How do you kill bacteria on countertops?

Author: Eleanora Batz  |  Last update: Saturday, October 14, 2023

Sanitizing. Sanitizing your countertops kills the germs and bacteria that can lead to illnesses. According to the CDC, isopropyl rubbing alcohol at a concentration of at least 70% can be used to disinfect certain surfaces.

How can I disinfect my kitchen counters?

How to Disinfect Countertops with Vinegar
  1. In a clean spray bottle, combine equal parts white vinegar and water.
  2. Wet the surface lightly with a damp rag to clean the worst of the mess.
  3. Spray on your vinegar solution.
  4. Wait five minutes.
  5. Use a clean, damp rag to rinse the countertop.

Which cleaning solution should you use to kill bacteria on a kitchen countertop?

To look after your countertop surfaces, you should wipe up any food residue, liquid or grime as soon as they appear. To clean your countertops, we would recommend a strong antibacterial cleaner such as Lysol® All-Purpose Cleaner. For best results, follow these instructions: Spray the surface until thoroughly wet.

What is the most sanitary way to clean counters?

Dilute household bleach with warm water according to the directions on the bleach. Wipe the countertops down with the solution using a reusable cleaning cloth. Rinse with warm water and a fresh cloth. Laminate, marble and stainless steel require using a disinfecting spray approved for the specific material.

What products kill bacteria on surfaces?

If ready-to-use disinfectants are not available, you can use bleach solutions for many hard surfaces. Bleach solutions will be effective against bacteria, viruses, and fungi when properly diluted. Learn more about cleaning and disinfecting surfaces using bleach solutions.

How to disinfect quartz countertops | ***Disinfect against Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)***

Does Dawn dish soap kill bacteria?

Like hand soap, dish soap does not kill bacteria, but it lifts them off surfaces to be washed away by water. Dishes should be washed and scrubbed in soapy water, rinsed with water and finally soaked in water containing germ-killing sanitizers before drying them off.

Does vinegar kill germs on surface?

Cleaning vinegar or white vinegar – not apple cider vinegar or wine vinegar – is most commonly chosen for cleaning. However, it's important to remember that while vinegar does work as a disinfectant to some degree, it is not as effective as bleach or commercial cleansers when it comes to killing germs.

Does cleaning vinegar and dawn really work?

But when you combine the two, you get an effective, sprayable miracle cleaner that clings to surfaces. Just spray it on, let it sit for a while, then scrub lightly and rinse, and you'll be amazed at the results every time!

Can I use Clorox wipes on my countertops?

The harsh truth is that Clorox wipes are not an effective way for cleaning quartz countertops. While using them gives the appearance of cleanliness, it actually causes unintentional damage to the countertop after prolonged use.

Can soap and water disinfect countertops?

Cleaning with warm, soapy water can physically remove dirt, grim and some bacteria from a surface, but it does NOT kill bacteria. 2. THEN Sanitize. Sanitizing is the second, but equally important step to removing bacteria from your kitchen.

Does vinegar kill kitchen bacteria?

Studies confirming vinegar's antibacterial properties: Household natural sanitizers like lemon juice and vinegar reduced the number of pathogens to undetectable levels. Vinegar can inhibit growth of and kill some food-borne pathogenic bacteria. Plus, vinegar's bactericidal activity increased with heat!

How do I keep my kitchen bacteria free?

7 Tips for Keeping Your Kitchen Germ-Free
  1. Make sure your kitchen has adequate lighting. ...
  2. Keep your countertops clear of unnecessary items. ...
  3. Clean up cooking messes immediately. ...
  4. Clean every surface. ...
  5. Clean the sink after washing the dishes. ...
  6. Change your dishtowels regularly. ...
  7. Wash your hands with soap.

Does Windex kill germs on countertops?

It's important to note that original Windex offers no disinfecting or cleaning properties, notes Jennifer Gregory of Molly Maid. However, Windex Disinfectant Cleaner Multi-Surface does and is a good choice for laminate countertops and glass stoves—areas you want to be disinfected since they're where you cook.

Does hydrogen peroxide disinfect countertops?

From kitchen countertops to bathroom vanities, the hard surfaces in your home need regular attention to prevent germ buildup. Instead of using an over-the-counter disinfectant, pour hydrogen peroxide into a spray bottle and use it to disinfect the hard surfaces in your home.

Can I spray Lysol on kitchen counters?

The Lysol Kitchen Pro Antibacterial Cleaner we recommend needs to be left on for two minutes for the surface to be disinfected. If your counters are natural stone, make sure the sanitizer you're using doesn't contain anything heavily acidic like bleach, vinegar, or citric acid.

Is Lysol good for countertops?

Lysol wipes are safe to use on your countertops. Avoid wipes and cleaners specific to granite and natural stone. When it comes to disinfecting your surface, please take the proper precaution and remember that disinfecting should not take the place of your daily cleaning routine.

Can I use Dawn dish soap on quartz?

If you have a quartz countertop, you should be able to use Dawn Dish Soap without any issues. However, if you notice any discoloration or staining, you might need to switch to another brand of dish soap.

Do you need to rinse after using Clorox wipes?

Once you have finished using disinfecting wipes on a food preparation or eating surface, make sure you rinse the surface with potable water and then dry off with a towel. This should also be followed for children's toys and objects they may put into their mouth. Dispose of the wipe properly once you have finished.

What surfaces should you not use Clorox wipes on?

Don't ever use Clorox wipes on skin.
  • Don't use them on unpainted wood. ...
  • Don't use them on other absorbent surfaces. ...
  • Don't forget to rinse toys and food-contact surfaces with water. ...
  • Avoid using them on certain metals. ...
  • Don't forget to follow the instructions.

What should not be cleaned with vinegar?

7 Things You Should Never Clean with Vinegar
  1. 01 of 07. Granite and Marble Surfaces. Getty Images. ...
  2. 02 of 07. Tech Devices. ...
  3. 03 of 07. Anything with Bleach. ...
  4. 04 of 07. Waxed Furniture and Flooring. ...
  5. 05 of 07. Certain Parts of the Dishwasher. ...
  6. 06 of 07. Pet Messes. ...
  7. 07 of 07. Deteriorating Grout.

What happens when you mix Dawn dish soap and vinegar?

“Vinegar is a good cleaner because it's acidic, but when you add dishwashing liquid/dish soap to it (which is a base or neutral) - you neutralise the vinegar. You take away the very thing that makes it work well. “The dishwashing liquid works that well on its own. Adding the vinegar is a pointless step.”

What cleans better than vinegar?

Maybe vinegar is acidic enough to act as a sanitizer, but hydrogen peroxide is better at killing bacteria, fungus, and viruses. To disinfect a surface, you can use a 50/50 hydrogen peroxide and water solution. Spray it on a clean surface and let it sit for at least 5 minutes.

Do you have to rinse after cleaning with vinegar?

Rinsing is not necessary! If you're simply using a vinegar and water solution to wipe and disinfect, you won't need to rinse. However, if there's also plenty of dirt and grime you're wiping away, you may also want to rinse with some extra water.

Can bacteria grow in vinegar?

The species most frequently reported in vinegar production comprise Acetobacter aceti, Acetobacter cerevisiae, Acetobacter malorum, Acetobacter oeni, Acetobacter pasteurianus, Acetobacter pomorum, Gluconacetobacter entanii, Gluconacetobacter liquefaciens, Gluconobacter oxydans, Komagataeibacter europaeus, ...

What is the most effective natural disinfectant?

However, with research and creativity, there are all-natural options which safely disinfect without any harmful residue for you or your family.
  1. 1 - Vinegar. This clean, natural and biodegradable liquid is more than a cooking product. ...
  2. 2 - Hydrogen Peroxide or Oxygen Bleach. ...
  3. 3 - Alcohol. ...
  4. 4 - Essential oils.

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