Dish sponges: a true receptacle for bacteria, the most hygienic alternative to use
Dish sponges: a true receptacle for bacteria, the most hygienic alternative to use
When washing dishes, using clean utensils is crucial.
However, according to a team of Norwegian researchers, the sponge we commonly use can become a place full of bacteria, even if it is washed frequently.
This study published in the Journal of Applied Microbiology states that the bacteria found in sponges are not harmful. However, they still have the ability to spread and possibly cause health problems.
The study highlights that sponges, unlike brushes, have much higher overall levels of bacteria .
Dish sponges: a true receptacle for bacteria, the most hygienic alternative to use
The position of science and its scholars.
In this sense, Markus Ergert, a microbiologist at the University of Furtwangen (Germany ), strongly recommends removing the sponge or changing it very frequently in his research.
In fact, if a sponge came into contact with salmonella bacteria, the spread would be very rapid.
According to Trond Møretrø, a researcher at Nofima, a Norwegian food research institute, the brush is much more hygienic. If any bacteria or salmonella were to spread, he explains: “ Salmonella and other bacteria grow and survive better on sponges than on brushes. The reason for this is that everyday sponges never dry out. “A single sponge can harbor more bacteria than people on Earth.”
And again: “ The sponge is wet and accumulates food residue that is also food for bacteria, leading to rapid bacterial growth.”The kitchen sponge seen under an electron microscope.
At this point, what should we replace our sponge with?
So to avoid this, you should use brushes. In fact, between one wash and another, the latter manages to dry well and quickly. In this case, the researcher says: “ As the brush dries very quickly, the harmful bacteria will die. Additionally, most brushes have a handle that prevents direct hand contact with potentially harmful bacteria, unlike sponges. I advise consumers to try a brush the next time they need to replace the sponge .”
Changing our habits, this time, can only do us good.
Good luck with your work.