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Monday, June 30, 2008
Is your kitchen as clean as you think it is?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
A recent news report on the AJC Health Channel says that most kitchen sinks have more germs than bathroom sinks. It also found that three-quarters of kitchen cloths and sponges are heavily contaminated with bacteria, meaning you’re actually making things worse when you think you’re cleaning.
I guess it makes sense. You’re not really doing too much in the bathroom sink besides spitting out toothpaste. In light of the recent salmonella outbreak, it is creepy to think off all those microscopic germs just laying in wait in areas where food is prepared. Especially when you think it’s clean.
Sponges are the main culprit for containing and spreading all sorts of nasty stuff, since they harbor the germs and then spread them. Food safety specialists recommend throwing them in the microwave for a one-minute high-powered blast. Other preventative measures include good hand washing and to avoid rinsing meat and chicken in the sink. Using disposable paper towels, while bad for the environment, is actually the best thing for not contaminating surfaces.
Ironically, they say slobs’ kitchens are probably the cleanest, since the dirty dishes just pile up in the sink and bacteria isn’t spread when wiping surfaces.
So what do you think? Is your kitchen as clean as you think it is?
