How to clean kitchen to stop spread of bacteria - How To

Apr 30, 2025

A decade on from sharing a hygiene hack with a wooden spoon that went viral, Matt Preston takes on other nasties that might be lurking in your kitchen.

Ten years back I pointed out why wooden spoons should be replaced regularly, offering as proof the gunk that came out when an old spoon was soaked in boiling water. It wasn’t pretty, and the story went viral around the world. With four million Australians getting sick from foodborne illness each year, I’m heading back into the kitchen to see where else germs might be lurking. Here’s where to look – and clean – to help keep you and your family safe.

How to clean kitchen sponges, cloths and towels

A US study found that 15 percent of kitchen sponges contained salmonella, while a UK study found that 60 percent had E. coli on them. This can happen if you forget to wash sponges and dishcloths properly (or if your teenager uses a sponge to wipe the floor, as they do). So, wash and dry dishcloths, sponges and other kitchen cloths on your highest temperature setting regularly. Microwaving sponges for a minute or so after washing can also kill off bacteria (the pack should indicate if it’s not safe for your brand). And don’t forget dishwashing brushes: wash them in the dishwasher regularly.

How to clean a chopping board

US microbiologist Dr Charles Gerba (AKA Dr Germ) found that chopping boards can harbour 200 times more bacteria than a toilet seat. So deep-clean your chopping boards in a vinegar solution for 20 minutes. And use different boards for meat, poultry, veg and fruit. Scratches and scars in wooden chopping boards make them harder to clean, and can also harbour germs.

Credit: iStock / PixelsEffect

How to clean the kitchen sink and surfaces

A 1987 study in the Journal of Applied Microbiology found that in homes that didn’t use disinfectant, sinks came only second to sponges as places where E.coli was found. Another piece of research found more bugs in key kitchen sites like sponges, sinks and taps than in bathrooms. So don’t leave old food in the sink. Wipe down the sink and taps with disinfectant, and wear rubber gloves and use boiling water first for a more thorough job, keeping the gloves aside just for this particular task.

How to clean kitchen utensils

The dishwasher does a wonderful job of killing off bugs, but beware of utensils that get overlooked or have hidden crannies. Think can openers, vegetable peelers and any utensil like tongs or spatulas with plastic ends that slip off (under which bugs can lurk). Disassemble and put both parts in the dishwasher separately. The same goes for rubber seals on plastic storage containers.

Credit: Getty Images / Peter Stark

How to clean the fridge

Bugs grow more easily in the ambient temperature of a benchtop, but remember that listeria can still grow in fridges, so disinfect your meat and veg drawers regularly, and discard or use ingredients before they get manky. And yes, most experts still suggest washing fruit and veg before use. Your fridge should run at 5°C or less, and it’s best to store meat in a bottom drawer; in case juices spill. In case of spillage, clean it up immediately, removing the meat drawer to disinfect everything with a cleaning solution.

The kitchen bin and other sins

Every time you touch the bin, fridge, oven handle or a tap, you risk cross-contamination. Hence why we should all wash our hands regularly and well, especially after handling raw chicken or eggs. Also empty bins regularly, as they’re a lure for germ-spreading pests. Taking trash out daily is a good family routine (washing your hands after). Obviously, you’re already washing your hands after using the loo, but if you’ve used your phone in there, this too may harbour bugs. One UK study found that one in six phones were contaminated with faecal matter. Ew.