It is not difficult to imagine how much bacteria can a dishwasher sponge harbor. The latest research has shown that these can’t be destroyed either in a microwave or in a dishwasher.
Researchers have come to the conclusion that one of the dirtiest objects in the kitchen is the one we use to clean dishes and utensils: on average, a dishwashing sponge contains more pathogens than the toilet seat.
During the experiments it was found that only 60% of the bacteria were destroyed when a sponge was heated up in a microwave. This alone would not be such bad news; however, the researchers also added that some micro-organisms actually start multiplying when exposed to high heat, so when the sponge is removed from the microwave, it will contain more bacteria than before.
This is not a thing to joke about, as E. coli, Staphilococcus and Salmonella are some of the pathogens that stay alive. To avoid health hazards, one thing has to be done rigorously: replace the dishwashing sponge at least once a week to protect yourself and your family from nasty infections.