We are all aware that there are germs in hospitals, restaurants, our work environment (in short, everywhere in public places), but have you ever thought of your kitchen? In fact, according to the Protégez-vous magazine, there are 5 bacteria nests in this room: sponges, the sink and the faucet, counters, cutting boards and the tank of the coffee makers, in which water may remain for a while.
It is possible to disinfect sponges by damping them and placing them in the microwave for 2 minutes, once a day. This kills 99% of pathogenic microbes present in the sponge. To prevent its ignition, the sponge has to be totally wet and it should not contain metallic fibers… And do not forget to let it cool before using again.
Here are some elements to which you should pay attention in your kitchen:
- Disinfect the kitchen work surfaces before and after each use. A bleach solution (2 ml of Javel water in 500 ml of water) will work very well.
- Regularly clean the microwave oven and the interior of the refrigerator. Each week, remove all food with passed expiration dates or spoiled food from the refrigerator.
- Adjust the refrigerator’s thermostat at a temperature between 0 °C and 4 °C, and the freezer at a temperature of -18 °C or less.
- Wash properly utensils and cutting boards after handling raw meats (especially chicken) or fish. When preparing raw products, it is recommended to use plastic cutting boards that are dishwasher safe.
- Dismantle and clean your small electrical appliances, like meat grinders and blenders, as soon as you are done with them.
- Wash or change regularly kitchen linens, cloths and particularly sponges (the element in our homes that contains the biggest part of bacteria), since they are significant sources of contamination.
- Disinfect carefully cutting boards in hot soapy water once you are finished preparing the meal.
And, most importantly, do not forget to wash your hands thoroughly with water and soap before and after preparing food.