Clean These Kitchen Hot Spots Fast

These tips will keep the hub of your home—and your family—as healthy as possible

- BY ARRICCA ELIN SANSONE

Think your kitchen—aka the busiest room in the house—is spotless? Not so fast. “Moisture and food make it the perfect environment for germs to grow,” says Kelly A. Reynolds, Ph.D., an environmental microbiologist at the University of Arizona. This checklist can help you stop germs from spreading in the dirtiest kitchen nooks.

1. KITCHEN SINK

“Millions of bacteria cling to the sink, drain seal and garbage disposal gasket,” warns Dr. Reynolds.

Keep It Clean: After rinsing raw meat, veggies or pet bowls—and at least once a day—spray disinfectant on the faucet, sink and strainer. Be sure to leave the product on for the recommended contact time.