Have you ever wondered what is the dirtiest thing in your kitchen? We spend a lot of time in the kitchen, cooking, eating with family, washing various items, etc.

But even though we can guess the most obvious and germ-prone places to clean in the kitchen (e.g., trash cans and floors), we seem to be looking in all the wrong places. In fact, the places where we least expect to find germs lurking are actually hidden hotbeds of bacterial growth

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So what exactly are these places? What is the dirtiest thing in the kitchen? Drumroll please.

That's right. The main thing you use to scrub dishes and pans and wipe off sticky surfaces is actually the dirtiest thing in the kitchen. While sponges are busy removing dirt, they are also picking up hundreds of different types of bacteria. This is because sponges are porous and always wet, making them a perfect breeding ground for electronic dust, microbes, and other toxins. In fact, according to a study in Arizona, sponges are 200,000 times dirtier than toilet seats.

A general rule of thumb is to throw away sponges after two weeks or sanitize them by soaking them in a solution of mild bleach and water for five minutes after each use.

Despite being filled with water throughout the day, the sink ranks second on the list of the dirtiest places in the kitchen. From dirty dishes and hands to vegetables, meat, and small appliances, we wash almost everything in the sink. As a result, it is easy to forget to rinse out the sink after use, leaving dirt to accumulate and bacteria to grow during the day.

In addition, food scraps and grease can clog the sink. Pay close attention to sink handles and faucets, which are hotbeds of germs, and sanitize sinks daily.

Kitchen cabinet handles and knobs tend to get filthy on a daily basis. This is especially true if the household touches them with unclean hands when loading and unloading cupboards. It is easy to forget to clean kitchen handles, so wipe them thoroughly with sanitizing wet wipes or soap. The same goes for the handles of ovens, microwaves, refrigerator doors, kettles, coffee makers, etc.

Like a filthy sponge, a trusty dishcloth can absorb a lot of germs and bacteria from a person drying wet hands. Furthermore, wiping down kitchen surfaces can spread germs. Wash and replace towels weekly or wipe with paper towels.

It may be the most commonly used area of your kitchen, but when was the last time you gave it a good cleaning? The refrigerator is an ideal place for bacteria to grow, especially from produce drawers, meat packages, and condiment cabinets. If these are not clean, mold can develop and move through the refrigerator and infect other foods.

Disinfect all drawers and shelves before removing them, and wipe up any spills or leaks immediately. Also, remember to wipe up any spills or leaks immediately. Other sources of germs include water dispensers and ice machines that we rarely clean.

This handy utensil is also one of the dirtiest things in the kitchen. Cutting boards protect counters from unsightly knife gouges, but those gouges can become breeding grounds for bacteria. Wooden cutting boards are especially prone to bacterial growth because they are difficult to clean. Plastic, stone, or glass boards are more sanitary, and after each use, wash them in hot water with soapy solution and pat dry with paper towels.

Cleaning countertops is easy, but a quick wipe down is not enough. Think about shopping bags, food, dishes, and other items that are placed on it every day. If not properly sanitized, germs can easily accumulate. When cleaning, remove all small appliances to get to the nooks and crannies where germs lurk.

Knife blocks may seem like a great idea for storing chef knives, but they are one of the dirtiest. Food debris and dirt can easily accumulate in each groove, making it difficult to clean. Be sure to empty the block by shaking it upside down on the sink and then soak it in warm water with soap dissolved in it for a few minutes.

Sealed containers are convenient for storing leftovers and lunches, but if not properly cleaned, they can harbor eardust and other bacteria. Particular attention should be paid to the rubber gasket inside the lid. Always disassemble everything before putting it in the dishwasher or placing it in hot soapy water. It is also a good idea to assign specific containers for meat and fresh vegetables to avoid cross contamination.

How many hands touched these at the dinner table? If not cleaned regularly, germs and dirt will build up over time. After each meal, be sure to wipe them down with an antiseptic wet wipe or soapy cloth.