Wash all kitchen surfaces, dishes, and utensils in hot, soapy water. Make sure you rinse thoroughly. Every time you run your dishwasher, throw your kitchen sponge in. Don t wipe your counters with a sponge that s been sitting on your sink. This can deposit even more bacteria on your countertops.
Damp sponges are an excellent breeding ground for bacteria.
Use paper towels, or replace your dishrag every day with a clean one. While this is certainly a concern, especially when there is a newborn in the home, it s important to remember that a sterile environment is NOT in the baby s best interest. Bacteria and viruses are present in our homes, at our work, anywhere and everywhere we go. Our bodies make antibodies in response to exposure to bacteria and viruses. Chickenpox is an excellent example.