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The kitchen is the dirtiest room in your house. It’s kind of gross to think about, but the more you're aware, the less likely it is that it will make you sick. A team of researchers from Drexel University studied a selection of kitchens in Philadelphia and zeroed in on a few of the areas most likely to contain bad bacteria.
The fridge: Part of the problem came in storage of raw meats. Those chicken breasts should be stored on the lowest level, so any seeping juices don’t drip down into your veggies. Another problem that most people don’t realize is a problem: warm fridges. The researchers found many set above 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Warmer temperatures promote listeria contamination.
Sponges: Most of the sponges the researchers encountered tested positive for harmful bacteria. And, once that bacteria is on a sponge, the chances are it’s going to spread elsewhere. Best bet: Toss them, or nuke them in the microwave for a minute.
Cutting boards: Using a cutting board is far better than chopping up your veggies on the counter. But cutting boards develop grooves, where bacteria can hide if not washed property.
Read more about kitchen safety here.