponges and Dishcloths

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Your kitchen’s dirtiest secret could be that sponge you use to scrub plates spotless. NSF International reported that kitchen sponges carry more bacteria, including E. coli and salmonella, than a toilet seat. This is a breeding ground for harmful microorganisms. Cut down on grime by tossing sponges in the microwave for a minute or replace them weekly.

Contaminated Cutting Boards

Your cutting board is most likely doing too many things at once. Cross contamination happens when you are slicing raw chicken and then chopping veggies on the same surface, without washing it first. That raw meat juices can carry bacteria and sully ready-to-eat foods. A separate board for meat and produce avoid the risk here, and be sure to sanitize the boards after each use.

Improper Food Storage

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Although it seems as though the fridge is a safe place for your groceries, it actually is a culprit in the spread of foodborne illnesses. Are raw meats leaking juices onto fresh produce, or are leftovers sitting uncovered? They can result in contamination. Raw meats should be stored on the lowest shelf, and placed in airtight containers, and you should deep clean your fridge once a month.

Cracks and Crevices of appliances

Blenders, food processors, and even your trusty coffee maker have hidden nooks where food particles hide. If not cleaned properly, these spots can become petri dishes for bacteria. In fact, mold can grow in your coffee maker reservoir if it is not cleaned. To keep your gadgets grime free, make cleaning those parts a regular habit.

The Handle Horrors

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Your fridge, oven, and microwave handles are some of the most touched surfaces in your kitchen. They are rarely cleaned as much as they should be. A disinfectant swipe daily can make a huge difference in removing germs that are passed to your hands, then to your food.

Unwashed Produce

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So you’d think that a quick rinse under tap water should be enough to clean fruits and veggies, but it’s not. Exposure to harmful pesticides and bacteria can cling stubbornly to the skins. These residues can be removed by a gentle scrub or soaking in a vinegar solution to keep your meals both healthier and safer.

Poor Ventilation

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Have you ever wondered why the smell of cooking stays? It’s not merely the smell of last night’s curry – it’s also an indication of bad ventilation. Grease and smoke are tiny particles released when you cook and it affects indoor air quality. A good range hood is a must to reduce airborne particles; using it regularly will help keep the space fresher and healthier.

Overlooked Garbage Bins

Garbage bins that aren’t cleaned often are like magnets for bacteria. And with liners, food residues and liquids can seep through and make a mess. Don’t let the spread of germs get you down, clean and disinfect your bin regularly as recommended by taking a moment to rinse it.

Chemicals Under the Sink

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Harsh chemicals in cleaning products under the sink might be toxic if not handled properly. The results can be dangerous if these containers leak or if children or pets have access to them. Try to choose non toxic or eco friendly cleaners whenever possible and store them safely.

Unnoticed Pest Activity

Ants, cockroaches, mice and other unwanted guests can be a buffet in your kitchen. Tell tale signs of an infestation are droppings or chewed packaging. Prevent these pests by keeping food sealed and counters clean and keeping an eye out for entry points.

Reusable Shopping Bags

While your eco friendly shopping bags are good for the environment, they likely hold harmful bacteria if you don’t wash them often. Germs carried on raw meat bags may be transferred to other groceries. After each few uses, toss them in the laundry to keep them fresh and safe.

Expired Spices and Oils

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Many spices and oils sit forgotten at the back of a cupboard. Old oils can go rancid and spices old beyond their prime can lose taste and become moldy. Make sure these are checked regularly for expiration dates and stored in cool dark places to keep them fresh that much longer.

Cluttered Countertops

Ingredients for recipe on kitchen worktop — Photo Credit: Pexels

Not only is a cluttered kitchen an eyesore but it’s also a health risk. Too much mail or utensil holders that are stuffed together provide dust and bacteria more places to land. Keeping things decluttered and cleaned daily helps to keep them all organized and eliminates potential hazards.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.