A microwave oven (also known as a microwave oven) is used, as a rule, for heating food and semi-finished products, and less often for preparing simple dishes. But not everyone knows that using a microwave can disinfect kitchen utensils and also sterilize dishes (jars, baby bottles).
Operating principle. If disinfection only neutralizes harmful microorganisms or slightly reduces their number, then sterilization destroys bacteria completely. In both cases, the microwave operates the same way: electromagnetic waves heat any substance that contains water. And for many types of microbes, high temperature is destructive.
Advantages and disadvantages
Housewives who have used a microwave for sterilization not for the first time have already appreciated the advantages of this method:
- unlike sterilization “the old fashioned way”, the method takes a minimum of time;
- disinfecting sponges or kitchen rags with high temperature is more effective than hand washing or washing;
- glassware and tempered ceramics can withstand the process without problems.
There are also disadvantages:
- oven capacity is limited. For example, only one three-liter jar fits in an “average” microwave;
- place dishes in the microwave metal elements it is forbidden!
Rules for disinfection in the microwave
Regular disinfection is necessary for personal hygiene items: toothbrushes, combs. For disinfection, one minute of heating at maximum power is sufficient.
Soak a dishwashing sponge in warm water(you can add a little lemon juice- 1 teaspoon per glass). Warm up at maximum power (1-1.5 minutes is enough), then let cool and rinse with clean water.
Cutting boards, especially those on which you cut raw meat or fish, also need to be disinfected. Before the procedure, wash the boards thoroughly and rub both sides with half a fresh lemon. Run the microwave for one, maximum, one and a half minutes.
Step-by-step instructions for sterilizing jars in the microwave
1. Pour a little hot filtered water into each jar (two to three centimeters).
The same method is suitable for empty dry cans. To prevent the glass from cracking during the procedure, place any container filled with water in the microwave.
To prevent the jar from bursting, you need to pour a little water inside 2. Place the jars in the microwave, turn on the unit at full power. After the water boils, let the pan warm up for another 2-3 minutes.
3. If the container is needed hot (for example, for fresh jam), use it immediately. Let the cucumber jars cool by placing them upside down on a clean towel.
Microwave sterilization time depends on the volume of the dishes. To warm up a liter jar, it will take about 2 minutes (at a power of 800 W); for a three-liter jar, the time increases to 6 minutes. Tip: focus on the moment the water boils.
Microwave sterilization of baby bottles
Before sterilizing the dishes, check if there are any cracks or chips on them - otherwise the container will easily burst. Jars and bottles should be washed thoroughly.
Instructions:
- Place clean bottles (without nipples or caps) in a glass saucepan.
- Pour some water into the container (about 3-4 cm).
- Cover the pan with a lid.
- Turn on the microwave at maximum power.
- Sterilization time is 8-10 minutes.
- Let the bottles cool.
17.07.2019
Kitchen sponges contain a huge number of microorganisms that can harm your health. How to disinfect them? Discover several options!
Do you know why it is so important to clean kitchen utensils regularly? sponges? Yes because they are real breeding ground for bacteria and harmful microorganisms(despite the fact that they themselves are intended to cleanliness).
It is considered to be one of the most contaminated items we deal with in everyday life. For what reason does this happen? The fact is that humidity and food residues simply create an ideal environment for the proliferation of pathogenic organisms.
That's why it's so important to learn Clean kitchen utensils daily, and preferably after each use. sponges (disinfect them). And if you still don’t know how to do it correctly, then our article today is for you! Share 5 interesting solutions this problem.
Why do you need to disinfect kitchen sponges?
So, we use sponges to wash dishes, cutlery and various surfaces. Their The material and structure are ideal for easy fat separation and stuck food debris. So why might they pose a risk to our health?
The answer is very simple: moisture and "porosity" make sponges ideal home for bacteria, such as E. coli, salmonella or campylobacter. In such an environment it is easier for them to reproduce, and they can live up to two weeks.
While washing dishes these bacteria remain on its surface, which increases the risk of infection. Therefore, dishwashing sponges need to be, firstly, changed more often, and secondly, regularly disinfected so that they are as clean as possible (as possible).
How to disinfect sponges for washing dishes: practical solutions
Despite the fact that methods for disinfecting kitchen sponges are very effective, they should be changed at least twice a month. And even if you think they look quite clean, There will still be food debris and bacteria inside. Now let's see how you can clean dishwashing sponges.
This product makes the environment acidic, which helps eliminate many bacteria and harmful microorganisms.
It is one of the best natural products for disinfecting kitchen sponges. Due to the concentration of organic acids it changes the environment necessary for the proliferation of microorganisms. In addition, vinegar removes unpleasant odors and traces of fat.
How to use it?
- First, boil a glass of water.
- Then mix with the same amount of white vinegar.
- Dip a dish sponge into the mixture and leave for 20 minutes.
- After the specified time has passed, wring it out to remove any remaining dirt.
- Finally, if you feel necessary, you can rinse with water (using soap).
2. Liquid soap
Properties liquid soap or dishwashing liquids can be very useful for cleaning sponges. However, for deeper cleansing It is recommended to use additional boiling water(not just hot water).
What do we have to do?
- Add one tablespoon of liquid soap or dishwashing liquid to a bowl of boiling water.
- Dip a kitchen sponge into it.
- Wait 20 minutes, then rinse and wring out the sponge.
3. Microwave
Temperature reached at microwave oven, also allows you to effectively disinfect dishwashing sponges.
is a good ally, especially when it comes to killing pathogens. High temperatures change the characteristic humid environment, which blocks the growth and reproduction of bacteria.
What do we have to do?
- Keep in mind that some dish sponges are made from synthetic materials that can melt when exposed to high temperatures in a microwave oven. Therefore, it is best to place them in a deep container filled with water and vinegar.
- Place the container with the sponge in the microwave and turn it on for 2 minutes.
- If your sponge has an unpleasant or musty odor, this method will eliminate it.
- Just remove the container very carefully so as not to get burned.
4. Kitchen sponges and lemon juice
It's certainly not the most powerful disinfectant, but it's still a good alternative for cleaning kitchen sponges. Especially if you don’t have either vinegar or a special cleaning product on hand. has antibacterial properties, and therefore it is often used to clean and disinfect various surfaces.
What do we have to do?
- Squeeze the juice from several lemons and add it to a container of hot water.
- Soak the sponge in it for 20 minutes.
- Then rinse cold water(and soap).
5. Tea tree essential oil
Due to its antimicrobial properties, tea tree oil can effectively fight bacteria.
The latest solution we suggest for disinfecting kitchen sponges is tea tree oil. This ingredient, known for its therapeutic properties, destroys bacteria and harmful microorganisms. In addition, its use helps minimize the smell of moisture and mold.
What do we have to do?
- First, add 15-20 drops of oil to a cup of boiling water.
- Place a dirty dish sponge there and leave for 20 minutes.
- Then rinse the sponge and squeeze thoroughly to remove any remaining dirt. If you feel that the sponge is not clean enough, you can additionally wash it with liquid soap.
How often do you disinfect sponges for washing dishes? Now that you know how important this is, be sure to try one of the above remedies.
Bibliography
- Cardinale, M., Kaiser, D., Lueders, T., Schnell, S., & Egert, M. (2017). Microbiome analysis and confocal microscopy of used kitchen sponges reveal massive colonization by Acinetobacter, Moraxella and Chryseobacterium species. Scientific Reports. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-017-06055-9
- Erdogrul, Ö., & Erbilir, F. (2000). Microorganisms in Kitchen Sponges. Internet Journal of Food Safety.
- Wolde, T., & Bacha, K. (2016). Microbiological Safety of Kitchen Sponges Used in Food Establishments. International Journal of Food Science. https://doi.org/10.1155/2016/1659784
- Rossi, E. M., Scapin, D., Grando, W. F., & Tondo, E. C. (2012). Microbiological Contamination and Disinfection Procedures of Kitchen Sponges used in Food Services. Food and Nutrition Sciences. https://doi.org/10.4236/fns.2012.37129
- Speirs, J. P., Anderton, A., & Anderson, J. G. (1995). A study of the microbial content of the domestic kitchen. International Journal of Environmental Health Research. https://doi.org/10.1080/09603129509356839
Did you know that the kitchen can be a breeding ground for bacteria and germs? In this article, you will find shocking facts, practical tools and tips to help you clean and make your kitchen sterile.
According to a 2012 study, when preparing certain foods, you may be contaminating up to 90% of your kitchen surfaces without even realizing it!
This fact is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the degree of contamination of the kitchen with germs and bacteria. It can even be argued that in terms of antiseptic potential, the kitchen can outshine even the bathroom. And although most of us are not “cleanliness fanatics”, like Monica from the comedy “Friends,” we prefer to work in a clean kitchen, purely for the sake of our health, and the kitchen must be disinfected constantly. Anyone finds dirt on a kitchen surface unnatural, so it is not surprising that we want to see the culinary hearth of our apartments and houses clean.
If you check your kitchen surfaces carefully, you will find dozens of corners suitable for the growth of germs. Whether it's a rag you use for cleaning kitchen table/ countertops, cutting board where meat and vegetables are cut, kitchen sink, where dirty plates are collected or a trash can, for which germs remain something natural. According to a Reader's Digest article on the top eight places for germs to grow, four of them are in the kitchen. In the next section, you will find the weak points of the kitchen and ways to protect and clean the kitchen from germs and bacteria.
Stages of cleaning and disinfection of the kitchen
Would you believe me if I say that cooking at home is no longer a healthy solution for your family, especially for children and the elderly? Bacteria are extremely harmful, just think of E. coli. Research has shown that most people prefer to wash their hands with water rather than soap. And while water is still a natural cleaning agent, that doesn't mean it's effective enough to wash away all the bacteria and germs. The irony is that while the kitchen becomes a potential breeding ground for bacteria and germs, it also supplies everything needed to make the kitchen sterile. Details below.
Disinfect the sponge and dishcloth
Research has found that raw meat, eggs and raw vegetables are significant sources of bacteria and microbes, including E. coli, which causes severe stomach diseases. These microorganisms usually remain on kitchen countertop, and when they are cleaned, the pests move onto rags and sponges. Since they are cleaning tools, they become an ideal breeding ground for pests, this is where the need for disinfection of these household items comes from.
An effective way to get rid of bacteria is to wash in hot water. The temperature should be above +60 degrees Celsius. To others effective weapon The microwave oven becomes antibacterial. Simply throw a sponge or dishrag into the oven for two minutes while setting high temperature, and you will easily eliminate all bacteria and germs. Be careful when removing the sponge/rag from the microwave, they will be hot.
Clean the kitchen sink
Leftover food - meat, fish, raw eggs, pork and raw vegetables - that are washed in the sink leave their mark in increasing bacteria. If you carefully inspect your kitchen sink, especially around the edges, you will find thin layer mold and other bacteriological formations. Make sure you clean your sink thoroughly every day and your kitchen will be sanitized faster. You can use products like disinfectant spray or bleach. Also, be sure to clean the area around the sink to avoid bacteria being transferred between the sink and countertop.
Clean the trash can
And while you can take out the trash every day, removing bacteria requires something more! Most of us just rinse out our trash cans, we don't care about a good cleaning until we see evidence of stuck food or mold. Remember that our kitchen is a compact space where we are in constant motion from one end to the other. You shouldn't leave any corner for germs, including the route from the trash can to the plates.
Wash your hands with antibacterial soap
There is a reason why people make antibacterial soaps, and yes, your kitchen should have one that needs to be used every time you touch food and kitchen surfaces while cooking. There are many things we do in the kitchen unknowingly, such as drying our hands with the same towel we used to wipe the knife before using it with meat and vegetables. It happens that we lick our fingers after tasting a dish, and then use the same fingers to take parsley for garnish. Cooking is a creative activity that requires all our attention, but if you want to prevent the possibility of intestinal diseases, make sure you use antibacterial soap to wash your hands.
Wash the cutting board
I was shocked when I came across research done by microbiologist Charles Gerbe of the University of Arizona. He stated that a regular cutting board in the house contains 200 times more fecal bacteria than on the toilet seat!
And while this fact may seem disgusting to you, it does not change the fact that the cutting board needs a thorough cleaning. Let's start with the fact that you must have two different boards for meat and vegetables. The hollows created by a knife while cutting food become an ideal home for harmful bacteria. To clean a cutting board, use a soapy mixture and spray 5 percent vinegar over the surface of the board. Leave it overnight and the next day put the board in the microwave for 30 seconds. Yes, you need to make an effort to kill bacteria.
Don't reuse plastic bags
How often do we reuse plastic bags for packaging purposes? Have you ever thought about what happens when you put apples in the bag you were in? chicken breast? And even though you “rinsed” it with water, this does not reduce the risk of harmful bacteria like Salmonella forming. It is recommended to recycle plastic bags used for packaging meat, vegetables, etc.
Use only fresh ziplock bags for packaging and storing food. The same logic should be followed with reusing foil.
When we talk about keeping your kitchen germ-free, the point is to ensure cleanliness in the true sense of the word. Inattention, for example, dirty dishes forgotten overnight kitchen sink, reusing kitchen towels, using dirty sponges for different purposes, or rinsing your hands with water alone all contribute to the growth of germs. So do everything necessary and ensure the safety of yourself and your loved ones.
Some housewives remember that it’s time to update their dishwashing sponge when they once again hear that it is the main source of germs and the dirtiest place in the apartment. Other women, on the contrary, use only disposable napkins and boil other kitchen utensils daily. They transfer liters of chlorine-containing products, spending in the name of hygiene family budget And own time. The truth is in the middle: how much to use and how to extend its service life kitchen helpers, experts will tell trademark Paclan, one of Europe's leading brands of household products.
Sponge for washing dishes
This integral part of every kitchen needs to be changed more often than all other accessories, every five to seven days. Increase time to two weeks safe use foam sponges can be used using the following methods:1) process in a microwave oven for 1-2 minutes (pre-moisten with water);
2) soak overnight in a glass of table vinegar;
3) Rinse in the dishwasher on a high temperature cycle (in the cutlery or glass tray).
These manipulations should be carried out three to four times a week. Before using method No. 3, you should first make sure that the abrasive fiber on the product does not crumble. Small particles can clog the filter and damage expensive equipment. Therefore, if contact with the sponge leaves a feeling of sand on your fingers, it is better not to risk it and use method No. 1 or No. 2.
The sponges should be stored thoroughly wrung out in a dry place. Following the example of some housewives, you should not leave them soaked in soapy water. After all, according to Evgeniy Kulikov, a senior researcher at the Institute of Microbiology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, pathogenic microorganisms willingly settle in this environment.
Table cloths
Items made from materials such as cotton, viscose, bamboo and microfiber are easiest to wash daily with kitchen towels. If desired, table rags can be dipped into boiling water or a chloramine solution once a week. If, following the example of a sponge, you regularly place them in the microwave for preventive treatment, then you will have to wash them a little less often.To improve the durability of cleaning wipes, manufacturers are developing high-tech solutions. For example, in the line Paclan Practi Universal viscose and polyester fibers are specially structured in non-woven material, allowing the canvas to maintain its qualities for a long time, withstanding a large number of washes.
Table cloths should have time to dry well between uses. Keep them hanging. An unpleasant odor that does not completely disappear after disinfection will serve as a signal to urgently replace the product with a new one.
Floor cloths
Despite the lack of contact with food or table surfaces, they should also be disinfected regularly. A bucket and chlorine-containing bleach or a glass of vinegar with 5-8 liters of water are best suited for these purposes. When handling aggressive substances, do not forget to protect your hands: wear strong gloves.If there are small children in the house, then daily disinfection of both floor rags and all kitchen utensils. It is better to have a separate sponge for washing baby dishes, preferably made of cellulose, as well as a separate napkin that will be used to wipe the feeding table.
Cleaning sponge and its disinfection are procedures that are still worth carrying out. Using a kitchen sponge to wipe a table, a stain from the floor or a shelf, you introduce a huge amount of bacteria onto it. Even if it seems to you that the sponge is clean at first glance, it is not. A sponge can contain thousands of bacteria per square centimeter. In order to avoid the accumulation of bacteria, microbes and fungal spores in the sponge, it is necessary to clean the sponge at least every 3-4 days using one of the following methods. Last time we looked at how to clean a hair straightener, and this time I will tell you several ways to clean a sponge and disinfect it.
Daily sponge cleaning
Microwave method (for sponges that do not contain metal inclusions)
Soaking method
- Check out our cleaning company services that we provide.
- Once you remove the sponge from the microwave, there will be a lot of steam and moisture left behind, which can loosen stains and dried-on food debris. So. After this procedure, be sure to wipe the inside of the microwave with a paper towel or a simple rag.
- After using the sponge, rinse it under water and wrap it in a paper towel so that it absorbs all excess moisture. A more environmentally friendly and generally less wasteful option is to use a kitchen towel instead of a paper towel.
- Use fabric kitchen towels for wiping floors, tables, spills, etc. This way you will save on paper towels and increase the life of your sponge.
- If you want to kill not only all spores but also bacteria using a microwave, then try to be sure. That the sponge will be wet for the entire 5 minutes, otherwise it may melt or even catch fire.
- Replace the sponge regularly. Buy sponges labeled “germ-resistant” at the store to increase protection against microorganisms.
- Try not to use your sponge everywhere. For example, for wiping cutting board from meat juice, get a separate towel. Paper ones are great, but to save money you can also get rag ones.
- Use a little lemon or lemon detergent when you disinfect a sponge with bleach to kill the smell of bleach. You can also immediately use scented bleach. After this procedure, be sure to rinse the sponge under running water.
- Next time we will look at how to clean a suitcase.
PRECAUTIONS WHEN CLEANING THE KITCHEN SPONGE
- When using the microwave method, be careful when removing the sponge from the oven. The moisture can be very hot and you will get burned.
- Do not put the sponge in the microwave for more than 5 minutes, otherwise it may cause a fire.
- Before cleaning in the dishwasher, check the manufacturer's instructions or look on the website. Some manufacturers and repairers dishwashers It is not recommended to use this method, as pieces of the sponge may come off and get stuck in the mechanism.
- Your microwave may smell bad if a moldy sponge starts to burn in it.
- Our body needs bacteria, since there are not only bad ones, but also beneficial ones. Also, to improve our immune system, we need the body to fight harmful bacteria. So, don't keep everything sterile clean, it can be bad for your immune system.
- Never put a sponge that is dry or barely damp into the microwave oven as this may cause a fire.
