Health Tip: Keep Your Kitchen Clean

Daily cleaning of your kitchen can help minimize germs and reduce the risk of contracting a foodborne illness.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics offers these suggestions for a daily kitchen clean-up:

• Using hot, soapy water, frequently wash all kitchen countertops and work surfaces. Immediately clean up any spilled food.
• Don't place any non-food items (such as mail, purses or bookbags) on kitchen counters.
• Thoroughly wash countertops before you prepare food.
• Wash all cooking utensils and dishes in the dishwasher on the hot setting, and be sure they are rinsed well.
• Wash all dish towels regularly in the washing machine on the hot cycle, and dry before using.
• Wash dirty sponges in a water/bleach solution or throw them out.