February marks the peak of cold and flu season, so keeping your home as clean as possible is more important than ever.
It’s not possible to keep germs and bacteria away completely, since we’re constantly touching many different areas around the house – with kitchen taps being one of the most frequent.
With all the cooking, washing, and cleaning that happens in the kitchen, it’s easy to forget that germs can linger on your taps, spreading illness throughout the household.
And nobody wants to fall victim to a bug at this time of year – so experts have shared some valuable advice on how to keep kitchen tap germs at bay.
There’s one area that you’re probably forgetting to clean that can be a real breeding ground for bacteria, according to cleaning expert Nancy Emery from Tap Warehouse.
She said: “The best way to prevent spreading sickness through your home during cold and flu season is to target high-traffic areas and high-use items the most frequently.
“Be mindful of surfaces and materials that harbour germs, in particular the aerator on your kitchen tap. Many of us will skip this step when cleaning down our kitchens, however it’s one of the places that could harbour the most bacteria and limescale build up, especially in areas of hard water.”
The aerator is the nozzle on the outlet of the tap faucet and it’s susceptible to limescale deposits which can disrupt the water flow and trap bacteria and minerals over time.
To prevent germs from spreading through the water, make it a habit to remove and clean the aerator every couple of months.
Simply use a toothbrush to clean this nozzle, along with a solution of lemon juice and water. Keep repeating with a fresh application of lemon juice if the limescale persists.
After cleaning, use a disinfectant spray that’s safe for metal surfaces. Look for products that are labeled as non-abrasive and gentle on finishes like chrome, stainless steel, or matte black.
If you’re using a homemade disinfectant, lemon juice is the best option. The citric acid in lemons is antibacterial and antiseptic, which means that lemons can kill bacteria.
Additionally, the oils in the rinds of the lemon can also help to cut through grease and staining, leaving household items clean and shining.
And after cleaning, it’s important to dry your tap thoroughly. Leaving water droplets on the surface can encourage the growth of bacteria, mold, and mildew, particularly around the base and handle.
Use a soft cloth to wipe down your tap after each use to prevent any buildup of moisture and germs.
