Auntie Li is busy preparing dinner for her family who are about to return home in her warm and slightly crowded kitchen. Her daughter, Xiaofang, a young graduate student in microbiology, happened to be home for a visit this weekend.
In the kitchen, Aunt Li grabbed a dishcloth that had been used for a few weeks, ready to wipe down the dishes that had just been flushed. At this time, Xiao Fang's eyes suddenly focused on the seemingly harmless cloth, and the corners of her mouth hooked up a meaningful smile.
"Mom, do you know? This little dish cloth may be the most dangerous 'occupant' in our house!" Xiao Fang's words fell softly.
Aunt Li was stunned, and the movements in her hands also stopped: "How is it possible? I use it every time to wipe the dishes to be shiny, how can it be the dirtiest?"
Some of the data I've been working on in the lab recently has been staggering. The total number of bacteria in some dishcloths has reached 500 billion, which is hundreds of times dirtier than the toilet seat! Among them, there are many E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus that can cause intestinal infections.
01. These 8 things are very dirty and you may use them every day
Dishcloths: An indispensable cleaning tool in the kitchen, it is actually a breeding ground for bacteria. The total number of bacteria on a single dishcloth can be as high as 500 billion. There are many types, from common E. coli to conditionally pathogenic bacteria such as Candida albicans and Salmonella.
Rags: The condition of kitchen rags is equally worrying. One study found that nearly half of the rags used for a month detected large amounts of bacteria, including fecal coliforms, which can cause severe diarrhea, and enterococci, which are difficult to eradicate with routine cleaning.
Frequent contact with food debris and water stains provides an excellent environment for bacteria to grow, and kitchen cleaning can become a source of contamination if not replaced in time.
Chopsticks: During repeated use and cleaning, the tiny scratches and crevices on the surface of bamboo and wood chopsticks gradually increase, and these imperceptible places become a hiding place for bacteria.
In particular, chopsticks that are not completely dried are more likely to become breeding grounds for harmful microorganisms such as E. coli. Long-term use of such chopsticks can lead to chronic infections of the digestive system, posing a potential threat to health.
Cutting board: The cutting board that is not divided between raw and cooked is another big blind spot of kitchen hygiene. Studies have shown that nearly half of the homes have E. coli contamination on cutting boards, and knife-scarred cutting boards are a great place for bacteria to grow.
Bacteria in raw foods, such as Salmonella, are easily transferred to cooked foods through cutting boards, increasing the risk of food poisoning and posing a direct threat to the health of family members.
Towel: The texture of the towel is suitable for the growth of bacteria, especially the hollow structure of cotton fibers, which can easily lock in moisture and provide an ideal living environment for bacteria. Even new towels can have bacteria.
After 3 months of use, the order of magnitude of bacteria can soar to the millions, including Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans, etc., and long-term use may lead to skin infections.
Toothbrushes: The hygiene of small toothbrushes should not be overlooked. Bacteria on toothbrushes can enter the body through broken parts of the mouth, causing various infections and diseases. Toothbrushes are not only tools for cleaning the mouth, but can also be a vector for the spread of disease.
Underwear: As the most intimate clothing, the cleanliness of underwear directly affects personal hygiene. Studies have shown that a pair of underwear that has not been washed in time may carry about 0.1 grams of fecal residue, and tens of thousands of bacteria, insect eggs, etc. are hidden inside. Underwear that is not changed frequently increases the risk of urinary tract infections, vaginitis and other diseases.
Pillows: Pillows that appear to be clean can actually be a gathering place for dust mites and microorganisms. Although we usually isolate with pillowcases and pillowcloths.
However, sweat, dander and dust mite excrement can still accumulate inside the pillow for a long time, which can be a trigger for allergens and respiratory problems. Changing your pillow regularly is essential for improving sleep quality and maintaining respiratory health.
02. How to avoid these dirty things in life
Dishcloth and rag management: Wash thoroughly with hot water after each use, and try to dry it in the sun to sterilize naturally. It is recommended to change the dishcloth every 1-2 weeks, and kitchen dishcloths should follow the same frequency.
Chopsticks and utensils cleaning: Wash and dry bamboo chopsticks thoroughly after use, and avoid storing them in a humid environment. Check the wear and tear of chopsticks regularly, and it is recommended to replace them every 6 months to prevent the growth of bacteria. Use a dishwashing cabinet or boiling water to sterilize at least once a week.
Hygiene of cutting boards: Use different cutting boards for raw and cooked ingredients to avoid cross-contamination. After each use, wash with hot water and a small amount of edible alkali or white vinegar, and then let it dry.
Towel cleaning and replacement: Wring it out after each use, keep the towel dry, preferably hanging it in a well-ventilated area.
Wash with hot water at least once a week and use high heat to dry or dry regularly to sterilize. Change the towel, especially the face towel, every 3 months.
Toothbrush hygiene and renewal: rinse thoroughly after each use and place in a ventilated and dry place. Do not touch the brush head directly with other toothbrushes or surfaces, and use a toothbrush cover or shelf. During illness, it is necessary to replace it in time.
Cleaning and maintenance of underwear: It is recommended to change underwear every day and avoid mixing it with other clothes. Use a mild detergent and make sure to rinse thoroughly to avoid chemical residues. Change underwear every 3-6 months, especially if it is deformed, loose or loses its elasticity.
Pillow cleaning and replacement: Pillow covers should be changed and washed weekly, and pillow cores should be dried quarterly to remove moisture and odors. Choose a pillow core material with good air permeability, such as down or memory foam, and regularly check the condition of the pillow core, if there is a peculiar smell or deformation, it should be replaced in time, it is generally recommended to replace it once a year.
The small details of life are often the cornerstone of the edifice of health. The real health protection net is actually woven into these daily trivialities. Every washing, drying, and replacement is building an invisible line of defense for the family to block the invasion of diseases.
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