household
These five hygiene mistakes are extremely common
Bacteria quickly accumulate in a sponge.
© Aleksandr Khmeliov / Shutterstock.com
In order to keep your own household free of bacteria, there are a few things to consider. These are the five most common hygiene mistakes.
Without thinking about it, we often put the toothbrush in the bathroom cabinet or use sponges and shower towels for several weeks at a time. However, this is anything but hygienic and promotes the formation of bacteria. Under certain circumstances, they can damage our health. These are the most common mistakes.
Use the kitchen sponge for more than a week
Kitchen sponges are real spongers. Frequent washing or heating in the microwave only helps to a limited extent. If you don’t want to do without the kitchen sponge, you should replace it every week.
Thaw frozen food at room temperature
When things have to be done quickly, a meal from the freezer is often the solution. However, it has to thaw first. To make it go faster, many people put the frozen food in the sink of the warm kitchen. The problem: some bacteria and also salmonella multiply when the food thaws at room temperature. Thawing in the refrigerator prevents this.
Keep the toothbrush in the bathroom cabinet
Admittedly: It just looks tidier when the toothbrush isn’t on the sink or on an open shelf. However, the bacteria multiply much better in a closed cabinet.
Use shower towels more than three times
Even if we only use the shower towel when we have just taken a shower: after three uses at the latest, it belongs in the laundry and should be boiled in the machine. After use, the towel should always dry properly.
Only run the dishwasher at low temperatures
There are also some germs and fungi that are harmful to health in the dishwasher. Regular rinsing cycles at 60 degrees and more ensure hygiene. Another tip: only open the dishwasher after the wash cycle when it has cooled down completely. In this way, the germs do not escape with the steam.