It is important to sterilize your kitchen utensils routinely to make sure they are free of germs and bacteria. This will reduce the risk of food-borne illnesses, as well as keep your cooking surfaces clean and hygienic.
There are several methods you can use to sterilize kitchen utensils at home, depending on the type of item and its material.
Boiling
One effective way to sterilize kitchen utensils at home is by boiling them in water. Make sure that the utensil is completely submerged in water and bring it to a rolling boil for at least five minutes.
This should be enough to kill any bacteria or germs that may be present on the item. Be careful when removing the item from the pot, as it will be very hot.
Vinegar Soak
Another method you can use is to soak the items in a mixture of one part white vinegar and four parts water for 10 minutes. This should be enough time for all bacteria, dirt, and grime to come off of the surface.
Afterward, rinse off with warm water and allow it to air dry.
Bleach Solution
For non-porous kitchen utensils such as metal cutlery, you can use a bleach solution. Fill a container with one part bleach and four parts water and let it sit for 20 minutes. Rinse off with warm water afterward and allow it to air dry.
Dishwasher
If you have access to a dishwasher, this is an easy way to sanitize kitchen utensils quickly. Place them on the top rack of the dishwasher and set it for a hot cycle – this should be enough time for any germs or bacteria present on them to be killed.
To conclude, there are several methods that you can use to sterilize your kitchen utensils at home. Boiling them in water is one effective way, while soaking them in vinegar or bleach solution are also good options depending on their material makeup. If you have access to a dishwasher, this is an easy way that takes little effort but gets good results as well.