We have so many appliances that we use every day. These appliances help us cook or clean the things that we own. However, how often do you think about cleaning these appliances? Probably once in a blue moon or when they get really disgusting. There is one item that you definitely should clean every day unless you want to invite in illnesses like E. coli into your home.
That appliance is your microwave! Microwaves are often used several times per day, especially if you have a large family. Microwaves are great for heating up leftovers, cooking frozen vegetables, or defrosting meat. Especially if you regularly use your microwave to defrost meat, you are inviting in a whole mess of germs that can make you sick.
What Is Lurking In Your Dirty Microwave
A study done by Kimberly Clark found that most microwaves, especially in heavy use settings like an office, are extremely dirty. They contain lots of ATPs, which are molecules that provide energy for living things, including bacteria. If something has an ATP count of 300 or higher, it means that it is a surface that is at high risk of transmitting illnesses. You never thought your microwave would make you sick, did you? But it can, especially if it is a shared microwave.
Further studies found E. coli in many microwaves, especially those that often defrost raw meats. Food splatters easily around the microwave and we may not always think to clean it up or disinfect it.
How To Avoid The Risks
The best way to keep yourself, your family, or your co-workers healthy is to simply clean up the microwave after each use. Use a disinfecting wipe to clean the inside and the outside handle of the microwave after each use. You could also use warm water and mild soap, two things that are definitely around your kitchen.
If the microwave hasn’t been cleaned in a while and needs a deep clean, use white vinegar. Mix about a 1/2 cup of water with a 1/2 cup of vinegar in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave the mixture on high until the window steams up. After you let it cool, wipe down the entire microwave with a damp sponge or cloth. It should get rid of all residue easily.
How often do you clean your microwave? Be honest (and maybe go clean it right now). If you found this article informative, please SHARE with your friends and family to keep them healthy too!