Although the toilet seat feels wronged and is a prime example of being unfairly targeted, unfortunately, it's once again being compared to a rag...
Because the rag was really dirty...
Dishcloths should be one of the most important and cleanest tools in the kitchen, but unfortunately, it's hard to find clean and tidy dishcloths in the kitchen.
According to a survey conducted by a research institution on the use of cleaning cloths in residents' homes, the number of bacteria remaining on sponge-type cleaning cloths used by residents can reach up to 800 million, and in some areas as high as 1.6 billion.
Experts have tested the number of bacteria on toilet seats, which is generally around 30 million. This means that the sponge-like cleaning cloths we use are actually 50 times dirtier than toilet seats. All I can say is that choosing a good cleaning cloth is really important!
3 key factors for choosing a good dishcloth
A good dishcloth should first and foremost be soft and clean, not too stiff, and certainly not sticky or damp, and should not have obvious unclean marks. It's also recommended to choose a dishcloth based on its intended use; for example, use a softer dishcloth to clean stainless steel or ceramic surfaces, while using a dishcloth with steel wool for stubborn oil stains.
When choosing dishcloths, opt for lighter colors. For example, soft, snow-white dishcloths, like towels, are almost guaranteed to be clean, while dark-colored cloths are harder to clean because stains are harder to see. White cloths are best for dishes and food. Dishcloths should be changed frequently depending on their cleanliness, especially those that come into frequent contact with food and tableware.
In addition to the two points mentioned above, the antibacterial ability of the dishcloth is also crucial. A dishcloth with strong antibacterial properties better ensures food hygiene. However, the antibacterial ability varies depending on the material, making choosing the right material particularly important. So, which type of dishcloth, made of which texture and material, harbors the fewest bacteria?
In related research experiments, researchers placed four types of cleaning cloths—wood pulp fiber, cotton, ordinary fiber, and synthetic sponge—in bacterial culture dishes. After 48 hours, the results showed that wood pulp fiber and cotton cloths had stronger antibacterial capabilities, with colony counts of 30 CFU/mL, ordinary fiber cloths of 120 CFU/mL, and synthetic sponge cloths of 270 CFU/mL. In other words, wood pulp fiber and cotton cloths had the best antibacterial effects.
The "Specialization" of the Cleaning Cloth Party
Seeing this result, do you also have the same thought as Xiao Jiu, which is to rush home and throw away all the sponge-like dishcloths in the kitchen? Actually, there is no need to do that, because each type of sponge has its unique function.
Non-woven cloths: Non-woven cloths are soft and highly absorbent, making them the best choice for wiping ceramic tableware. Their fine mesh structure makes it easy to wipe away sauces and soy sauce, and they are also relatively easy to clean, making them very effective for general tabletop and tableware cleaning. However, due to their strong absorbency, they are also prone to bacterial growth, so it's important to keep them as dry as possible and to disinfect and replace them frequently.
Cleaning blocks: Cleaning blocks consist of a sponge block wrapped with a layer of high-polymer polyester film. They are non-stick to grease and grime, scratch-resistant, dry easily, and odorless. They have strong water absorption and cleaning power and are commonly used for cleaning plastic, resin, glass, ceramic, wood, and ironware. However, bacteria can easily accumulate in the pores of the cleaning blocks, making them difficult to clean thoroughly. Therefore, it is best to boil them 1-2 times per week for sterilization. It is important to note that cleaning blocks should not be used on lacquered surfaces, such as lacquered bowls and chopsticks, as this will have the opposite effect.
Steel wire cloth: Among all types of cloths, steel wire cloth is probably the most effective at removing dirt. It can clean even the dirtiest items very well. However, you must wear gloves when using steel wire cloth, otherwise you can easily get your skin scratched by the steel wire. Also, never use steel wire cloth on smooth surfaces such as tableware, tiles, and countertops.
Loofah sponge: This is a traditional cleaning tool, completely natural and pollution-free. Its unique fiber structure makes it exceptionally effective at removing grease and limescale, suitable for various materials, and the results are fantastic. Although grandmothers have long used this natural, convenient, and inexpensive cleaning tool, it's crucial to pay attention to its cleanliness. Like sponges, loofah sponges, with their porous structure, are also prone to bacterial growth.
Essential "new skills" for cleaning cloths
Cleaning cloths are the most common items in our homes. We absolutely cannot do housework with them. We use them to wipe tables, chairs, stoves, range hoods, bathrooms, appliances, and so on. We always need to prepare a lot of cleaning cloths at home. The most difficult to clean are probably the cleaning cloths in the kitchen.
Did you know that the same dishcloth can have vastly different levels of bacteria depending on how well it's cleaned and disinfected? So how can you effectively clean dishcloths to get rid of bacteria?
If you're a clean person, you might want to try this method. It can not only disinfect and sterilize the cloth, but also remove some of the stains on the cloth.
Step 1: Place the dishcloth in a pot of water, then add the eggshells. Bring to a boil over high heat, then continue boiling uncovered for 6 minutes. About 5 eggshells will be enough to boil one pot of dishcloth. Unused eggshells can be collected; they don't matter if they dry out. Besides cleaning dishcloths, they can also be used to clean water bottles or cups (put crushed eggshells into the bottle, add a small amount of water, cover, shake continuously, pour out, and rinse with clean water to remove limescale).
Step 2: Then take it out, rinse it with cool water, and hang it in a well-ventilated place with sunlight to dry. PS: Every time we crack an egg, a layer of egg white remains on the inner wall of the eggshell. The protease in the egg white plays a crucial role in making the dishcloth whiter and cleaner.
Helpful tip: Ideally, household dishcloths should be washed daily and replaced weekly or bi-weekly. However, doing so can be wasteful. Boiling dishcloths in eggshells not only disinfects and sterilizes but also reduces household expenses. Have you learned this energy-saving and environmentally friendly trick?
