How to clean your kitchen (where bacteria hide)

A kitchen looks clean long before it is clean. The surfaces that cause illness are often the ones we rarely wipe — and the worst offenders are not where most people expect. This guide follows the germs. Where bacteria actually hide The dish sponge and cloth — the single most germ-laden item in most homes. Damp, warm and fed with food, it spreads bacteria rather than removing them. The sink and taps, especially the drain and the base of the taps. Chopping boards, particularly after raw meat, and the knife used with them. Fridge handles, cupboard knobs and the bin lid — touched constantly, cleaned rarely. The space around and under the hob, where grease and crumbs collect. Daily (two minutes) Wipe worktops with hot soapy water after cooking; finish food-prep areas with a disinfectant spray. Wash and wring the dish cloth; stand the sponge up to dry, do not leave it wet in the sink. Wipe the…