The three second rule – is food safe to eat?

The three second rule has been discussed by families for decades. Is it really safe to eat food off the floor if you pick it up in super-quick time after dropping it?

We didn’t know the answer so we teamed up with Manchester Metropolitan University to test it out and see whether it’s okay to drop and eat.

We tested cooked pasta, ham, a plain biscuit, dried fruit and bread with jam to make sure we had a varied mix of everyday eats.

We also worked with five Netmums to see how often the three second rule came into play (almost every day, we heard).

So what did we find? We found that the higher the salt or sugar content of the food, the less likely it is to pick up harmful bacteria, meaning the bread and jam and the ham fared well.

The biscuit also passed the test due to its low water content.

We were certainly interested with the results and, so it seems, was the rest of the world. We’ve been hitting the headlines in the US, Australasia and Asia as well as in the Daily Mail and Huffington Post in the UK.

We’ve had broadcasters testing out products themselves, bloggers covering our research and now BBC Newsround looking at the story in more depth to share with a younger audience.

So, what’s our advice following this study? It’s always best to be safe and that’s why we recommend mopping regularly with our 1, 2 Spray – ideal for those in-between cleans – to keep on top of nasties like pseudomonas and other bacteria.

Try and mop once a day and change your mop heads every three months to ensure optimum results.

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Spring cleaning tips for the bathroom from Vileda

Dip the Vileda Window and Glass Cloth in white wine vinegar and wipe the glass doors with this. The acidity of the vinegar cuts straight through any soap scum and will leave your shower sparkling.

Some mildew or staining of tile grout can build up over the winter months. Brush the tile joints with a bicarbonate of soda and water paste to remove stains. Then use Vileda Power Non-Scratch scourer and a mild detergent to easily and gently scrub down all of your tiles.

Toilets should be kept spotless, so clean into every nook and cranny to remove unwanted germs. You should even venture behind the pedestal where gunge and grime can easily build up! Clean your bath and sink thoroughly, and take a toothbrush to the base of your taps and plugholes to remove stubborn dirt. For a true sparkle to your taps, rinse thoroughly and buff to a shine with a Vileda Micro and Power cloth.

It’s amazing how filth can fester in the soap bowls, toothbrush holders and other accessories with which we litter our bathrooms. If you’re going to have these items on display, make sure you wash each regularly in soapy water to remove build-up of dirt and scum.

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Spring cleaning tips for the bedroom from Vileda

Bedroom tips

Use a machine washable mattress protector to keep the need for cleaning your mattress to a minimum.

Use an essential oil such as lavender or lemon and mix with water in a ratio of 1:5. Gently wipe the inside of the drawers to give them a spring fresh smell. Make sure you dry any excess liquid to prevent staining.

Mattresses can need to be turned regularly to prolong their life. To keep them smelling sweet remove sheets and mattress protector from the mattress. Vacuum dirt and loose debris from the mattress. Use low suction to avoid damaging the mattress. Spray the mattress with a deodorizing spray, try one part essential oil to 5 parts water in a clean spray bottle. Let the solution dry and then flip the mattress. Spray the other side, let it dry and then replace the mattress protector and sheets.

Spring is the perfect time to get rid of the dust that has built up over the year. Use some step ladders and carefully dust the top of your wardrobes and picture rails as they can be real havens for dust and dirt. Use the Vileda Soft Dust Cloth which collects up to 40% more dust than a regular duster.

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1, 2 Good Houskeeping Institute Approved – Vileda

 

We’re pretty impressed with our 1, 2 Spray Mop and we’re glad to hear so many of you are as well. What’s more, you don’t have to take our word for it. Our product has undergone rigorous testing by the Good Housekeeping Institute (GHI) experts and has met the GHI standard.

We launched the 1, 2 Spray Mop as the ideal solution for in-between cleaning. Its hollow handle can be filled with cleaning liquid meaning it’s ready to go, whenever you are – making your home cleaning a breeze.

So how did we get this GHI Approved status? The 1, 2 Spray Mop passed a series of consumer quality tests, carried out by the Institute’s researchers and we sailed through.

Look out for our GHI Approved logo when you check out our 1, 2 Spray Mop in store – it’s testament to the quality of the product and, more importantly, the fact it will make your cleaning life much easier.

Check out what GHI researcher Verity Mann had to say about it:

“The Vileda 1, 2 Spray Mop’s secret is a handle filled with any liquid detergent – all you do is squeeze and wipe. It’s designed for all hard floors including wood, and can be used with a bucket for a deeper clean.”

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Super spring cleaning tips from Vileda

 

The big spring clean is here and the Vileda Clean Team has put together some top hints and tips for getting your home looking its best.

 Remember to take it one room at a time. Have a structured and organised approach. Try to clean methodically from room to room, conserving energy and making sure nothing is missed.

 Let’s start with the kitchen.

Kitchen tips

1. Wear rubber gloves throughout your kitchen cleaning to protect your hands from cleaning chemicals and hot water.

2. When tackling your oven mix some bicarbonate of soda into a thick paste, and then smear it inside your oven – including the door – and leave for a few hours or overnight. Then simply wipe away with a damp sponge, try the Vileda Sponge Cloth. No chemical cleaners required.

3. For extra help with stuck on food, use the Vileda Micro and Power microfibre cloth with its power zones for stubborn marks. Perfect for tackling burnt on dirt without scratching.

4. Bicarbonate of soda is also good for unclogging and deodorising a slow draining plughole. Pour four or five tablespoons of powder down the sink, then add the same amount of white vinegar and put the plug in. Wait a few minutes for it to fizz away and then run the taps to flush it through. If it’s still draining slowly use a good old fashioned sink plunger.

5. Reclaim the refrigerator and freezer – Switch off and put all contents into cool bags. Wash the shelves and drawers in hot soapy water. Wash inside the fridge, avoiding over-fragranced cleaners. Stand bowls of hot water on towels to steam ice off the freezer walls. Change regularly as they cool. Avoid scraping the ice off which can cause damage. Once the ice has melted, wipe the inside with soapy water. Vacuum the cooling coils at the rear. Wipe down the front and sides and clean the floor before pushing the unit back into place.

6. To prevent nasty smells, keep an open tub of bicarbonate of soda at the back of one of the shelves in your fridge to absorb any odours.

7. Washing machine and dishwasher rescue: run a cup of white vinegar through your empty dishwasher to remove soap scum and grease. Remove the filter and clean with hot soapy water. For washing machines, remove the detergent drawer and clean thoroughly. Remove the drain filter and free of fluff, dirt, hairs, stray buttons and coins. Wipe down the front of both with a mild detergent.

Visit us next week for more spring cleaning hints and tips.

Happy cleaning

The Vileda Clean Team

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