You must be routinely cleaning the busiest places in your kitchen but do you simply leave it at wiping your kitchen counter and washing your utensils? You need to do more as certain places, in particular, are prone to collecting germs and other allergens. However, some of the places can be easy to forget in the typical cleaning rundown. Not cleaning those spots could potentially make you sick. Read on to find out the dirtiest areas in your kitchen.

1. Kitchen Towels

The sponges and cloth towels are the most frequently contaminated items in the kitchen. When you use a contaminated towel to clean your hands, you contaminate it all over again. Besides, salmonella can breed in your cloth even if you wash and rinse it. The best way to prevent cross-contamination is to use paper towels. Does Your Purse Have More Bacteria Than a Toilet Seat? Tips to Keep It Germ-Free. 

2. The Blender's Base

Thought you cleaned your blender well? The rubber gasket that sits below the pitcher to form a water-tight seal lurks with E.coli, Salmonella, mold, and yeast. Yes, you need to wash the pitcher properly, but don't just leave it at that. Clean the blender portion too after every use.

3. Knife Blocks

You may never think about cleaning your knife block but the slots are filled with germs. The food residues can easily transfer from your blades to the block and allow the bacteria to grow. A good way of cleaning the block is to scrub it with warm, soapy water and air drying it at least once a week. Even better, invest in a magnetic knife strip as it can be difficult to reach the bottom of the slots while cleaning it.

4. Crisper Drawer

The meat and vegetable drawers in your refrigerator could be lurking with Salmonella, Listeria and E. coli. So instead of simply wiping it with a kitchen washcloth, remove the entire drawer and wash it with warm water and detergent. Sometimes germs cling to the nooks and crannies of the drawers, so be sure to scrub them well. Also, ensure to keep your meat separate from your veggies to avoid cross-contamination. Don’t Rinse Raw Chicken Before Cooking, Says CDC; To Wash or Not to Wash, Questions the Internet. 

5. Kitchen Sink

Your kitchen sink is another area that is prone to bacteria and another allergen build-up. Between all the milk, wine, and leftover soup, it is important to remember that it is exposed to its fair share of the mess too. So instead of using a dirty sponge to wipe down the skin, use a clean sponge or a paper towel to prevent the spread of bacteria.

6. Stove Knobs and Light Switches

When was the last time you cleaned those stove knobs and light switches? If you prepare your meals every day, you must be touching those knobs in pretty consistent basis (throughout the flu season). These areas regularly need some cleaning too. You won’t be sorry, especially when you have a cold. Low-Cost Method Can Detect Bacteria in Food and Water. 

The sponges and the cleaning brushes needs be on your priority list. And since it never hurts to buy a new packet of brushes and sponges, change them often.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 17, 2019 05:13 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).