Bacteria can cause illness and disease, but can be killed through sterilization, pasteurization, low temperatures, antiseptics, and disinfectants. Washing hands, refrigerating food, and disinfecting surfaces can also help prevent the spread of harmful bacteria. Natural and commercial cleaners can be used to create a safe living environment.
Bacteria are single-celled microorganisms that exist everywhere and reproduce rapidly. Some types of bacteria are harmless, while other types cause disease and illness. These types are called pathogens. If left unchecked, harmful bacteria can invade your home, causing health problems for a family. People can kill bacteria in the home through a variety of methods including sterilization, pasteurization, low temperatures, antiseptics and disinfectants.
Sterilization uses intense heat to kill bacteria and pasteurization uses moderate heat to reduce the number of bacteria in food. Cold temperatures also fight bacteria. When food is refrigerated or frozen, it is preserved and protected from bacteria. Antiseptics are applied to human skin to kill bacteria that can build up on an open cut. Finally, a disinfectant can be used to clean toilets, sinks and floors.
People can kill bacteria by washing their hands after using the bathroom, touching uncooked foods, changing a baby’s diaper, cleaning up after a pet, or taking out the trash. It is important to use soap and warm water, scrub your hands, scrub under your fingernails, and include your wrists in the handwashing process. Wash for at least 15 seconds to kill bacteria on the skin.
To reduce bacteria in the kitchen, don’t handle raw food for a long time. If foods are not to be consumed immediately, they should be refrigerated or frozen immediately. They should never be left out at room temperature, as this is a breeding ground for harmful bacteria. When cooking in the kitchen, people should use disinfectant on cutting boards, knives, and utensils that touch any type of raw food. A designated cutting board should only be used specifically for raw food preparation in order to protect foods from cross-contamination.
When using sponges and tea towels, it is imperative that they are disinfected. Sponges should be placed in the dishwasher while tea towels and towels should be bleached in the washing machine. A great way to get rid of bacterial contamination is to use paper towels to wipe down counter services. All counters should be cleaned immediately with a disinfectant.
Bacteria can be killed with hot water, bleach, vinegar, tea tree oil mixed with water, and various household cleaners that can be purchased at a discount store. Lemon is a food acid that also effectively kills bacteria. Sodium borate, or borax, is another good disinfectant that kills bacteria in your home. Whether a homeowner chooses a natural product or a commercially available disinfectant, he should choose cleaners that kill bacteria and provide his family with a safe environment to live in.
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