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Topic starter
April 22, 2020 11:03 am
15 Worst Kitchen Disinfecting Mistakes You Can Make
Avoiding these mistakes will keep your loved ones from getting sick.
APRIL 21, 2020
1
You're not using the right products.
There is a difference between cleaning and disinfecting. Cleaning means the removal of germs and dirt from surfaces. It does not kill the germs but it does lower their numbers and risk of spreading infection. Disinfecting is using chemicals to kill germs on the surfaces. You need the right product that can kill germs. It is recommended to use EPA-registered disinfectants for your home. If you can't find any at your local store, you can create a DIY diluted bleach solution from the CDC. Don't forget to wear gloves!
2
You're not disinfecting daily.
Disinfecting only kills germs on surfaces. According to the CDC, "by killing germs on a surface after cleaning, it can further lower the risk of spreading infection." During a pandemic, it is important to disinfect your kitchen daily. Remember, disinfecting does not remove germs but it can lower the risk of getting sick. Most importantly make sure to wash your hands after.
3
You're wiping off disinfectants quickly.
Believe it or not, you are supposed to let the disinfectant sit for a while before wiping it off. According to a poll conducted for the American Cleaning Institute, "twenty-six percent of those surveyed say they spray and then wipe the surface immediately after, while another 16 percent make a quick pass with a disinfectant wipe." You have to allow disinfectant sprays to properly kill germs and viruses. Remember to use it as directed.
READ MORE: Click here for all of our latest coronavirus coverage.
4
You're not following the directions.
If you are not reading the directions labeled in the back of a disinfectant spray, you may miss out on key steps that help prevent and kill viruses and germs that make us sick. Like, how long does the product should be left? And if you are not following the directions carefully, especially when mixing ingredients and waiting for the solution to work, you may not even disinfect the area at all. You can damage surfaces or have bad chemical reactions. Not reading the label may lead to your money and product being wasted.
5
You're not cleaning the area first.
Pre-cleaning surfaces before disinfecting removes excess dirt or grime which helps with the process. According to the CDC, "cleaning is the necessary first step of any sterilization or disinfection process." Keep in mind that cleaning and disinfecting are two completely different things and steps to this process. During the pandemic, it is essential to clean and disinfect your kitchen daily.
6
You're skipping areas.
It is important to make sure that you are not skipping or missing any areas of your kitchen. The coronavirus can live "on plastic, stainless steel, and copper for 72 hours or more," according to a study in The New England Journal of Medicine. Cleaning your kitchen counters or anything that is made out of plastic, stainless steel or copper needs to be cleaned and disinfected. It's important to be aware of all your surfaces, not just the ones you commonly use.
7
You're disinfecting your sponges wrong.
If you are used to disinfecting your sponges with hot, soapy water or bleach then you might want to reconsider. "Disinfecting your sponge daily by putting it in the top shelf of the dishwasher when running a full load. Or, you can dampen it and heat it in the microwave for a minute," according to Jennifer Quinlan, professor at the Department of Nutrition Sciences at Drexel University. Kitchen sponges harbor mold and bacteria. Both options use heat, which will help disinfect the sponge and kill the bacteria.
Topic starter
April 28, 2020 7:25 pm
Sponges are terrible for holding bacteria as well as dring pads for dishes and cloth dish towels. Toss the sponge and use paper towels. Wash cloth towels frequently and dry fully. Spray showers with a disinfectant after using. Wipe down g=handles and doors too. Use spray disinfectant in your car.
May 19, 2020 12:58 pm
I am a sponge user... but it goes in the dishwasher with the dishes. ? so dishes and sponge get the disinfection treatment. I buy the really cheap wash cloths from walmart. They are like $3.50 for 18. We use those for wiping down counter, stove, microwave ect. I really prefer using things that are more economically sustainable and having enough that I don't have to run the laundry everyday.
Trista Senseman and Trista Senseman reacted
May 19, 2020 1:50 pm
I use the ones from Walmart too for the dishes. I just keep washing them. I use spray disinfectant on counters and all appliances with paper towels after each meal fixing and cleanup.
February 28, 2022 5:42 pm
We always have a big stock of sponges in our house. After every use it goes into the dishwasher with the dishes but after a number of uses they go in the trash. In my house we have a plethora of dish towels, only because paper towels are so expensive nowadays, but they too are washed frequently, and have to be put away, not hanging out in the open where it could then be contaminated.
Trista Senseman and Trista Senseman reacted
March 13, 2022 9:39 pm
I can admit I am a sponge user especially in the kitchen. I too buy the cheap sponges from dollar tree or walmart and throw them away weekly. When it come to cleaning products I typically let them sit on the surface for about 15 mins before I wipe it off. This article has opened my eyes to start paying attention the direction label on the back.
March 13, 2022 9:40 pm
@abigailcochraneiectskin-com hello, I never thought about putting the sponge in the dishwasher. I will give that a try. I typically keep 3 dish towels on the oven handle.
March 13, 2022 9:43 pm
@deborah I am guilty of using the drying pad for my dishes. I try to replace that monthly. Im going to have to find a better option for cleaning and drying my dishes.
April 9, 2022 12:13 am
@lindseycoganiectskin-com OOH! I really like this idea!
We go through so many paper towels, It may makes sense just to buy a big pack of the small wash cloths... But that also means, more laundry, water, detergent..so.. hmm, Just a thought. We have so many kids and they are home all day, so there is a lot of cleaning. It may not make sense for our household.
April 9, 2022 12:16 am
I am really happy to hear about disinfecting the sponge! I seriously hate sponges, i think they are disgusting, I never use them, but my husband always has two handy that he uses for different dishes. I think I would be freaked out to put them in the dishwasher, but I think i would feel comfortable putting them in the microwave.
April 9, 2022 12:24 am
@deborah Something I didnt learn until we had the Nora virus in 2018, was to 1. Follow the directions on cleaning products. ? 2. To let the disinfectants sit for a while before wiping or rinsing.
I havent always been label reader, but when the Nora Virus hit our household hard, I started to read up on what type of products to use for viruses and how to use them.. and I realized that disinfectants need to sit for a while. Now I clean everything, and then spray disinfectants and let it sit.
April 11, 2022 10:05 am
Ever since I could remember, my family has always used sponges. We keep a bunch of sponges stocked in the house. Usually after about a week we throw them away and use a new one from the pack. I never heard of putting your sponges in the dishwasher until now and I honestly think it's a really good idea.
April 11, 2022 10:09 am
@camiryndavisiectskin-com we use to use drying pads a lot before we purchased a metal drying rack that can be rolled up and put away after use. I usually wipe it down after each use to keep it clean and disinfected.
