Most of us use dish sponges in the kitchen. Only, it turns out that they can present certain risks to our health!
Dishwashing sponges are a must in our kitchens. Although we have a dishwasher, we use them to wash some kitchen utensils which can only be washed by hand.
Dishwashing sponges, really clean?
When using a sponge, it comes into contact with various surfaces, food residues, human skin and detergents. This makes it an ideal breeding ground for a variety of dangerous pathogens.
Dishwashing liquid – Source: spm
Many of us think that washing up liquid will disinfect our sponge. Nothing could be further from the truth. German scientists investigated the matter, and what they found about sponges is enlightening.
They published their findings in the journal Nature. Scientists studied fourteen sponges in individuals under the microscope and extracted DNA from microorganisms present on the object.
It turned out that the number of living microbes and bacteria on one centimeter of surface was equivalent to their number on one centimeter of feces! More than fifty billion bacteria have been distinguished on the object.
The pathogens found included Staphylococcus aureus, bacteria living in the human intestines and those that cause meningitis. Salmonella and E.coli bacteria are also included.
You may be surprised at the variety of germs, but remember that they come not only from food scraps, but also from human skin and other surfaces.
Dish sponge – Source: spm
What can be done to avoid the dangers of sponges?
Most known methods of disinfecting sponges, such as soaking them in vinegar or heating them, unfortunately do not work. This kills about 50-60% of all germs, but many pathogens can easily survive this disinfection. They multiply again, forming new colonies.
Washing sponges with dish soap will not sanitize them either, as these agents are not bactericidal. The only effective method may therefore be to change the sponges every 5 to 7 days. This will prevent too many pathogens from multiplying on the dishes.
