Keeping Germs Out of Your Kitchen

The hearth is considered the heart of the home – the centerplace around which all revolves. The modern kitchen needs some work to hold the related feelings of love, connection, nourishment and contentment the way most of us wish it could. Agion technologies is using silver, a centuries-old germ killer, in a unique compound to coat surfaces and instruments that could spread disease.

When bacteria are detected, the compound releases silver ions to the surface, killing existing microbes and any new ones that come along. The silver compound can also kill germs in your kitchen, on shopping cart handles, even in your sneakers. It’s already used in a number of products including athletic footwear, door hardware, pens and business supplies.

Tips for the kitchen safety:

Dishrags and Sponges: Let the sponge or dishrag completely dry. Bacteria cannot survive in a dry environment. To clean dishrags, soak them in a solution of bleach and water after each use or use an anti-bacterial soap.

Do not keep sponges together.

Mop: After mopping, let the mop soak in the water with disinfectant for 10 minutes. That’s how long it takes to work.

Soda Cans: If you don’t see any visible dirt, wash the can with water and wipe it. If it’s really dirty, clean it thoroughly with soap and water or a waterless antibacterial gel.

Keep the inside of the refrigerator clean. Use soap and water to clean it about every month. Keep foods that can spoil in the refrigerator. Throw away food that is spoiled.

When using a cutting board, wash it with soap or put it in the dishwasher often. Always wash the cutting board carefully after you have put raw meats on it.

Use a cleaning product to clean the kitchen counter. Many germs can live on a kitchen counter if it is not kept clean.

Handwashing: Hand washing is the most important thing you can do to prevent infection. You should wash your hands several times every day. Soap and water cannot kill germs but they loosen the normal skin oil where germs live. Always wash your hands after you have been to the bathroom.

You should also wash your hands every time you cough, sneeze, or blow your nose. Wash your hands before and after giving patient care to a family member. Always wash your hands before you prepare or eat food.