Is it difficult for you to keep your kitchen countertops clean? Proper surface disinfection in the kitchen is essential for cooking and healthy living. Many households across Canada do not apply the care they should to keep their food free of bacteria and contamination.
Knowing how to disinfect kitchen countertops will keep you safe and help your home shine. Reliable deep cleaners in Toronto from Brihlho share their expert advice on keeping your countertops clean without worry.
Identify Your Surface Material
First, identify the material of your kitchen countertop before you start using disinfectant products. Certain disinfectants damage or dull your countertops if they do not have the proper surface treatment to handle those chemicals.
Porous stone surfaces (like granite, marble, and quartz) can stain easily and are not resistant to harsh acidic cleaners. Suitable treatment methods for these materials include a 1:1 solution of isopropyl alcohol and water.
You should clean countertops that have a water-based polyurethane seal with hot water and soap. This method is likely to prevent unwanted stains.
Laminate is one of the most common countertop materials, in part due to its affordability. Use extra care when cleaning this material to prevent bubbling or warping of the thin surface. It’s crucial to choose the right tools for the job. Microfibre cloths are better for these surfaces than abrasive tools like steel wool and will prevent scratching.
Preparing the Countertop
Successful disinfection includes the condition of the countertop before you handle food.
It is always good to keep your countertops dry and dust-free. Some people only attempt disinfection after they cook, but waiting to disinfect can expose you to harmful bacteria, especially if you use your countertop to prepare raw meat.
Make sure your surfaces are free of debris and grime before you start cooking. Restaurants and diners practice this health standard to effectively minimize the risk of cross-contamination, and home cooks should as well.
Be observant and ensure that water is not sitting or collecting on the countertop because these environments encourage mould growth and other bacteria. Keep your kitchen countertops dry by focusing on areas where water settles. Water usually collects around faucets and under appliances.
Remember never to spray disinfectants on or near food. Keep your ingredients away from chemicals and secure while you prep your countertop for cooking.
Avoid Reusing Rags and Sponges
Reusing rags and sponges too often can make the disinfection process less effective. We see many homeowners fall into this habit because it is cost-efficient — no one wants to continually buy new cleaning rags. But reusing these tools is not necessarily a problem if you take the time and care to clean them.
People often leave their sponges and fabrics out wet. Moisture creates a breeding ground for microbes and other bacteria that can make you sick or contaminate your food during exposure to the countertop. Disinfect your sponges and fabrics to prevent this growth of harmful elements.
Cleaning your rags in the dishwasher regularly with hot water is an easy way to keep them clean. A light bleach solution on your dishrag can also help kill germs. If your cloth is starting to show signs of wear and damage, it may be time to replace it.
You can disinfect a sponge by microwaving it for a couple of minutes. Remember that these methods only buy you a little more time. You should still replace sponges and similar cleaners every two weeks.
Applying Bleach
Here we will explain how to disinfect kitchen countertops properly with bleach. Warm water and soap effectively remove germs and debris from your cooking surfaces. Still, they do not always guarantee thorough disinfection.
Bleach is an effective cleaner against more stubborn forms of bacteria like salmonella and E. Coli. Prepare a bleach solution easily with a mixture of 1/4 cup household bleach (5% to 6%) and 2 1/4 cups water. This method uses light bleach to prevent any stains or damage that can occur from using too much of the chemical.
You can also apply bleach with a spray bottle. Just be sure not to overuse the substance with this strategy. Spraying bleach can create patchy and dull spots on the surface that ruin your kitchen’s lustre.
Be sure to store bleach and other chemical cleaners in safe locations and away from children. It is difficult for a child to recognize hazardous chemicals at a glance.
Organic Cleaners
Bleach can cause nauseating fumes to linger in the kitchen if there is not enough ventilation. If you struggle with breathing problems, this method of disinfection is not ideal.
If bleach and other harsh chemicals are not suitable for you, there are different organic options from which you can choose.
Vinegar and hydrogen peroxide are excellent organic substitutes for some standard disinfectant solutions. This method requires filling one spray bottle with 3% strength hydrogen peroxide and a second spray bottle with white vinegar.
Wash your countertops with warm soapy water and spray the vinegar. Follow up with the peroxide, and the solution will create a chemical reaction that cleans your surfaces.
Don’t forget to wipe down any residual moisture with a dry cloth or paper towel.
Continue Practicing Safe Cleaning
Disinfection of your countertops takes patience and discipline. Applying the proper habits protects your health and keeps your kitchen looking pristine. Homeowners who want to save money and prepare for a more comfortable future should consider these strategies to improve their living.
Whether you are new to cooking or are a veteran chef, you deserve to work in a clean environment. That is why our expert sanitation team at Brilho Luxury Cleaning & Services cleans your home with the highest quality of diligence. We can show you how to disinfect kitchen countertops more effectively and prepare your kitchen for success.Learn about the importance of deep cleaning before moving into your new home. Call our experts at 416-923-3300 or email [email protected] to learn more about our service and schedule an appointment today. We guarantee exceptional results.
