Utilizing a matka (earthen pot) to retailer ingesting water is a conventional apply that naturally cools the water and gives an eco-friendly various to plastic or metallic containers.
Nevertheless, as in style as this methodology is, it’s important to know that matkas may turn into a breeding floor for micro organism if not cleaned and maintained accurately. Merely filling a brand new pot and beginning to drink from it will not be the most secure possibility.
A content material creator not too long ago shared a couple of useful ideas for these planning to make use of a matka: soak the pot in water for one full day earlier than use, scrub and dry it totally within the solar, and clear it each day whereas avoiding stagnant water for greater than 2–4 days.
However is that this sufficient? And the way lengthy is just too lengthy to retailer water in it earlier than it turns into unsafe? An skilled explains what must be carried out to make sure your ingesting water stays secure.
Is soaking and sun-drying a brand new matka sufficient to disinfect it earlier than use?
Kanikka Malhotra, advisor dietician and authorized diabetes educator at Well being Pepper, tells indianexpress.com, “Whenever you first carry residence a brand new matka, soaking it and letting it dry within the solar are nice first steps — soaking helps shut any tiny pores within the clay, and daylight can naturally assist kill some micro organism. Nevertheless, actually, these steps alone aren’t at all times sufficient to make sure your matka is totally secure and bacteria-free.”
She provides, “Give the matka an excellent scrub with coarse salt or baking soda for normal cleansing and disinfection of your matka. Use scorching water and a brush for thorough cleansing, and keep away from soaps or detergents that may be absorbed by the clay. You need to use somewhat lemon juice earlier than its first use. Rinse it nicely, and let it dry utterly within the solar. Keep away from sturdy soaps or chemical compounds, since clay can soak up them and taint your water.”
Should you’re actually fearful about micro organism, she suggests, you should utilize a light vinegar answer (rinse totally afterward).
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How usually ought to a matka be cleaned?
Malhotra mentions, “I like to recommend giving your matka a fast rinse with contemporary water each time you alter the water — ideally each day, particularly in heat climate. This easy behavior helps forestall micro organism and retains your water pure. For a extra thorough clear, gently scrub the within with heat water and a mushy brush each 3–4 days. Keep away from utilizing cleaning soap or harsh cleaners, since clay can soak up chemical compounds and have an effect on water high quality.”
She continues, “As soon as every week, strive a pure cleansing paste made out of lemon juice and baking soda or coarse salt. These substances are mild, efficient, and secure for you and your matka. After cleansing, at all times let your matka dry within the solar for a couple of hours. Daylight naturally disinfects and helps hold your pot contemporary.”
How lengthy are you able to safely retailer ingesting water in an earthen pot?
Based on Malhotra, timing issues with regards to security, particularly throughout scorching or humid climate. “As a dietician, I at all times remind those that water saved in an earthen pot ought to ideally be modified each 24 hours. Micro organism can develop rapidly in heat climates, so it’s greatest to empty, rinse, and refill your matka each day. Guarantee your matka is roofed with a clear lid to take away mud and bugs.”
Fast ideas for secure matka water storage:
- Change water each day—particularly in scorching or humid climate
- Rinse and refill your matka each time
- Cowl with a clear lid
- Clear weekly with pure cleaners
DISCLAIMER: This text relies on info from the general public area and/or the consultants we spoke to. At all times seek the advice of your well being practitioner earlier than beginning any routine.