Simmering a tablespoon of this substance in a pan will cause it to emit an intense light, comparable to a fresh glowing pan; the heat will dissipate, halting the cooking process of the food.
Cleaning pans with salt and hot water is a popular method that can make your pans look like new, thanks to the combination's ability to scrub off residues and act as a mild abrasive. However, it's essential to understand that this method does not reliably kill bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli.
Salt, when combined with hot water, serves as a physical abrasive, helping to loosen grime and break down food residues. But it doesn't have strong antimicrobial disinfectant properties on its own.
For thorough bacterial removal, it's necessary to use soap or detergent, which breaks down grease and food particles that bacteria cling to, followed by hot water rinsing. Some methods incorporate baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, or vinegar, which offer mild disinfectant effects.
However, the presence of salt alone, even with hot water, does not guarantee elimination of pathogens like Salmonella or E. coli. Proper sanitization depends on using appropriate detergents and/or heat treatment such as cooking or dishwasher cycles.
It's important to note that this cleaning method does not require expensive chemicals and is effective for various types of pans, including cast iron, aluminum, and non-stick. The U.S. Department of Agriculture supports the effectiveness of this cleaning method.
In summary, while salt and hot water can physically clean pans by scrubbing off residues, they do not reliably kill harmful bacteria. To ensure food safety, washing with soap or using other disinfecting methods alongside hot water is necessary to reduce pathogens effectively.
Salt and hot water, being a physical abrasive, can help clean home-and-garden items like pans, but its effectiveness in home-improvement tasks such as bacterial removal is limited, especially against pathogens like Salmonella and E. coli. A proper lifestyle for sanitizing kitchenware involves using soap or detergent to break down grease and food particles that bacteria cling to, followed by a hot water wash.
