A Professional’s Guide to Cleaning & Sanitizing Kitchen Tools and Equipment

Keep bacteria at bay with our complete guide to sanitizing kitchen tools and equipment.

Updated October 4, 2023

Reading Time: 5 minutes

Written by Eunice Samson

A selection of cleaning & sanitizing kitchen tools and equipment displayed

Kitchen Cleaning

Key steps:

Clean your kitchen utensils in hot water with an antibacterial detergent.
When sanitizing kitchen tools and equipment, use either boiling water or a solution of bleach and water.
Store your tools in a regularly cleaned plastic or metal box to keep the germs away.

If you don’t clean your kitchen properly, germs and bacteria can start to grow – and quickly, too!

According to a study published in Environmental Microbiology, over 34 types of bacteria can colonize on kitchen surfaces.[1]

This definitely isn’t ideal in a place where you prepare and cook food as it can lead to the people who visit your business getting ill. To avoid this, it’s important you’re cleaning and sanitizing kitchen utensils properly after you use them.

When cleaning and sanitizing kitchen utensils, remember to dry them with dishcloths that have been cleaned using a quality detergent, such as Sunlight Liquid Detergent.

Cleaning after cooking

After you’ve finished cooking, it’s vital you’re cleaning and sanitizing kitchen tools and equipment to prevent the spread of bacteria. To start with, here’s how you can clean your tools:

Scrape any food debris into a bin before cleaning and sanitizing tools and equipment.
Fill your sink with warm to hot water and an antibacterial detergent.
Use a clean sponge or brush to scrub each item thoroughly, making sure to remove all bits of food and getting into all the little, hard-to-reach areas.
Either leave to air dry or use a dish cloth, which should be cleaned with a quality detergent, such as, to ensure you’re properly cleaning and sanitizing kitchen tools and equipment.

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Pro Tip: We recommend reading our article about what cleaning tools to have to know the essential items to have in your kit.

Sanitizing kitchen tools and equipment

If you need to be thoroughly sanitizing kitchen tools and equipment to ensure there’s no chance of any bacteria, follow these steps:

Put your utensils in a large pan, covering them fully in water. Carefully bring the water to the boil, putting a lid on the pan, for five minutes. Remove the lid and wait for the water to stop boiling before removing the utensils with prongs.
Another method for cleaning and sanitizing kitchen utensils is to combine a tablespoon of bleach with a gallon of water. Leaving your tools to soak before rinsing them thoroughly with hot water.

How to clean and store cooking tools and equipment

If you’re wondering how to clean and store cooking tools and equipment, use one of the above methods, before moving on to storing. Use a sanitized container, such as a large plastic or metal box, and place only the cleaned tools in it. Clean the box regularly to keep germs and bacteria at bay.

Cleaning and sanitizing tools and equipment is vital to keeping a healthy and happy kitchen for your business – and it’s not hard, either! Just remember that it’s not just about cleaning, but also about drying and storing your utensils too. Follow all of the tips above and you’ll banish bad bacteria.

How to clean and sanitize kitchen tools using natural products

We understand that some folks prefer using natural cleaning products in their homes. Well, you can also sanitize and clean your kitchen tools using baking powder, vinegar, and lemon. Here are the steps:

Fill a basin with two liters of hot water.
Add a cup of vinegar and a cup of baking soda.
Squeeze about two tablespoons of lemon into the solution. This step will manage the vinegar’s sour smell. However, you can skip this if you want.
Mix the solution, then submerge your kitchen tools in it.
Let your kitchen tools soak in the solution for about 30 minutes.
After 30 minutes, rinse your kitchen tools with cold, running water.

Maintaining small kitchen gadgets

Maintaining small kitchen gadgets is crucial for their optimal performance and durability. Here are some tips you can follow:

Start by regularly cleaning the gadgets according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Disassemble removable parts for thorough cleaning and ensure they are completely dry before reassembling.
Pay attention to hard-to-reach areas where food particles can accumulate.
Additionally, descaling is important for gadgets like coffee machines. Use a suitable descaler to remove mineral deposits and improve efficiency.
Store the gadgets in a clean and dry area to prevent moisture buildup and damage.
Regularly inspect cords and plugs for any signs of wear and tear.

By taking these steps, you can keep your small kitchen gadgets in top shape for longer.

References:

1. Flores, G. E., Bates, S. T., Caporaso, J. G., Lauber, C. L., Leff, J. W., Knight, R., & Fierer, N. (2013). Diversity, distribution and sources of bacteria in residential kitchens. Environmental microbiology, 15(2), 588–596. https://doi.org/10.1111/1462-2920.12036

2. Byrd-Bredbenner, C., Berning, J., Martin-Biggers, J., & Quick, V. (2013). Food safety in home kitchens: a synthesis of the literature. International journal of environmental research and public health, 10(9), 4060–4085. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph10094060

Frequently asked questions on kitchen sanitization

What is kitchen sanitation, and why is it important?

Kitchen sanitation refers to the process of maintaining a clean and hygienic environment in the kitchen. This includes cleaning and disinfecting surfaces, utensils, and appliances to prevent the growth and spread of harmful bacteria, viruses, and other germs. Kitchen sanitation is essential to ensure that food is safe to eat and to prevent foodborne illnesses.[2]

What are some common kitchen sanitation practices?

Some common kitchen sanitation practices include washing hands frequently, cleaning and sanitizing surfaces and utensils, and storing food at the correct temperatures. Moreover, you must properly dispose of garbage and food waste. Don’t forget to follow food safety guidelines when preparing, cooking, and storing food. For instance, keep raw meat separate from other foods and cook food to the appropriate temperature.

How can I maintain good kitchen sanitation at home?

To maintain good kitchen sanitation at home, it is important to keep your kitchen clean and organized. This includes wiping down counters and surfaces regularly, washing dishes and utensils after each use, and cleaning appliances regularly. You should also practice good food safety habits, such as washing your hands before handling food and keeping raw meat separate from other foods. Additionally, make sure to regularly check and clean your refrigerator, and dispose of expired or spoiled food promptly. Besides, doing so will also help you get rid of bad smells in your fridge.

What are the 5 steps in cleaning and sanitizing kitchen tools?

The first step is to scrape off the food residue and grime off the tools. Then, scrub and wash the tools using a sponge and dish soap. The third step is to soak your tools in a mixture of water and bleach. After 30 minutes, rinse the tools. Finally, wipe them using a dry microfiber cloth.

Originally published July 27, 2021