Struggling with kitchen hygiene? Find out the steps to maintain hygienic kitchen surfaces. Keep your UK kitchen fresh, sanitary, and food-safe with our expert advice.
Clear and Prepare the Area
Before cleaning, remove all items from the kitchen surfaces. This includes food, utensils, small appliances and decorations. Empty bins and put away anything that does not belong on the worktops. Doing this helps you access all areas that need cleaning and prevents objects from getting in the way. Use clean hands and gloves when handling kitchen items to avoid spreading dirt.
If you are cleaning near food preparation areas, make sure no food is left out. Once the surfaces are clear, check for any spots that need special attention, such as sticky spills or dried-on food. Preparing properly makes the cleaning process quicker, easier and more effective in keeping your kitchen safe and hygienic.
Choose Suitable Cleaning Products
Choosing the right cleaning products is essential to keep your kitchen surfaces hygienic and safe. First, check the type of surface you are cleaning—such as laminate, stainless steel, granite or wood. Some materials can be damaged by strong chemicals, so always read the labels on the cleaning products.
For general cleaning, a mild kitchen cleaner or warm soapy water will usually do the job. These are good for removing grease and everyday mess. Avoid using harsh bleach directly on food preparation areas unless the product is designed for kitchen use.
If you prefer natural products, white vinegar and baking soda can be good options. They clean well and are safe for many surfaces, but should not be used on stone countertops as the acid can cause damage.
It’s also important to use clean cloths or sponges and change them regularly. Reusing dirty cloths can spread germs instead of removing them. Microfibre cloths are useful because they trap dirt effectively.
Lastly, make sure the product you use is safe around food. Many kitchen sprays are antibacterial, which helps kill germs. Choosing the right product keeps your kitchen clean and helps protect your health.
Remove Loose Debris and Stains
Begin by removing any loose crumbs, food scraps or dust from the surfaces. Use a dry cloth, paper towel or brush to wipe them into a bin. This step stops you from spreading debris while cleaning. Once that’s done, focus on any stains or sticky patches. Dampen a soft cloth with warm, soapy water and gently scrub the stained area. Do not use rough sponges that may scratch the surface.
For tougher spots, leave the damp cloth over the stain for a few minutes before wiping. Always rinse the area afterwards with clean water and dry it to stop water marks forming.
Clean from Top to Bottom
Cleaning from top to bottom helps you avoid re-contaminating surfaces you have already cleaned. Start with higher areas such as cupboard tops, shelves and splash-backs. Dust or dirt from these places can fall onto lower surfaces during cleaning, so it makes sense to tackle them first.
Use a damp cloth with warm, soapy water or a surface cleaner to wipe down these higher areas. Be sure to dry them with a clean cloth to stop mould from growing. Next, move to the worktops, hob and sink.
Clean around taps and in corners where grime can build up. Don’t forget areas like handles, switches and cupboard doors—they often carry hidden bacteria.
Finally, clean lower surfaces like the fronts of drawers and the kitchen floor. Mop the floor last to remove any dirt that may have fallen during the process. This method saves time and ensures a more thorough clean.
Always use clean cloths and change the water or cleaning solution if it becomes dirty. A top-to-bottom approach keeps your kitchen surfaces consistently clean and safe for preparing food.
Sanitise to Eliminate Germs
After cleaning, it’s important to sanitise the kitchen surfaces to kill any remaining germs. Use a food-safe sanitising spray or solution and follow the instructions on the label.
Spray the product onto the cleaned surface and leave it for the recommended contact time before wiping or letting it air dry. Do not rinse unless the label says so.
Focus on high-touch areas like cutting boards, handles and worktops. Sanitising helps reduce the risk of illness caused by harmful bacteria. Repeat this step regularly, especially after preparing raw meat or dairy products, to keep your kitchen hygienic and safe.
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