CLEANING experts have revealed the hidden spot in our kitchens that could be harbouring harmful bacteria.
It’s no secret that washing your hands and sanitising surfaces protects against the spread of germs, bacteria, and viruses.
Kitchen taps are hives for bacteria and germs[/caption]
But you may still be shocked to discover just how filthy some of our surfaces really are.
And one spot could actually be a hive for germs – and you’re probably not cleaning it as often as you should.
Kitchen taps are one of the most frequently touched surfaces in the home and with all the cooking, washing, and cleaning that happens in the kitchen, it’s easy to forget that germs can linger on them.
And the aerator, which is the nozzle on the tap, is a hidden feature that harbours the most germs – as well as the more obvious spots like the handle and spout.
Since February marks the peak of cold and flu season, one cleaning expert has shared their top tips for disinfecting your kitchen.
In a bid to help prevent the spread of germs, Nancy Emery, cleaning expert at Tap Warehouse, has revealed how we can get into those hidden areas without damaging your kitchen’s finish.
She said: “The best way to prevent spreading sickness through your home during cold and flu season is to target high-traffic areas and high-use items the most frequently.
“Be mindful of surfaces and materials that harbour germs, in particular the aerator on your kitchen tap.
“Many of us will skip this step when cleaning down our kitchens, however, it’s one of the places that could harbour the most bacteria and limescale buildup, especially in areas of hard water.
“Additionally, wash your kitchen cloths in hot water in the laundry after use and put your sponge in the dishwasher to kill any lingering germs.”
The aerator is a hidden hive for germs because it is susceptible to limescale deposits since it’s found on the outlet of the tap faucet.
This can disrupt the water flow and trap bacteria and minerals over time.
To prevent germs from spreading through the water, homeowners should remove and clean the aerator every couple of months.
Nancy says: “Simply use a toothbrush to clean this nozzle, along with a solution of lemon juice and water.
“Keep repeating with a fresh application of lemon juice if the limescale persists.”
There are two other spots on a kitchen tap that are suspectable to germs are the handle and spout.
This is because these are the most commonly touched parts of the tap and can easily spread illness throughout the household.
Nancy explains: “While cleaning the visible areas of your tap, don’t forget the often-overlooked spots like the handle and the spout.
Use the right cleaning products
NANCY has also stressed the importance of using the right cleaning products when wiping down your kitchen tap.
She said: “When it comes to cleaning your kitchen tap, it’s important to avoid harsh chemicals that could scratch or dull its surface.
“Clean regularly with a damp, soft cloth to keep on top of stains and hard water marks.
“You can easily remove limescale with a 75/25 solution of lemon juice and water.
“Gently scrub the solution on the tap with a soft sponge and leave this to dissolve the limescale deposits for 30 minutes before rinsing thoroughly with water.
“If you’ve opted for a special finish tap such as matt black, chrome or brushed brass, it’s especially important to avoid using harsh chemicals such as vinegar when cleaning.
“Similar to above, warm soapy water is enough to preserve the coating of your tap but you can also clean with a 75/25 lemon juice and water solution for a tougher clean.
“It’s important to ensure this isn’t left on to soak for more than a couple of minutes before rinsing.”
“These areas tend to harbour the most germs since they’re touched frequently.
“Use a microfiber cloth to wipe down the handle, spout, and base, ensuring that all surfaces are disinfected.”
Nancy also said that after cleaning your kitchen, it is important to wipe it dry to stop any leftover germs from spreading further.
She adds: “After cleaning, it’s important to dry your tap thoroughly.
“Leaving water droplets on the surface can encourage the growth of bacteria, mould, and mildew, particularly around the base and handle.
“Use a soft cloth to wipe down your tap after each use to prevent any buildup of moisture and germs.”
Disinfect with care
ONCE you have finished cleaning your kitchen tap, it is key to carefully use a disinfectant spray that is safe for metal surfaces.
Nancy explained: “After cleaning, use a disinfectant spray that’s safe for metal surfaces.
“Look for products that are labelled as non-abrasive and gentle on finishes like chrome, stainless steel, or matte black.
“If you’re using a homemade disinfectant, lemon juice is the best option.
“The citric acid in lemons is antibacterial and antiseptic, which means that lemons can kill bacteria.
“Additionally the oils in the rinds of the lemon can also help to cut through grease and staining, leaving household items clean and shining.”
