Is Your Cleaning Equipment Dirty?

If you wipe down a surface contaminated by germs, the cloth itself will contaminate other areas when used again. Here are three disinfecting methods:

1. Place damp sponges and cloths in the microwave oven, and “cook” them on high power for 1 minute.

2. Soak sponges for 5 minutes in a dishpan containing a solution of 1 cup of liquid chlorine bleach and 1 gallon of water. Rinse them with clean water and hang to dry.

3. Launder sponges and dish cloths using the hot-water cycle of your washing machine and dry them in the dryer. Toss sponges and dish cloths in the dishwasher with a load of dishes.