After cleaning, we often assume that chopsticks are clean and free of bacteria. But in reality, are chopsticks really clean after washing?
Li Zhengda, an associate professor at the Faculty of Medicine and Nutrition at Fuying University of Science and Technology in Taiwan (China), tested chopsticks and found that the bacterial content in wooden chopsticks, bamboo chopsticks, and porcelain chopsticks after washing still exceeded the standard (200 units). Specifically, the bacterial content of wooden chopsticks after washing was the highest at 660 units, 3.3 times higher than the standard value.
Meanwhile, for chopsticks with grooves, the bacterial count was even higher at 13,000 units after being cleaned, 37 times higher than the 350 units of regular bamboo chopsticks. If converted to bacterial units, each gram contains about 1 billion bacteria, making grooved chopsticks 7-8 times dirtier than a toilet bowl. Washing chopsticks may seem simple, but in reality, many people are doing it wrong!
The worst way to wash chopsticks is to rub the whole bunch of chopsticks together
Rubbing the bunch of chopsticks back and forth in the palm of your hand may be a common way to wash chopsticks, but experts believe that this is not the most thorough way to clean them. If the chopsticks have patterns, the heavy metals used to fix the colors will fall off due to friction. If the chopstick tip has grooves, rubbing the entire chopstick will not completely remove the dirt.
5 steps to wash chopsticks correctly
1. Clean each individual chopstick
Do not roll the entire bunch of chopsticks in your palm as this will not completely remove the dirt. Any chopsticks made from any material should be cleaned individually, and the spongey part of the scrubber should be used to brush them, especially bamboo and wooden chopsticks.
2. Clean with a sea sponge
If you use the rough part of the scrubber or a wire brush, it will leave small scratches on the chopsticks, providing an opportunity for bacteria and viruses to hide. Use a soft sea sponge to avoid damaging the chopsticks. Wipe each chopstick carefully to remove oil and saliva stains.
3. Clean along the grooves
If the chopstick tip has grooves and dents, it is important to clean along those grooves to enhance the cleaning effect.
4. Place them in a well-ventilated area after washing
After washing, place the chopsticks in a well-ventilated area until they are completely dry. Do not put them in the chopstick holder when they are still wet, as the bottom part of the chopsticks will easily become moldy and black due to prolonged moisture.
5. Avoid using chopsticks with scratches or stains
If there are scratches or stains on the surface of the chopsticks, avoid using them. If the wooden or bamboo chopsticks have grooves that are prone to bacterial growth, they should no longer be used, unless there is a special condition when they need to be disinfected regularly, once a week.
Disinfect chopsticks once a week, discard them if they become moldy
Experts believe that when the surface of the chopsticks has scratches or stains, you should avoid using them. If wooden or bamboo chopsticks have grooves that are prone to bacterial growth, they should no longer be used. Good-quality chopsticks should also be disinfected regularly, once a week, to prevent harmful bacteria from entering the mouth. Once you notice signs of mold on your chopsticks, it is best to discard them as soon as possible.
2 steps to disinfect chopsticks:
– First, put the chopsticks in cold water, then boil the water, remove the chopsticks and let them dry.
– Place the chopsticks in a well-ventilated area to dry before putting them into the chopstick holder.
It should be noted that wooden and bamboo chopsticks should not be put in the dishwasher, as these materials can absorb water and become moldy. They should be cleaned and dried immediately after use. In wet weather, the place where chopsticks are stored should be kept dry to prevent the development of bacteria and mold.
3 tips when buying chopsticks
– The simpler the color of the chopsticks, the better: Avoid choosing chopsticks with complex colors or patterns as they may contain heavy metals like colored powders, which can be absorbed into the body after long-term use.
– Try not to choose chopsticks with grooves that are prone to dirt.
– Stainless steel 304 chopsticks are the best choice.
Source: Phụ nữ mới
Uncover the Meaning Behind the Circles on Disposable Chopsticks – Not Everyone Knows!
Do you know why disposable chopsticks are engraved with 1, 2, or 3 circles? These symbols denote how many times these chopsticks have been recycled. But have you ever wondered how the number of circles are determined when chopsticks are recycled multiple times?
Building a DIY Vegetable Peeler to Cut Water Spinach into Thin Strips
Are you looking for an easy and effective way to create perfect thin slices of water spinach, perfect for a delicious plate of vegetables? Look no further! In this article, we’ll show you how to make a vegetable slicer that can help you achieve perfect results quickly and easily.
How to skillfully peel cooked shrimp without getting burnt and dirty, and still be praised for being clever
Below are some quick, clean, and clever ways to peel fully cooked shrimp that will impress everyone.
How often should you replace your chopsticks?
The risk of illness will arise if your family continues to use the same old chopsticks. So, after how long should you replace your chopsticks?
Furious with ant infestation? Use these 4 amazing methods to get rid of them instantly
If you accidentally leave the lid open or tie a loose bag allowing ants to invade, use the following 4 tips to get rid of them immediately.
