6 Cleaning Mistakes That Can Make You Sick

“The best approach is to pay close attention to high-traffic areas and frequently used objects,” says Jonathan Sexton, a researcher at the Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health at the University of Arizona in Tucson.

However, very often when cleaning people make mistakes that practically undo all the work done or can even cause damage. We’ll talk about the six most common ones below.

In the category “dirtiest object in the house”, the kitchen sponge confidently takes first place. Research shows that it grows bacteria better than a laboratory petri dish: Pathogens like salmonella and campylobacter thrive in the humid and often warm environment of a loofah.

According to a study by the National Sanitation Foundation, more than 75% of kitchen sponges are contaminated with coliform bacteria (such as E. coli), which can cause serious gastrointestinal problems. “Microorganisms can survive for weeks or even months in the right environment, and a sponge is ideal because it stays moist for a long time, allowing them to grow,” says Sexton.

“Using the same sponge to clean all surfaces, including those that have been touched by raw meat, poultry, seafood and eggs, creates unnecessary problems,” says Jennifer J. Quinlan, professor and Director General of the Center for Integrated Health Research. . in food safety at Prairie View A&M University in Texas.

Although it is not very eco-friendly, it is better to consider using paper towels. If you are still using fabric, you should change it every day and wash it only in hot water.

“The kitchen sink is one of the dirtiest surfaces in the house,” says Sexton. Research shows that up to 45% of kitchen sinks contain coliform bacteria such as salmonella. The danger here is cross-contamination: if you don’t disinfect the sink after the meat cutting board and continue to use it, bacteria may end up on the rest of the dishes.

Dish soap and hot water will do a great job cleaning your plates, pots, and pans, but it’s worth going the extra mile, especially when cleaning after cooking raw meat or poultry, says Quinlan. “Bacteria from raw meat builds up in the drains, and the only good way to get rid of it is to pour disinfectant down the sink and drain it,” says Jennifer.

And don’t forget the hull mesh; put it in the dishwasher with the dishes.

You probably wipe down the outside of your refrigerator regularly, but how often do you think about the inside? Despite the low temperature, various bacteria and other potentially harmful organisms can live in the refrigerator. The most contaminated areas are the vegetable drawers and the meat drawer, where salmonella and listeria, as well as yeast and mold, are likely to live.

The American Cleaning Institute recommends using a baking soda solution or non-abrasive all-purpose cleaner to clean the inside of your refrigerator. Also keep the temperature at 4°C or lower (bacteria grows more quickly at temperatures between 4.5°C and 60°C). Be wary of leaking containers for raw meat or poultry. Storing these items on the bottom shelf will help prevent cross-contamination with vegetables or other refrigerator contents.

NMT (non-tuberculous mycobacteria), similar to those that cause tuberculosis, are not as common, but research has shown that they can enter the lungs through water from a contaminated shower head. It is therefore important to remember to clean it. Additionally, this simple action will prevent the nozzle from getting clogged.

The chemicals found in many cleaning products are great at killing harmful pathogens, but they can be dangerous to breathe.

“A lot of these cleaning products are incredibly volatile,” says Leonard Bielory, MD, professor of medicine, allergy, immunology and ophthalmology at Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine in Nutley, New Jersey.

According to the American Lung Association, some cleaning products release dangerous chemicals, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which evaporate at room temperature. These substances can cause itchy eyes, coughing, sneezing, and headaches, especially if you have allergies or sensitivities. So, when cleaning, it is best to open the window or leave the door open.

You can also use cleaning products with fewer harsh chemicals. Vinegar, baking soda and lemon juice are very effective and less toxic.

“A dry cloth or towel doesn’t really absorb dust; they just erase it,” says Alan Goldsobel, MD, an allergist in San Jose. It is better to take a damp towel or microfiber cloth (you can use it dry – this material has a texture that perfectly captures and retains dust).

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