Seven simple tweaks to keep your kitchen free from food poisoning

Kitchens are often the busiest rooms in our homes, but they are also magnets for germs. An environmental health practitioner with 40 years of experience warns that the average sink can harbour 100,000 times more bacteria than a bathroom.

The real danger lies in the "journey of the germ"—the way bacteria move from dirty plates to our bodies via hands and cloths.

While dishwashers are preferred for their heat, you can achieve a hygienic manual wash with a few clever tweaks.

1. Wash the sink

Before starting, disinfect the sink with an antibacterial spray. Sinks and taps often harbour more bacteria than a toilet seat, making a clean base essential.

2. Chopping board rule

Always disinfect boards used for raw meat immediately. Pouring just-boiled water over them is a quick way to "kill germs within seconds."

3. Wear rubber gloves

Gloves protect your skin and allow for much hotter water to dissolve grease. Remember to wash the gloves themselves while still wearing them once finished.

4. Scrubbing is key

Mechanical scrubbing is more vital than water temperature for removing pathogens. Rinsing then flush the loosened germs away.

5. Ditch the sponge

Sponges are moist havens for bacteria. Dish brushes are a superior choice as they dry faster, depriving germs of the dampness they crave.

6. Air dry dishes

Skip the tea towel, which often spreads bacteria, and let dishes air dry. If you must use a cloth, wash it at 60°C.

7. OK to overnight soak

Soaking pans overnight is safe; just ensure you scrub them thoroughly the next morning to remove any stagnant residue.