Hidden Danger: A Knife Block Is A Perfect Place For Germs And Harmful Bacteria

December 8, 2017

A kitchen is one of the most popular rooms in every house. No wonder, it is a place where different bacteria and microbes develop. Invisible microorganisms are hidden even behind the ideal cleanness. Your cutting board, fridge, and sponge have them. Yes, the kitchen has more spots for germs than any other room in your house, and a knife block is one of them.

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One of the germiest kitchen items

Although you might think that a block is a safe way to store your knives, you are terribly wrong. Its inner construction harbors more germs than the blade of a knife. Most people cannot even remember the last time they cleaned their knife block. It might be months or even years!

Why bother?

Insufficiently washed blades and moisture provoke the growth of pathogenic bacteria and mold in your knife block. And then, these germs are transferred to food when through the knives.

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So, we need to make sure we clean and sanitize a knife block at least once a month.

The right way to do it

These are the steps to follow when cleaning your knife block:

Step 1

The first thing to do is to remove all tools, turn it upside down, and shake out crumbs and dust. Give it a few taps to loosen debris.

Step 2

Then, wash the knife block in hot, soapy water. Clean openings with a small brush, like the ones used for baby bottles. You can also use a sponge or microfiber cloth.

Step 3

Sanitize the entire thing with a mixture of 1 tablespoon of household bleach and 1 gallon of moderately warm water. Alternatively, you can use distilled vinegar or hydrogen peroxide. Let it soak for a couple of minutes. Then, rinse the knife block thoroughly with clean water.

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Step 4

Put the block upside down on some clean surface and let it dry.

Step 5

Always make sure your knives are properly washed to avoid the development of germs and mold.

We really hope these quick steps will help you keep your knife block clean all the time!