Table of contents:
- 1. Dishwashing sponge
- 2. Kitchen sink
- 3. Drawers for storing fruits and vegetables in the refrigerator
- 4. Blender
- 5. Cutting board
2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44
Bacteria can be found in any kitchen, but some areas are particularly filthy. Find out where the most bacteria accumulate in the kitchen and how to effectively get rid of them.
1. Dishwashing sponge
In 2011, the National Science Foundation (NSF) conducted a study. and identified which areas in the home are most contaminated with bacteria.
The foundation's microbiologists found that 75% of kitchen sponges and table cloths were contaminated with Salmonella and E.coli.
Why is it polluted
Food leftovers, heat and moisture quickly turn sponges and rags into breeding grounds for bacteria.
How to protect yourself from bacteria
- Change the dishwashing pads every two weeks.
- Replace rags with paper towels.
- Microwave sponges and rags every few days. To do this, wash them thoroughly and put them in the microwave. When in doubt if a sponge contains plastic, place it on a paper towel. If the plastic flows from the heating, the towel will prevent it from staining the microwave. Heat the sponge or rag on high power for two minutes. This method removes harmful bacteria and unpleasant odors.
2. Kitchen sink
The same study found that 45% of all kitchen sinks tested were contaminated with E. coli bacteria.
Why is it polluted
Food leftovers enter the kitchen sink, creating an excellent environment for bacteria to grow. If you wash the fruit and drop it into the sink, these bacteria can enter the body and cause indigestion.
How to protect yourself from bacteria
- Clean your sink every day with a special cleaner or bleach.
- Remember to clean the edges of the sink and the 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. Drawers for storing fruits and vegetables in the refrigerator
In 2013, the National Science Foundation did another study., during which it was found that in the boxes for vegetables and fruits in the refrigerator there are components of mold and yeast, the bacteria Listeria and Salmonella.
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 contaminate the fresh vegetables and fruits you eat. Moreover, it is impossible to visually determine whether a vegetable or fruit is affected. Just because it's not green or fluffy doesn't mean it doesn't have mold spores or dangerous bacteria.
How to protect yourself from bacteria
- Don't buy a lot of vegetables and fruits and keep them separate from meat.
- When washing the refrigerator, remove the fruit and vegetable drawers, rinse them with a solution of water and a mild detergent, then dry thoroughly with a clean towel.
- If you want to disinfect the drawer of possible bacteria, use a mixture of baking soda and vinegar. A 1998 study found that a mixture of vinegar and baking soda stopped the growth of E. coli bacteria.
4. Blender
A 2013 National Science Foundation study found that blender pads contain salmonella, E.coli, mold and yeast.
Why is it polluted
Few people rinse all parts of the blender thoroughly, so food particles remain on the pad. In addition, the blender is often stored in a kitchen drawer - a dark place with no fresh air, which makes it even more attractive to Listeria and E. coli.
How to protect yourself from bacteria
- Clean all parts of the blender with soapy water after each use.
- For disinfection, you can use a mixture of baking soda and vinegar.
- Wipe each part of the appliance with a paper towel after cleaning. All parts must be completely dry before assembling the blender.
5. Cutting board
The same 2013 study found that 18% of kitchen boards were infected with salmonella and E. coli.
Why is it polluted
Food particles are clogged into microcracks and scratches of the board, left over from the knife, creating a favorable environment for the development of bacteria.
How to protect yourself from bacteria
- Rinse the board with dish soap after each use.
- Disinfect the board once a week: wipe it with vinegar and leave it overnight.
- Get two cutting boards. One is for meat and fish, the other is for everything else.
- Choose planks made from materials that won't scratch from a knife: bamboo and rubber wood planks and hardwood planks.
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