Most homeowners have heard of the 5-second rule. If food drops on the floor, it’s still sanitary enough to eat if you pick it up within five seconds. Is this true or a long-held myth? Let’s explore this notion further.
Science’s Stance on the 5-Second Rule
Research from Aston University in the U.K. delved into the 5-second rule. Researchers tested the bacteria content of food after dropping on the floor. They concluded that the time food remains on the floor does indeed matter. The type of floor is just as important.
As it turns out, bacteria from tile and grout has a higher probability of transferring to the food than germs from the carpet. This is because hard floors are usually filthier due to insufficient cleaning processes. You may believe the tiles are clean after mopping the floor. However, all the mop does is spread the bacteria over a greater surface area. This is not the case with carpet cleaning, which involves vacuuming and steam cleaning.
How to Clean a Hard Floor
For the 5-second rule to apply, you have to maintain a clean floor. For hard floors, use a clean mop. Here’s how you keep it clean:
- Thoroughly rinse the mop and let it air dry after each use
- Optionally, throw the mophead in a washer and set it on a gentle cycle
- Keep the mop in a cool and dry area with the mophead facing up
- Replace the mophead every two to three months if you use the mop at least once a week
- Use two separate buckets; one for rinsing and another for detergent
We Clean all Floor Types
The holidays are not far off. We recommend contacting Rick’s Family Carpet Care before then for carpet, tile, and upholstery cleaning. This way, the 5-second rule is in play if you drop a turkey leg on the floor.
We Make the 5-Second Rule Viable
Serving Customers in Tacoma, Puyallup, Spanaway, Graham, Yelm, McKenna, Roy, Lakewood, Steilacoom, Dupont, Lacey, Tumwater, University Place, Federal Way, Gig Harbor, Sumner, Edgewood, Milton, Kent, Auburn, and Fife
Posted on November 23, 2020 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business