Your own kitchen can be a haven for food-borne bacteria just like the average restaurant. In fact, in a recent study conducted by Audits International, 74% of the home kitchens inspected did not pass the basic standards of the FDA’s food safety code.

A common no-no leading to cross contamination (or the spread of bacteria from one surface to another) was wiping the counter with a sponge that was just used to wipe up raw meat juice.

If the same sponge is to be used, wash it well in hot soap and water and pop it in the microwave for one minute on high. A good habit to get into is to put the sponge in the microwave every morning for one minute on high to kill bacteria.