Dishwashing bars could pose health risks

It is ironic how an object used to clean and wash dirt in kitchen utensils can actually pose danger to our health.

A recent study of the Philippine Society of Microbiology (PSM) confirms that the use of bar solution in cleaning the dishes is a risky practice because it could bring negative effects to every household particularly on the aspect of health.

With the aid of a third party research agency, Proctor and Gamble commissioned a research and survey to reinforce this study and come up with such results. It was in late February 2012 when the survey was conducted. There were 150 respondents and 10 control households. Ms. Jan Ang, Joy Brand Manager, added that 6 out of 10 moms use dishwashing bar solution.

According to Dr. Jessica Simbahan, Immediate Former President of PSM, results show that dishwashing bar solution is highly contaminated with germs and is 10 times more unclean and unsanitary than a dirty sock. Also, it is considered as the dirtiest household item tested among other items like trash bin, toilet seat cover, and toilet bowl rim. During the survey, a luminometer or germ meter was used to gauge the level of contaminants in bar solutions and other household items.

However, Dr. Supachai Basit (incumbent National President for Philippine Society of Microbiology) stressed that besides bar solution, improper hygienic practice can also contribute to the increase of germs. “When a detergent solution is left exposed and is kept soaking, the level of contaminants increase,” Dr. Basit explained.

Below are some simple sanitation tips advised by Dr. Basit:

1. Clean and change your sponge regularly. Sponge is another culprit in the kitchen because microbes thrive their especially when it is moist or soaked in water.

2. Clean the cutting boards well. There should be a separate cutting board for raw food and cooked food.

3. Wash hands before and after meals and snacks.

4. Don’t share hand towels.

5. Use anti-bacterial dishwashing liquid. It is better to directly apply the dishwashing liquid on the sponge rather than dilute it in water.

Food poisoning, infection, diarrhea and typhoid are some of the risks that can be acquired and experienced without proper hygienic practice and mindfulness.

The research aims to support Joy Dishwashing Liquid’s ongoing awareness called “Nay, Gising!” an awareness campaign that aims “to serve as a wake-up call for Filipino moms and to educate them on proper kitchen hygiene.”

source: interaksyon.com

Fun summer cooking with Tefal

Manila, Philippines - Introducing, Tefal Plancha UltraCompact, a reliable griller that lets you cook and enjoy your favorite summer treats! It features a wide non-stick cooking surface that allows you to cook more food at once.

With a detachable juice tray which collects excess oils and fats, you can be sure your meals are tasty and healthy as it should be! It also features an adjustable thermostat which puts you in control of the cooking temperature, makes for an easier, more convenient time in the kitchen.

Whether for indoor or outdoor use, this remarkable griller will definitely make for a great kitchen partner this summer!

Tefal is exclusively distributed nationwide by Rustan Marketing Corporation and is available in leading department stores nationwide.

source: mb.com.ph

Organizing The Kitchen Counter for Everyday Use

Many people consider a well-organized kitchen to be one of the secrets to household happiness. However, if you have a busy family that's constantly on the go, you might find that keeping your kitchen organized can be a difficult and even daunting task. If you'd like to transform your disorganized kitchen into a more efficient and pleasant living space, why not start with the kitchen counter? Here are some easy tips you can use to organize your kitchen counter for everyday use.

Eliminate Clutter

A cluttered and disorganized kitchen can be a very difficult place in which to work. If your countertops are filled with clutter, you naturally don't have as much useful space in which to work. Clutter also tends to make a room look too small and "busy." In fact, countertop clutter can make even a large kitchen seem too small.

Eliminating unnecessary clutter should be the first step towards organizing your kitchen counter space. Start by removing any paper clutter, such as notes, unopened mail, school papers, or the daily newspaper. You should also remove any items that simply do not belong in the kitchen. Once these unnecessary items have been removed, it will be easier to decide upon an organizational strategy for the items you do use every day.

Countertops versus Cabinets

When organizing your kitchen, it's important to make a determination as to which items are best stored on the counter and which ones are best stored in the cabinets. In the case of small kitchen appliances or items that are used quite frequently, the countertop is often the best choice. However, if you only use your bread machine or yogurt maker on an occasional basis, storing it in the cabinet can free up a lot of countertop space. Take the time to carefully assess each item that you're currently storing on your kitchen counters. By finding alternate storage areas for infrequently used items, you'll have more countertop space available for everyday use.

Once you've stored your infrequently used items in the cabinets or pantry, you might decide to add a few new items to your countertop area. For example, if you're currently storing your spices in a cabinet, you might find that you'd use them more frequently if they were stored in a convenient spice rack on the countertop.

Baskets, Bins and Boxes

Baskets, bins and boxes can be the perfect solution when it comes to organizing your kitchen counter. For example, although you probably wouldn't want pencils, pens and note pads cluttering your countertop, it's hard to argue with the fact that they are all useful items. Instead of dealing with the clutter, tuck a pad of paper and a couple of pens into a small bin or basket. You'll be able to keep the items close at hand while still keeping your countertops organized and neat. Baskets and other containers that don't have lids can be convenient for items you need to grab quickly. However, lidded boxes and bins can go a long way towards reducing visual clutter, making your entire kitchen look more organized.

Home design expert, Alyssa Davis of Metal-Wall-Art.com, is particularly skilled in designing with metal fish art and metal wall decor for bathroom.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alyssa_Davis