Of Bits and Bobs, Bacteria and Bugs

The weather will do it to us all...make us forget things, cause us to feel like we are moving through jelly.  Some of us lose our appetite or drink more.  When the weather and the time change the environment seems to work together

Soon it will be far too hot to leave the blinds and windows open; for now it will be good to reread this blog article:

WINTER CHALLENGES

Whether it is a pair of socks you've thrown under your bed or a favourite pair of shoes, now is the time to keep things off the floor and things from leaning against walls.  If you notice paint peeling from the wall (such as near the stairway) or discolouration of a wall (usually the lower part) please let me know.

Now I want to begin by praising and thanking everyone for keeping the dishes washed up.  You have no idea how thoughtful this is.  I do not remember the last time I came downstairs to make my breakfast to find dishes all over the place.  So perhaps I can push the envelope a bit more, because I am still having to do a lot of follow-up behind you guys that you likely don't even notice.   These are easy things and small actions.

Sponges and Dish Cloths

One thing I have noticed is sponges and dishcloths being left soaking wet in or on the sink.  The one on the handle is typically left with the head down in the little basket on the small side sink.  Recently someone thoughtfully put some dish washing soap in this wonderful tool we all use, which was great. 

However, it needs to stay upright so the soap doesn't just seep out through the sponge and down the drain.  This sponge and the other sponge that is used needs to be able to dry out.  So many times the sponges smell so bad that they just have to be thrown out when they are still quite new. 

So the sponge on the handle must be upright, so it can dry out and conserve dish washing liquid and that the other sponge is washed out well, squeezed well so as much moisture as is practical to get out of it is squeezed out.

Why is this, you ask?  Sponges and dish cloths can become easy breeding places for bacteria (that's what makes them smell) when:

·        they are not well washed out (leftover food bits are food for bacteria to grow on)

·        they are left soggy in the sink

·        for dishcloths - when they are bunched up and left soggy on the side of the sink

·        even when they are soaked with soap, bacterial will begin to grow in the sponge (and the dishcloth)

NOTE:  (A dish cloth is typically more free from bacterial growth, because bacteria must have moisture to grow and the cloth dries out faster than a sponge if we remember to drape it over the just washed dishes, for instance)

Some information on sponges to watch:

She is a bit wacky, but her message is helpful.

This is why I prop the sponge up in the window each day and set the one on the handle up in the little indentation in the basket in the sink.  It really will help when the sun hits it and helps dry it out.

The sponge itself needs to be cared for.  The scraping side is made of plastic and if you have a hot pan you want to rush and wash, please resist this temptation because it melts the scraping material and is why the sponge head has to be so often replaced.  It also lets the sponge hold more food bits. 

Bend and Snap

As the oldest person in the house, I am growing prideful that I am also the one person who seems consistently able to bend down and pick things up off the floor.  Yes, I should not share this as I am the one who benefits, but actually it would be better if you tried this exercise too.

So next time you are in the kitchen and drop something on the floor, please bend down and take a moment to pick it up.  If it is something messy, there are paper towels nearby and spray cleaner or Windex (which is a good all-round cleaner) to clean it up with. 

If you just pick up the item dropped, it may leave grease or other yuk on the floor that someone (probably me) could slip on or worst of all that a cockroach could identify as dinner!

Critter Alert

While it is raining so hard it is an ideal time for little critters (and some that look big because they are so gross) such as cockroaches and spiders, perhaps even a mouse (although they would be wise to go next door with sweet Mandarin the cat to contend with now) to seek shelter inside, especially if meals are so easily sourced. 

This means some attention is appreciated on the bench tops, too and the stove after you are finished cooking (today I had to take the stove apart because so much food was spilled into one of the elements that it would barely light. 

If you would like me to show you how to clean the stove properly, please ask me...I love teaching new processes!

Again, the spray cleaner or Windex is a great way to finish up in the stove and back splash. 

Table Too

Oh and take a moment to wipe down the table cloth where you ate as leaving crumbs or just brushing them off onto the floor is again...an advertisement to critters to come and get it!

All in all these are observations and not criticisms.  It has been so much worse in the past and each of you are a joy to have here.  Whenever possible I will take care of these little items because I know you have time pressures and need a break.  However, when I have a project, I get tired too.

Thanks again!