How to Control Bacteria From Growing

Our world is full of both good and bad bacteria. While good bacteria, like the type found in yogurt, is essential for human health, harmful bacteria can cause infections that lead to life-threatening illnesses. Bacterial growth can be kept under control by ensuring that your environment is sanitary and food is properly cooked.

Things You'll Need

• Bleach
• Sanitizing wipes and gel

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Instructions

• 1

  Clean household surfaces like countertops and door handles with a solution of household bleach and water. Wash debris from surfaces with clean water. Mix a solution of 3/4 cups of bleach to 1 gallon of water. Wipe surfaces with the bleach solution and let stand for 5 minutes. Rinse well and air dry.

• 2

  Set your refrigerator temperature to 40 degrees Fahrenheit and your freezer temperature to 0 degrees Fahrenheit. Bacteria multiply rapidly between 40 degrees Fahrenheit and 140 degrees Fahrenheit so it is important to keep refrigerators and freezers cold to stop the growth of dangerous bacteria found in food.

• 3

  Wash hands for at least 20 seconds with warm, soapy water after using the restroom, changing diapers or touching animals. Hands should be washed before and after handling food, especially raw meat, poultry fish, shellfish, produce and eggs.

• 4

  Rinse fresh fruits and vegetables under running water prior to eating, cutting or cooking. Firm produce such as melons and cucumbers should be scrubbed with a clean produce brush to remove excess dirt that may house bacteria. Spinach, lettuce, tomatoes, sprouts and melons can become contaminated with Salmonella, Shigella or E. Coli during processing and transport.

• 5

  Keep hand sanitizing wipes and gel on hand for occasions when you cannot wash your hands with soap and water.

• 6

  Sanitize plastic and wooden cutting boards used in food preparation to minimize the transfer of harmful bacteria. Soak plastic cutting boards in a solution of 1 tbsp. of bleach and 1 gallon of water for 2 minutes. Drain and air dry. Pour a solution of 3 tbsp. bleach and 1 gallon of water over wooden cutting boards. Let stand for 2 minutes and rinse with a solution of 1 tbsp. of bleach per gallon of water.