''Bleach still best'' for sink cleaning

13/02/2008

Householders who are serious about keeping their kitchens clean should not rely on traditional measures such as vinegar, according to a leading microbiologist.

In a letter to the Daily Press, a mother of young children said she normally uses a mixture of vinegar and water to keep her kitchen sink, microwave and worktops clean, but questioned whether it would be enough to kill germs.

Dr Charles Gerba of the University of Arizona replied that the solution would not be sufficient to keep kitchen sinks and food preparation areas bacteria free.

"Vinegar is useful as a cleaner and has some antimicrobial properties, but it is not considered a sanitiser or disinfectant. For disinfecting, diluted bleach is still best," he explained.

In a recent article for the Dallas Morning News, Dr Gerba wrote that kitchen sink drains harbour more germs than shower drains and recommended that householders keep them clean by pouring baking soda, vinegar and hot water down them.