Keeping Food Safe: Cleaning Tips


Tips for Cleaning

  • Warm, wet environments are breeding grounds for germs. Dangerous bacteria grow easily in places that stay damp, such as kitchen sponges, dishcloths, sink drains and faucet handles. Be sure to keep these areas clean.
  • Use paper towels in the kitchen, instead of cloth, so that you can throw them away. If you are using cloth, be sure to wash kitchen towels, sponges, cloths and refrigerator handles often to prevent bacteria from growing. Wash or replace sponges often.
  • Wash utensils, dishes, and counter tops with hot, soapy water, especially after they have been in contact with raw meat, seafood, poultry, or eggs.
  • Regularly clean the pantry where you store dry food like pasta, cereal and canned food. Keep food off of the floor. Store the food in sealed containers.
washing hands


University of Maryland
Eat Smart, Be Fit, Maryland!
Public Health Informatics
FSNEP
Maryland Cooperative Extension