You might think disinfecting wipes are the perfect tool for cleaning your food storage containers. After all, they’re convenient, effective, and promise to kill 99.9% of germs. But here’s a heads-up: those handy wipes could be doing more harm than good when it comes to your food safety.
Disinfecting Wipes & Food Safety
Disinfecting wipes are designed for cleaning surfaces and killing germs in areas like bathrooms and kitchens, but they’re not meant for anything that touches your food. These wipes contain chemicals like quaternary ammonium compounds and bleach. (ref)
While effective at killing bacteria, these substances can leave residues that aren’t safe for ingestion and could transfer to your food. Ingesting these chemicals can cause health issues ranging from skin irritation and allergies to more severe reactions if consumed in significant quantities.
Why Not to Use Disinfecting Wipes on Food Containers
The primary reason to avoid using disinfecting wipes on food storage containers is the risk of chemical contamination. Most disinfectant wipes carry a warning against using them on surfaces that come into direct contact with food. The chemicals in the wipes can seep into the plastic of the containers and later mix with your food, posing potential health risks.
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Moreover, the wipes might not effectively clean food residues, especially in hard-to-reach areas like the grooves and seals of container lids. This leftover food can harbor bacteria, which can grow and multiply, leading to foodborne illnesses.
Safe Cleaning Alternatives
Instead of reaching for disinfecting wipes, opt for safer cleaning methods. For plastic containers, wash them with warm, soapy water and a non-abrasive sponge. If you’re dealing with stubborn stains or odors, make a paste of baking soda and water, apply it to the affected areas, and let it sit for a few hours before scrubbing and rinsing.
Hot water and dish soap are usually sufficient for glass containers. If you want an extra layer of cleanliness, you can boil the containers. Place them in a large pot, fill them with water, and bring them to a boil to sterilize them.
Another effective method is to use hydrogen peroxide mixed with baking soda and dish soap to clean rubber gaskets on glass containers. This solution can help remove trapped food particles and prevent bacteria build-up.
Best Practices for Food Storage Containers
To keep your food storage containers safe and clean, follow these best practices:
- Hand Washing: Always hand wash containers if they are not labeled as dishwasher safe. This ensures that no part of the container is missed and reduces the risk of damage.
- Avoid Abrasive Cleaners: Use non-abrasive sponges to avoid scratching the container’s surface, which can harbor bacteria.
- Dry Thoroughly: After washing, dry containers completely to prevent mold and bacteria growth.
- Check for Damage: Regularly inspect your containers for cracks or wear and replace them as needed to ensure they remain safe for use.
- Avoid High Heat: Do not microwave or expose containers to high heat unless they are specifically labeled as safe for such use.
While disinfecting wipes are great for many cleaning tasks, they’re not suitable for food storage containers. Using them can introduce harmful chemicals into your food and pose serious health risks. Stick to safer cleaning methods like warm, soapy water and natural cleaning agents like baking soda to keep your containers clean and your food safe.
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.