Is your kitchen making you ill?

WE’RE pretty hopeless at hygiene when it comes to appliances – 71% of us regularly don’t clean items we use every day, scrubbing the oven just twice a year and freshening up the fridge eight times.

We spruce up our washing machines once a year, and dirty dishwashers get cleaned three times in 365 days, a survey by retailer Appliancesdirect.co.uk has found.

This means our appliances could be harbouring nasty germs and fungi, which can lead to everything from tummy aches to skin infections.

Here’s how they could harm your health and how to keep them clean. pipe cleaner to remove bits of food.

“Remember to wipe the handle, plus the top and sides of the fridge too as these can collect dust and debris.” The trend towards reducing washer temperature to be kinder to the environment, along with the fact fewer of us opt for biological powder with bleach, means germs and bugs can survive the washing process.

Research shows 44% of washers contain E. coli. Other bacteria found include staphylococcus aureus which can cause boils and rashes.

“We’d advise cleaning it every month but if it smells or you see mould act straight away,” says Sue. “Remove the detergent drawer and put it to soak in hot soapy water. When the water has cooled, use an old toothbrush to get rid of any mould or dirt.

“To clean the main machine, run a hot empty cycle – your manual may specify which is the best cycle to use. When it’s finished, open the door to air-dry the drum. Take a damp cloth and wipe around the rubber seal to get rid of residue that has collected.” trapped food. The arms of the dishwasher can be cleaned with washing-up liquid, running water through them to get rid of blockages.

“Give the dishwasher unit a thorough clean monthly by placing a cup of white vinegar on the top rack before running the otherwise empty dishwasher through its hottest cycle.” Grease, oil and grime build-up can be a hotbed for bacterial growth. One study found more bacteria on oven handles than toilet seats!

“Ideally, wipe the oven door weekly and clean the oven monthly. Check your manual as some self-cleaning ovens won’t tolerate certain products,” says Sue. “Remove shelves and either soak overnight in hot soapy water or spray with oven cleaner and place in a sealed plastic bag for 30 minutes before scrubbing.

“Cover heating elements and remove food. Spray with cleaner and leave to work for as long as recommended before wiping with a damp sponge or use hot soapy water and washing-up liquid. Use a toothbrush on corners. Don’t forget that handle!”