Mallard Landing Blog

We are a society of germaphobes.  We spend billions of dollars each year on sanitizers, cleansers and anti-bacterial products.  But what about what’s hanging around in those areas that are often overlooked by our vigorous cleaning routine?  Many people would consider the kitchen to be one of the hardest rooms to clean in your home, and a room that carries many germs.  At a senior living Maryland community, we must ask ask the question, what’s the germiest place in your kitchen?

NSF International, a non-profit public health and safety organization, surveyed 20 families and asked each family to swab 14 designated areas of their home.  Microbiologists then analyzed the swabs for E.coli, listeria, salmonella, mold and yeast.  The results were shocking.  The top two dirtiest appliances are attached to the thing you use constantly – your fridge!

1. Refrigerator vegetable compartment.

Remove the compartment/drawer from the refrigerator if possible. Use a clean sponge or soft cloth and wash the bin with a mild detergent mixed with warm water. Rinse with tap water and wipe dry with a clean towel. To help control odors, use warm water mixed with a baking soda solution (about 1-2 tablespoons of baking soda to 1 quart of water). Rinse and wipe dry. Clean monthly.

Always store produce separately:  Keep washed and packaged produce separate from raw unwashed produce. Separate all produce from other foods such as raw meat, poultry or seafood. In the refrigerator, produce should always be stored on a separate shelf above all meat, poultry and seafood to avoid raw juices dripping onto the produce. Also keep them separate in your grocery cart, during food preparation and when using kitchen tools and appliances

2. Refrigerator meat compartment

Remove the compartment/drawer from the refrigerator if possible. Use a clean sponge or soft cloth and wash the bin with a mild detergent mixed with warm water. Rinse with tap water and wipe dry with a clean towel. To help control odors, use warm water mixed with a baking soda solution (about 1-2 tablespoons of baking soda to 1 quart of water). Rinse and wipe dry. Clean monthly and whenever you see any spilled meat juices. In the refrigerator, store meat and seafood on a separate shelf below produce to avoid raw juices dripping onto the produce.

For the entire list of germiest appliances in American kitchens, click here to read the full story.

At senior living Maryland communities like Mallard Landing Retirement Community in Salisbury MD, residents have spacious apartments. An optional service that is available to residents is weekly housekeeping service.   In addition, most senior living Maryland communities provide dining programs and at Mallard Landing there are many options in a kitchen that is regularly inspected by health officials.   For more information on how the kitchen at Mallard Landing Retirement Community, a senior living Maryland community, stays clean and passes inspections with flying colors call 410-749-2848 or click below for more information.