This Is the One Thing Everyone Forgets to Clean After Dinner

When I was a kid, I was a chronic leaver of dishes in my room. This was something my mom found unacceptable, but after 18 years, I couldn’t understand why. Once I got to college, though, and I was left to my own devices, I realized the constant work my mom and dad were doing to keep a clean kitchen.

Now that I have a kitchen of my own, I find myself washing and wiping every surface in sight. The pots, pans, dishes and countertops get regular treatment, but I recently discovered another kitchen item I should pay attention to. Turns out salt and pepper shakers are much dirtier than I thought.

Why are salt and pepper shakers so dirty?

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They’re likely two of the most used items in your kitchen. Think about the last time you made a recipe that didn’t include salt somewhere—not very common. They’re constantly being touched, not only by you, but also your family, friends and anyone else you have over for a holiday gathering. You use them before and after handling meat, veggies and other seasonings. If they’re next to your stove, it’s also likely oil particles have made their way onto the surface, which makes it much easier for dust, germs and other grime to stick. Pepper shakers specifically harbor upwards of 11,600 bacteria on average, according to an ABC News study.

Do you remember the last time you really cleaned your salt and pepper shakers? If you can’t, don’t worry. Luckily, we’ve got all the tips and tricks you need to clean kitchen items from counter to counter.

How do I clean salt and pepper shakers?

Wipe down the exteriors of your salt and pepper shakers at least once a week with a damp cloth, more often if you keep them near the stove like I do. When your shakers empty out, give them a thorough run through the dishwasher (if they’re dishwasher safe) or hand wash with soapy water. Now you’re one step closer to a cleaner kitchen.