Kitchen surfaces often harbor germs,
especially if you’ve “cleaned” them with a dirty
sponge or rag. Disinfect all surfaces using hot
water and soap or a diluted bleach solution.
Faucets and faucet handles in kitchens
and bathrooms should be cleaned in the same
manner suggested for kitchen surfaces.
Sinks and drains are other environments
in which bacteria thrive.
• Clean stains, grit and grime around drains
with baking soda and an old toothbrush.
• Disinfect drains regularly with the diluted
bleach solution.
• Reduce the germs your children are exposed
to by keeping a ready supply of disposable
drinking cups in the bathroom and kitchen.
Doorknobs and handles, including the
refrigerator handle, are often repositories for
bacteria. Anyone can transfer bacteria from
their hand to a doorknob, and these bacteria
can cause illness, especially if the person is
sick, doesn’t wash his or her hands after going
to the bathroom or has touched raw food. When
you touch a doorknob you may also pick up the
bacteria, which can then enter your body if you
touch your eyes, nose or mouth.
• Wash your hands frequently, even if they
don’t look dirty.
• Clean doorknobs and the refrigerator handle
regularly with a clean cloth soaked in a
diluted bleach solution. A
MEMBER TIP
COURTESY OF
CAROL ZAREMBA
LOS ANGELES, CA
TO CLEAN dentures, soak them overnight
in white vinegar, then brush away tartar
with a toothbrush. A
