The kitchen spot that’s always dirty, even if you don’t cut corners when you clean

For the most part, I’m not too worried about the germs in my kitchen. Out of all the places in my apartment, it’s definitely the cleanest. I harness the powers of bacteria-killing tea tree oil, after all. But even though I diligently wipe down every surface, there’s one dirty kitchen spot I’ve been missing my entire life.

Your knife block is one of those things that you don’t really think about. The knives in it? Sure, those get cleaned after every use. But the block? Nope, never. According to Apartment Therapy, if your knives aren’t completely clean or dry, those dark slots make for the perfect breeding grounds for bacteria and mold. You might already have both in there without even realizing it.

Unless you have time to give your knife block a deep-clean once a month (using a pipe cleaner to scrub inside the slots), it’s almost worth just ditching it in the first place. Instead, setting up a magnetic knife strip is a simple way to prevent anything icky from going down in your space. Not only can you clean it in a cinch, but it’s also a major space-saver, freeing up your counter for that espresso machine you’ve been dying to get. No bacteria or mold and a better morning brew? It’s a win-win.

Sorry, but the knife block isn’t the only place that’s covered in bacteria. Here’s how improperly storing your toothbrush can invite germs into your mouth. And find out why you might want to disinfect the free weights at the gym before using them.