While your kitchen and work surfaces may be clean, did you know your food is still at risk of contamination? Even if you think your utensils are clean, there are factors that people do not consider regarding food contamination. So, let’s take a look at 15 kitchen tools that can cause contamination, which you may not have considered:
Knife Blocks
This may seem surprising, but your knife block is a potential source of contamination for your food. While you can wash the knives in the dishwasher, the inside of the knife block is a breeding ground for mold and bacteria, particularly if the knives are replaced when damp. You can prevent this by hand washing your knife block regularly and ensuring it is dry before replacing the knives.
Food Processors
How clean is your food processor? If you don’t fully disassemble the parts after each cooking session, your food processor will likely collect grease and dirt, which will accumulate over time. To avoid this, always disassemble and clean every time you use it. The parts are usually dishwasher-safe, so they are easy to clean.
Fridge Water Dispensers
Fridge water dispensers are great for staying hydrated throughout the day, but to stay safe, you must ensure that yours is thoroughly cleaned. The nozzle attracts mineral deposits from water and can develop mold if not cleaned regularly. Ensure you hand wash the detachable parts every week to avoid this.
Plastic Cutting Boards
Plastic cutting boards are easy to place in the dishwasher after use, but even if you do that with yours, they may not be fully clean. Knife cuts on plastic chopping boards are not easily cleaned; over time, they can attract bacteria. To prevent this, disinfect your chopping boards regularly and ensure they are fully dry before putting them away.
Dishcloths
Dishcloths don’t just mop up water; they also absorb grease, debris, and dirt, making them a breeding ground for bacteria if they are not kept properly clean. Ensure you buy enough dishcloths so you don’t always use the same ones. Wash each one after you use it, and replace any dishcloths that have become worn out.
Reusable Straws
While reusable straws are great for the environment, they can be difficult to thoroughly clean and can trap dirt and residue from drinks. Many people also don’t clean their reusable straws after each use. Try to find dishwasher-safe straws that can be thoroughly cleaned in the utensil compartment or brush them clean after each use.
Coffee Makers
Owning a coffee machine is a great way to save money on coffee shop trips, but make sure to keep it clean. The reservoir is damp and dark, making it a breeding ground for mold and bacteria. Ensure you regularly run cleaning cycles and wash the detachable parts every two weeks.
Ice Cube Trays
Adding ice to your drink on a summer day is a great way to stay cool, but leaving ice trays in the freezer for too long can attract bacteria. In addition, ice trays may become contaminated by food they come into contact with. Wash ice trays after every use to ensure they are free from contamination.
Metal Whisks
Metal whisks are notoriously tricky to clean. If food becomes trapped in the crevices, bacteria can attract over time. Also, if left damp, metal whisks can contaminate food by corroding. Opt for a dishwasher-safe whisk that you can clean after every use. Make sure that it is fully dry before putting it away.
Silicone Baking Mats
Silicone baking mats are great for saving on paper and mess, but they can contaminate your baked goods if not kept clean. Over time, these mats can develop residue that can deposit on your food, and cuts to the surface can fill with deposits that are difficult to clean. Handwash your baking mats with hot, soapy water after every use.
Toasters
When you make toast in the morning, contamination may not be the first thing that comes to mind. However, the crumb tray collects debris accumulating over time, attracting bacteria and mold and creating a fire hazard. To avoid this, empty your toaster into the trash weekly, clean it with a damp cloth, and allow it to dry before use.
Wooden Spoons
Using wooden spoons in cooking is a great way to protect your pots and pans, but they absorb food particles and can become unsanitary if not cleaned regularly. Wash your wooden spoons in hot, soapy water immediately after use, and make sure they are completely dry before putting them away. Replace any old wooden spoons; don’t use them if they develop cracks.
Sponges
If you are not careful, sponges can become a breeding ground for bacteria, spreading germs across surfaces you think you are cleaning. Wash your sponges daily with a bleach solution, allow them to dry properly before use, and use separate sponges for different tasks. Also, replace them when they wear out.
Tongs
While you may think you have properly cleaned your tongs after each use, food particles cling to the hinge and joint areas. Using tongs to pick up different types of food can also cross-contaminate your cooking. Make sure you thoroughly wash your tongs after each use and buy different tongs for each type of food you are cooking.
Reusable Food Storage Containers
Reusable containers are great for making the most of your leftovers, but make sure you replace them regularly. Check for wear and tear; scratches can collect bacteria, and cracks will prevent your food from staying fresh. Glass or silicone containers are great alternatives to plastic, as they are more robust and last longer.
