KNOBS ON THE STOVE

There are more bacteria on stove knobs than there are on dish sponges or even in the bottom of kitchen garbage cans, say University of Colorado scientists. Microbiologist Beth Redmond, Ph.D., explains that we clean most kitchen surfaces regularly, but knobs are easy to overlook. To cut bacteria levels by 95% or more— plus rid these surfaces of any viruses that may be lingering—clean kitchen knobs once weekly with soap and water, then wipe with a little diluted bleach (1 tsp. of bleach mixed into 1 cup of water).