In recent months, scientist Rafa Carbajal gained notoriety on social media for his practical advice on kitchen hygiene. With a PhD in Biochemistry, Carbajal addressed common but often overlooked issues in household cleanliness, emphasizing the importance of maintaining sanitary conditions to prevent food contamination.
"Indeed, one of the main sources of food contamination in your kitchen are the cloths and sponges," Carbajal stated. He explained that this is known as cross-contamination, where microorganisms transfer from one surface to another. "The main sources of those contaminations are meat, eggs, and raw vegetables," he added.
Carbajal shared a tip with his followers that quickly went viral. In a video, he presented a recommendation from a cook who pointed out the unseen dangers lurking in everyday kitchen items. "Something that many housewives are unaware of is the amount of microbes that this contains," the cook said. "What should be done to sanitize them? Very simple: put them in the microwave for one minute and you have hygienic cloths."
After viewing the clip, Carbajal confirmed the cook's statement. According to research from the University of Florida, placing cloths and sponges in the microwave is an effective method to disinfect them. "In the same article, they warn you that to avoid the possibility of your sponge burning, place it still wet and make sure it has no metal remnants," he noted. He added that the University of Florida advises leaving them in the microwave for two minutes to ensure proper disinfection.
Carbajal emphasized the severity of neglecting kitchen hygiene. "Every year there are 9,000 deaths in the United States due to food contamination," he said. He urged his followers to be vigilant, warning about the importance of hygiene in the kitchen. By adopting practices, such as microwaving sponges and cloths, households can reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses.
Meanwhile, household expert Elena Matveeva shared her own methods for washing kitchen towels and potholders on her Telegram channel Useful to Know. Her techniques were embraced by many for their simplicity and effectiveness, offering solutions without the need for expensive cleaning agents.
One of Matveeva's methods involves soaking the towels and potholders before washing them as usual. She recommends adding half a cup of 9% vinegar and one to two teaspoons of hydrogen peroxide to the washing powder tray. According to Matveeva, "Greasy stains, old soot, and yellowness will disappear before your eyes using this method." Housewives reported that kitchen towels and oven mitts become fresher, with unpleasant odors disappearing without a trace.
For safety, Matveeva advises preparing the solution while wearing gloves, a mask, and goggles to avoid skin and eye irritation. After treating the textiles, a standard washing cycle can be started. "The result will pleasantly surprise you," she noted.
Another technique she recommends involves using mustard powder, known for its ability to tackle greasy stains. To utilize the method, add seven tablespoons of mustard powder to a basin with two liters of hot water. Kitchen towels should be placed in this solution and left until everything cools down. Matveeva points out that the method is suitable only for cotton and linen fabrics, but not for delicate ones. As a result, "the towels will not only become fresher and cleaner but also softer." In the morning, the towels can be washed in the usual way to complete the cleaning process.
Alternatively, Matveeva suggests using ordinary starch, whether potato or corn, to remove stubborn greasy stains. The key is to slightly warm the starch. Place a small pot of water on the stove, put a bowl with starch into it, and wait until the starch becomes warm. Then, apply the warm starch paste to the stains and leave it until it cools completely. "Starch pulls the grease out of the fabric," she explained. After the starch treatment, simply wash the towels as usual, either by hand or in a washing machine. The stains disappear, and the towels look like new.
For those seeking an extra boost in cleaning power, Matveeva mentions that adding a little household soap can enhance the effectiveness of these methods.
Both Carbajal and Matveeva emphasize the importance of maintaining cleanliness in the kitchen, not just for appearance but for health reasons as well. By incorporating these cost-effective strategies, households can ensure their kitchen towels, cloths, and sponges are hygienic and fresh, minimizing the risk of contamination without relying on expensive chemical agents.
Assisted by a news-analysis system.