jimts Kitchen Contamination: Howto Keep your Family Safe (NAPSA)—Thenext time you need to wipe up a spill, health expert Dr. Charles Gerba, Professor of Environ- mental Microbiology, University of Arizona, aka “Dr. Germ,’ warns: don’t always reach for a spongeor dishcloth. Instead, use a paper towel. That's because kitchen sponges, which hecalls “bacteria cafeterias,’ are the No. 1 source of germs in the house. The average spongecarries nearly 5.5 trillion micro- scopic bugs. Whento Reachfor a Paper Towel 1. According to a recent study on cleaning habits, the majority of mil- lennials reach for sponges or cloth dishtowels when cleaning surfaces that have raw meator poultry. Dr. Gerba recommendsusing paper towels, espe- cially when prepping and cleaning up raw meat and eggs. Sponges and dishtowels can instantly become contaminated after handling these foods, which may contain bacteria such as E. coli and salmonella, Dr. Gerba explains. 2. Paper towels should also be used to help contain spills and prevent them A paper towel is the best way to clean up (and throw away) the bacteria found on a contaminated ‘hen counter. WhenPeopleActually Reach for a Paper Towel While there's been an increasing amountofstudies and data showcasing the high bacterial risks associated with kitchen sponges andcloth dishtowels, a recent study on cleaning habits showed (and subsequent germs) from spreading that a overhalf of millennials (59%) and nearly halfofbaby boomers(49%)reach upbacongrease or cleaning upoil splat cleaning kitchen countertops. and efficiently. Forlargeroil spills, cover of millennials think they run risk of around the kitchen. Whether soaking ters, paper towels pick upspills quickly with baking soda orsalt for about 15 minutes, then pick it up with a paper towel andthrowitout. 3. When cleaning the refrigerator, dampena paper towel with warm water anddish washing liquid and wipe down all trays, drawers, shelves and walls at least once a week. Using a sponge increases the risk of bacteria spread- for a sponge orcloth dishtowel when Even moresurprising, less than half possibleillness or foodpoisoningby not cleaningthese kitchen durables. ‘Thetruthis, sponges andcloth dishtowels become germ-infested as soon as they're first used in the kitchen. ‘As for baby boomers, most clean their cloth dishtowels once a week, whichis still not as frequentas it should be(ideally, everyday). Also, how to clean ing around the various surfaces and is just as importantas whento clean. “Cold water washes are awful for eliminating bacteria from fabrics,” says from spills on high chair tables to sippy cupsandbibs. “This ensures germ-rid- water does not get rid of the bacteria unless you addbleach,” he adds. So when it comes to helping keep shelves. 4, Whenkidsare in the kitchen, use paper towels to clean-up everything den messes get tossed right into the trash and don'tlinger on kids’ items? adds Dr. Gerba. Dr. Gerba. “Washing sponges in warm yourkitchen clean and germ-free, let a papertowelbe yourshield.
