Could Your Kitchen Cleaning Habits Be Making You Sick?

Scrub Up: Avoiding nasty pathogens that can cause salmonella poisoning, cyclosporiasis, and other illnesses are top of mind for many of us these days. Handling, washing, and cooking food properly does a lot to decrease the risk. Deep-cleaning the space where you prepare that food — your kitchen — is also crucial.

How to Do It: Certain parts of the kitchen are germ magnets. Ditch the sponge for a dish-scrubbing brush: Their bristles dry faster and are therefore less hospitable to germs, and they can be sanitized in a hot dishwasher cycle. Wipe countertops with paper towels or reusable cloths that are sanitized often in the dishwasher or washing machine. Disinfect your sink at least once a week with diluted bleach. Let it sit for a few minutes, then unplug the sink so it can run down the drain. Boil or run metal drain baskets through a dishwasher at least once a week. Cold doesn’t kill all germs, so two to three times a year, empty and disinfect your ice maker. It’s obvious, but bears repeating: Wash hands frequently and thoroughly when cooking.

The Benefits: Cases of foodborne illnesses are increasing. Keeping your kitchen clean can prevent pathogens from lingering in your home.