As life moves along, we often hang onto old habits in how we accomplish our daily duties and chores. Routines are comforting and when they become automatic we don’t even think of questioning them. Updating our kitchen habits can bolster our health — not even making dietary changes, but in how we clean and sanitize. The bacteria that are rampant in most kitchens can cause major health issues. Making three small changes in how we clean and maintain our kitchens can make a big impact on our health, especially as we age and are more vulnerable to infections. Follow these three easy steps to a healthier kitchen:
- No more sponges. While sanitizing sponges nightly in the dishwasher will adequately kill bacteria, few people prioritize this, and most kitchen sponges just spread bacteria from surface to surface. Get rid of your sponges, and purchase a week’s worth of cotton dishcloths instead. Start with a clean cloth daily, rinse and air-dry after each use throughout the day, and retire it to the laundry pile at night. Once a week, wash your accumulated dishcloths in a hot laundry cycle with bleach. This is an easy habit to change that will provide instant unseen benefits. Use dishcloths only for cleaning dishes, use paper towels for wiping and cleaning countertops and other surfaces
- Disinfect your countertops. Either purchase a sanitizing spray or make your own with one teaspoon of liquid chlorine bleach added to one gallon of water, poured into a spray bottle for easy use. After wiping down your countertops for spills or crumbs, sanitize using your disinfectant and paper towels.
- Pay attention to cutting boards and can openers. Purchase at least two cutting boards, one for meat/poultry, the other for fruits and veggies. Wash immediately after use in hot water, followed by a wipe-down with your disinfectant spray and air dry. Plastic cutting boards can be cleaned and sanitized in the dishwasher. Whether you use an electric or manual can opener, it should be wiped thoroughly with disinfectant after each use.
Taking these small steps will make your kitchen a healthier place by getting rid of harmful bacteria. Challenge yourself to make a change! Start keeping a healthier kitchen today!
If you have concerns about the cleanliness or safety of the home environment of a senior in your life, reach out to us at Eldercare Services to see how we can help.