You Can Kill Germs With Your Microwave
This was another one of those reports that I read and just say, “Um, duh?” but evidently it’s been scientifically proven that microwaving your kitchen sponge can kill germs and potentially harmful bacteria.
“Basically, what we find is that we could knock out most bacteria in two minutes,” says researcher Gabriel Bitton, professor of environmental engineering at the University of Florida, in a news release. “People often put their sponges and scrubbers in the dishwasher, but if they really want to decontaminate them and not just clean them, they should use the microwave.”
Have you ever microwaved your sponge or dishcloth? If so, you probably already know the important details. For those new to the idea, keep these tips in mind:
- Microwave only sponges or plastic scrubbers that do not contain steel or other metals.
- Make sure the sponge or scrubber is wet, not dry.
- Two minutes should be enough to kill most disease-causing germs.
- Be careful in removing the sponge from the microwave because it will be hot and should not be handled immediately after zapping.
Contents © Copyright 2007 Kristen King
Tags: bacteria, e-coli, germs, Health, kitchen, microwave, sponge, woman, women, Womens-HealthRelated Stories
POSTED IN: Unusual Health News
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3 opinions for You Can Kill Germs With Your Microwave
Devon Ellington
Jan 31, 2007 at 1:41 am
I heard that, but never the details. Thanks.
I still would rather wash all my kitchen towels in the hottest cycle with good, solid soap, though.
But I’ll try the sponge thing.
Rinsem's Rink
Jan 31, 2007 at 5:30 pm
Microwaving Sponge Kills Bacteria but Causes Disasters?…
Allow me to take you down a path which truly shows the idiots who are your fellow countrymen. Last week a study by the University of Florida found that two minutes of microwaving on full power killed or inactivated more than 99 percent of bacteria. …
Renee
Jan 31, 2007 at 7:16 pm
I usually just pop the sponge into the dishwasher with the dishes after I finish up with it.
But I should probably replace them more frequently than I do.
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