Do you want to make sure you have clean, sanitized cleaning rags? Just "cook" them for a couple of minutes in the microwave
Every day we use microfibre cloths and various other dishcloths for cleaning the house (collectively generally known as “rags”). Whether it is to pass detergents over the various surfaces, or to dry them off after washing the work surfaces or the glass, the pile of rags we have at the end of our work to be washed is always significant. However, when these rags are not particularly dirty, and when you would generally only rinse them off a little under running water from the sink, you can still make sure you sanitize them properly - even without having to do a special load of laundry for them in the washing machine.
In fact, it is sufficient to just use the microwave to eliminate almost all the germs and bacteria from the rags which we have used to clean and dry the surfaces of our home. Read on to find out how:
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This is a process very similar to what happens with dishwashing sponges: just like those, in fact, a quick "cooking" in the microwave kills harmful germs and bacteria. Here's how to do it:
- Wet the rag well in water, soaking it completely.
- Wring it out so that it stays wet, but without being dripping wet.
- Put it in the microwave, directly onto the turntable.
- Start the microwave at 600 or 700 watts for 1 minute and turn it on.
- Once done, let the rag cool down a bit, or use rubber gloves to take it out and let it dry out completely.
You can also use this method to make your damp rag more powerful in its cleaning ability. If you heat your rag for 30 seconds in the microwave (at 600 or 700 watts) it will get hot (but not hot enough to burn). With your heated rag (use gloves when handling), you will now have a more effective weapon in fighting and removing deposits of grease and oily dirt.
There are also those who recommend soaking the rag in water and white vinegar, before putting it in the microwave for 2 minutes, so that the antibacterial properties of the vinegar can give an extra boost in killing the germs. This technique is, in fact, the one recommended for use on sponges which we wash the dishes with. And even if we carefully rinse off sponges and rags after using them, the action of the heat is a really useful, effective extra step, which makes these indispensable cleaning tools last even longer.
This is a simple procedure that helps to prevent the proliferation of germs and bacteria, or the formation of dangerous molds in the fabric of the sponges and rags. But be CAREFUL: as with sponges, the rags you put in the microwave must be wet (wrung out, but still wet), otherwise there is a risk that you will start a fire. Have you ever tried this method of sanitizing your cleaning tools?
