Disinfect sponges and rags in the microwave every few days. To do this, wash them thoroughly and put them in the microwave. If you are in doubt whether the sponge contains plastic, put it on a paper towel. If the plastic leaks from heating, the towel will not allow it to stain the microwave. Heat a sponge or rag at high power for two minutes. This method eliminates dangerous bacteria and unpleasant odor.
2. Kitchen sink
During the same study, it was found that 45% of all tested kitchen sinks are infected with E. coli bacteria.
Why is it polluted
Leftover food gets into the kitchen sink, which creates an excellent environment for the development of bacteria. If you wash a fruit and drop it in the sink, these bacteria can enter the body and cause digestive upset.
How to protect yourself from bacteria
Clean the sink every day with a special detergent or bleach.
Do not forget to clean the edges of the sink and countertops around it: mold and dirt often accumulate there.
Do not defrost meat in the sink, do not throw peeled vegetables and fruits into it.
3. Boxes for storing fruits and vegetables in the refrigerator
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In 2013, the National Science Foundation conducted another study2013 NSF International Household Germ Study. , during which it was discovered that the boxes for vegetables and fruits in the refrigerator contain components of mold and yeast fungi, listeria and salmonella bacteria.
Why are they polluted
Few people buy exactly as many vegetables as they are going to use for cooking. The remaining vegetables and fruits are forgotten, spoiled and covered with mold.
Forgotten leftovers can infect the fresh vegetables and fruits that you will eat. Moreover, it is impossible to visually determine whether a vegetable or fruit is affected. The fact that it is not green and not fluffy does not mean that there are no mold spores or dangerous bacteria in it.
How to protect yourself from bacteria
Do not buy a lot of vegetables and fruits and keep them separate from meat.
While washing the refrigerator, take out the boxes for vegetables and fruits, rinse them with a solution of water and a mild detergent, then wipe thoroughly with a clean towel.
A 2013 study by the National Science Foundation found that there are salmonella, E. coli, mold and yeast fungi on the pads of blenders.
Why is it polluted
Few people thoroughly wash all parts of the blender, so food particles remain on the gasket. In addition, the blender is often stored in a kitchen drawer — a dark place without access to fresh air, which makes it even more attractive for listeria and E. coli.
How to protect yourself from bacteria
Rinse all parts of the blender with soap solution after each use.
A mixture of soda and vinegar can be used for disinfection.
After cleaning, wipe each part of the appliance with a paper towel. Before assembling the blender, all parts must be completely dry.
5. Cutting board
In the same 2013 study, it was found that 18% of kitchen boards are infected with salmonella and E. coli.
Why is it polluted
In the microcracks and scratches of the board left over from the knife, food particles are clogged, creating a favorable environment for the development of bacteria.
How to protect yourself from bacteria
After each use, rinse the board with dishwashing detergent.
Disinfect the board once a week: wipe it with vinegar and leave it overnight.
Get two cutting boards. One for meat and fish, the second for everything else.
Choose boards made of materials that do not leave scratches from the knife: boards made of bamboo and rubber wood, as well as hardwood.
If you have your own tips on how to keep the dirtiest places in the kitchen clean, share in the comments.
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