For example, bacteria don’t really die in the freezer.

We’ve heard so many stories about how poor hygiene caused a serious bout of illness. But not all of them are true. Here are the top 10 myths that are wrong.

1. Bacteria Dies In The Freezer

   Believe it or not, bacteria is still alive at -18 deg C. Putting your food in the freezer simply prevents bacteria from multiplying. However, as soon as the food thaws in room temperature, the number of bacteria doubles every 20 minutes.

2. Coins And Dollar Bills Are Contaminated

   It’s scientifically proven that the copper in coins actually kills bacteria. Dollar bills do not provide proper living conditions for bacteria, hence, only a small amount of bacteria is present.

3. Wearing Gloves Protects You From Germs

   Gloves can be very unhygienic if not cleaned properly or changed once a month. So clean it and store in the cupboard when it’s completely dried. To clean, place them in the basin in hot water with two spoonfuls of vinegar and some detergent before soaking them for 10-15 minutes. 

4. The Toilet Is The Dirtiest Place

   There are far more bacteria found in the refrigerator and dishcloths. Plus, it is now a well-known fact that a keyboard contains 400 times more germs than a toilet seat. Yikes!

5. The Soap I Use, The Cleaner It Is

   Not necessary true. In fact, more soap can create more germs and bacteria as soap or detergent are great nutrients for bacteria growth. Always make sure that you rinse your hands, dishes, or clothes thoroughly to prevent the growth of bacteria.

6. Scratched Teflon Pans Causes Cancer

   It is only above 260 deg C that scratched Teflon pans are harmful. The coating, called polytetrafluoroethylene, emits toxic fumes only above this temperature. Be cautious when you cook as such temperatures are reached through a specific way of overheating.

7. Cutting Boards Breeds Bacteria

   Whether it’s wooden or plastic cutting boards, as long as you clean them carefully, they are safe to use. Woods contain resins and oils of germicidal features and certain wood species also contain tannic acid which is also germicidal. When using plastic boards, kills bacteria by placing them in a dishwasher in around 60 deg C.

8. It’s OK To Reuse The Bath Towel

   Damp towels are ideal habitats for bacteria. It is recommended that you use your towel no more than three times before it gets infested with bacteria.

9. All Bacteria Are Harmful

   We are in contact with bacteria daily. In fact, billions of them are resting in our intestines and on our skin, with only a few being germs. The good ones live in our digestive system, on our skin and in our mouth and they help us with digestion and protection fem bad bacteria that can make us sick or even kill us. 

10. Dishwashers Are Clean

    Dishwashers are the perfect place for fungi and black yeast to manifest. The insides of a dishwasher should be cleaned every month. Just pour vinegar in a cup and leave it on the empty top rack of the dishwasher and let it run for a full cycle at a hot temperature.