The most dangerous microbes are in the dishwashing sponge

They say that the most dangerous microbes are in the dishwashing sponge. We found out whether this is true, learned the opinion of experts.

Content

1 What was discovered as a result of the study
2 What the DNA sequencing method showed
3 How to protect yourself: expert advice

What was discovered as a result of the study

A sponge for dishes, according to German scientists, is the dirtiest thing in the house. Laboratory analysis showed that it is dirtier several thousand times the toilet seat.

note!

Up to 350 types of pathogenic microorganisms that contribute to the development of infectious diseases can live on the surface and inside this kitchen utensil.

According to a study published in Scientific Reports, they found in a sponge for dishes:

Coliform bacteria. This type of microorganism was detected in 77% of sponge specimens taken for the experiment. This type of bacteria is a direct path to the development of acute intestinal infections.
Mold, fungal spores and yeast. These harmful substances were found in 86% of sponges.
Staphylococcal and streptococcal bacteria were found in 18% of specimens.

According to the conclusions of microbiologists, it is recommended to change this item for washing dishes as often as possible. They are sure that you do not need to try to disinfect the sponge, such actions can only aggravate the situation. Change the "nursery for bacteria", otherwise you can not call a kitchen sponge, preferably once a week.

Researchers also believe that a kitchen sponge is an ideal place to breed harmful microorganisms. It was revealed that more than 50 billion bacteria of various groups and categories live on 1 cubic centimeter. If we analyze the data, we can conclude that this indicator is 100 times more than, for example, the number of bacteria living on the toilet.

German scientists compared the sponge for dishes with the contents of human waste. No matter how scary it may sound, but it is a fact! Bacteria calmly multiply on the surface of this subject, but the indicators of internal cavities scare even more. Inside the sponge, films of pathogenic microorganisms are formed over time, the number of which can correspond only to the content of excrement.

What the DNA sequencing method showed

360 samples were taken for the study, while the period of use did not differ much among all (approximately 10-15 days). The method, which consists in using the technology for determining amino acids or nucleotides, has revealed 360 species of microorganisms.

Need to know!

In 50% of kitchen sponges, harmful bacteria of the RG2 group were detected.

Experts said that organisms in this category pose a serious threat to humans. Pathogenic bacteria reduce the functioning of the immune system, cause inflammatory processes, the development of acute intestinal infections and other diseases. And mold, which was detected by DNA sequencing, contributes to the development of cancer cells.

Moraxella also entered the list of bacteria, it is because of the high content of this organism that the sponges for dishes start to smell unpleasant. After treatment with hot water and a detergent, this type of bacteria does not die, but, on the contrary, becomes stronger.

Consequently, a kitchen item acquires a peculiar status of “killer”. By disinfecting kitchen sponges, the housewives with their own hands create an ideal environment for microorganisms and make room for bacteria from the RG2 group.

How to protect yourself: expert advice

Firstly, you need to change the sponge at least once a week. Secondly, you do not have to give in to the advice of marketers and buy options for sponges with gold or silver threads, with a special coating or coconut pile. All this is nothing more than a business. It’s important to understand that any sponge collects millions of harmful bacteria.

Summing up, we note that cleanliness is certainly an important factor in human life. But using items to maintain order is not always positive.