The Dirtiest Part Of The Kitchen Everyone Forgets To Clean

Your kitchen is a playground for all kinds of germs and bacteria. Harmful pathogens like E. coli, salmonella, and campylobacter tend to be most present across its various surfaces where raw food, especially meat, poultry, and eggs, are handled and prepared. Cleaning and sanitizing the kitchen is of the utmost importance, and it's crucial to prevent the spread of these germs to other common touch points and foods. While some of the key focus areas when deep cleaning your kitchen are obvious, there's one place in your kitchen that is most likely being neglected: the light switch.

Think about it: The kitchen light switch is touched often and by many people in the house, so it can easily transfer germs from one person to another. Microbes that commonly build up on countertops, faucet handles, cutting boards, and dish sponges could end up on switches as people exit the room, making them some of the top items in the kitchen that you should clean more often. Yet, many people forget to clean them entirely. Luckily, this often-missed spot takes just a few minutes to wipe down and disinfect, so it can be an easily integrated part of your kitchen tidying routine.

First, it's important to determine a cleaning schedule for this overlooked part of your kitchen. Plan to clean your kitchen light switch at least once a week, but do it more often if someone in your home is ill, since this area can easily spread germs. Consider adding it to your regular routine to create an effective cleaning schedule.

Before cleaning your kitchen light switch, it's crucial to turn off the electricity to it — this will prevent electrical shock. Next, use a dry microfiber cloth to remove any loose dust and dirt from the surface of the light switch. Mix warm water and a few drops of dish soap, and dampen a cotton ball or soft cloth with the solution (ensuring it's not too wet). Wipe down the switch and cover plate. Use a cotton swab to get around the corners of the switch plate or an old toothbrush to scrub in tight spaces, like the cover plate screws. You'll then want to sanitize the light switch by dampening a cotton ball or cloth with rubbing alcohol and gently rubbing it over the light switch and plate. Finally, wipe the entire surface with a clean, dry microfiber cloth, making sure it's completely dry before turning the power back on.

For a deeper clean, you'll need to turn off the power and clean the switch following the steps above. Next, remove the plate from the wall using a screwdriver. Wash the plastic cover plate in warm, soapy water. Make sure to dry it thoroughly before reassembling, and turn the power back on.