Brits warned about ‘filthy’ kitchen item that ‘could make you ill’

While cleaning the kitchen, most people focus on the obvious messes. But there are hidden germ hotspots we touch, use and eat from every single day, which are far dirtier than you’d imagine. From bacteria-filled grooves in your chopping board to mould growing around your sink, these overlooked areas can harbour harmful germs that put your family’s health at risk. 

Now Caitlin King, CEO of Wrap Your Kitchen, has revealed the five dirtiest spots in your kitchen that you’re probably neglecting, and exactly how to clean them. Some of them could even make you ill due to contamination. 

She said: “People spend hundreds on designer taps and marble worktops, but overlook the basics that actually keep their kitchen hygienic. These hidden germ traps can lead to foodborne illness, cross-contamination, and even damage your home’s value if left unchecked.”

1. Cutting Boards

Your chopping board might look clean, but very time you slice raw chicken or chop vegetables, bacteria seep into the scratches and cracks, and a quick rinse won’t shift them.

“Cutting boards are one of the worst offenders,” says Caitlin. “The deeper the grooves, the more bacteria can hide. If you’re using the same board for raw meat and salad, you’re asking for trouble.”

Cross-contamination from boards can lead to food poisoning from harmful bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella. Wooden boards are particularly guilty, as they absorb moisture and provide the perfect breeding ground for germs.

To fix this, Caitlin advises to wash boards with hot, soapy water immediately after use. Once a week, disinfect with a mixture of one part white vinegar to four parts water. Replace any board that’s heavily scarred. If the grooves are deep enough to trap food, it’s time for a new one.

2. Sink edges and taps 

The edges of your sink and the base of your taps collect grime, soap scum, and food particles daily, becoming breeding grounds for mould and bacteria.

“The seal around your sink and the base of your taps are prime spots for hidden mould,” Caitlin warns. “If you can see black spots forming, that’s mould growth, which is both unsightly and unhealthy.”

Use an old toothbrush dipped in a bleach solution (one part bleach to ten parts water) to scrub around tap bases and sink edges weekly. For stubborn mould, let the solution sit for ten minutes before scrubbing.

3. Sponges 

Here’s a grim fact: your kitchen sponge is likely dirtier than your toilet seat. Sponges are warm, damp, and full of tiny crevices, which makes them the perfect home for bacteria to multiply. Kitchen sponges can harbour billions of bacteria, including strains that cause food poisoning.

“If your sponge smells off, it’s already too late,” says Caitlin. “That smell is bacteria.”

Microwave a damp sponge on high for one minute daily to kill bacteria. Even with regular disinfecting, replace your sponge every one to two weeks. Better yet, switch to dishcloths that you can throw in the washing machine at 60°C.

4. Countertops 

Countertops come into contact with raw meat, unwashed vegetables and dirty bags, yet a quick spray and wipe doesn’t always cut it. Porous surfaces like granite and wood can absorb liquids, trapping bacteria beneath the surface.

To fix this, after preparing food, especially raw meat, clean countertops with a food-safe disinfectant or white vinegar and water solution. Pay extra attention to areas near the sink and stove where grime builds up.

5. The bin area 

Your  kitchen bin might be tucked away in a cupboard, but that doesn’t mean it’s not spreading germs. The area around and underneath the bin collects spills and leaked liquids that quickly turn rancid. Bin cupboards are often dark and poorly ventilated, which means any mess lingers.

To avoid leaks, line your bin with a properly fitted bag to avoid leaks. Wipe down the inside and outside of the bin weekly with disinfectant, and don’t forget the floor and walls of the cupboard.

Caitlin said: “Having a clean kitchen is all about protecting your family’s health and maintaining your home’s value. These overlooked spots might seem minor, but they can harbour dangerous bacteria that lead to foodborne illness.

“The good news is that tackling them doesn’t require expensive products or hours of effort. Simple habits like disinfecting regularly, replacing worn items, and staying on top of daily cleaning make all the difference.”

She added: “When buyers view a property, they notice grimy grout, stained sinks, and worn surfaces. A hygienic, well-maintained kitchen shows you care about your home, and that adds real value.”