The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that one out of six Americans is affected every year by food poisoning and other foodborne illnesses. Of 128,000 hospitalizations caused by contaminated food each year, 3,000 of them result in death.
In Utah, foodborne illness is at an all-time high, according to the Occupational and Environmental Health and Safety of the University of Utah. But it doesn’t have to happen to you and your family. Here’s how you can keep your countertops clean and prevent foodborne illnesses at home:
Cleaning Stone and Quartz Countertops
Stone countertops in Provo, Utah are popular among homeowners. However, many don’t know how to clean and disinfect them properly. Like with cleaning quartz countertops, you need a non-abrasive sponge, microfiber cloth, a non-abrasive surface cleaner, dish soap, and water.
Wash your stone or quartz countertop with mild soap and water using a non-abrasive sponge. For stains, spray with non-abrasive surface cleaner and wipe it off with a microfiber cloth.
Cleaning Stainless Steel Countertops
Stainless-steel countertops are often used in commercial settings. But if you have one at home, you’ll need just mild soap and water to clean it. Avoid using steel wool or scrubbing pads, which can cause scratches on your countertop surface.
Cleaning Marble and Granite Countertops
Granite and marble are two of the most popular countertops used today. To maintain their beauty, clean them with a mix of warm water and mild dish soap. Scrub the countertop using a microfiber cloth.
When removing stains, the process becomes a bit complex. For water-based stains, clean the surface with a mixture of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. For oil-based stains, use a mix of baking soda and plain water. Wipe off stains with a microfiber cloth.
Cleaning Laminate Countertops
Laminate countertops are perhaps the easiest to clean. Using a damp, soft cloth, clean laminate surfaces with just a mild household cleaner. If there are stains, remove them with a mixture of baking soda and water. Apply it with a soft cloth and leave it for five minutes. After that, wipe it off with a new fabric.
Cleaning Wood Countertops
When cleaning wood countertops, you’ll need more materials. Prepare some salt, lemon, microfiber cloths, metal pastry scrapers, distilled white vinegar, and warm water. As an option, have a non-abrasive cleaner ready.
Start cleaning with a mixture of warm water and distilled white vinegar. You can also use a non-abrasive cleaner. After wiping the mixture on your countertop using a soft cloth, use a metal pastry scraper or spatula to scrape off any food residue gently. Then, wipe the counter completely dry. Damp wood can harbor mold and bacteria.
To remove stains, sprinkle salt directly onto the stain. Rub the salt using half a lemon then rinse off with water and vinegar.
Remember that food can cause illness. Cross-contamination can occur. Disease-causing organisms from a contaminated surface can transfer to a clean surface or area. To prevent cross-contamination and protect your family’s health, always keep your kitchen, especially the countertops, clean.
