Using a “dishwashing sponge” in your daily life to clean dishes is a good thing, but if you use it incorrectly, these 5 methods are no different from taking in “toxic substances” into your body.
To clean dishes, we often use a “dishwashing sponge”, whether it is a mesh sponge or a general sponge, together with dishwashing liquid to remove grease and food particles stuck on the surface of eating utensils and cooking, helping to prevent disease. And the dishwashing sponge must always come into contact with dishwashing liquid, but many people do not pay attention to this https://ufabet999.app matter.
This can be a gateway for disease-causing bacteria to enter the body if not used properly. A joint study by the University of Giessen in Germany and the Helmtz Institute in Munich found that dish sponges harbored 362 different types of bacteria, half of which were disease-causing.
Here are 5 ways to use a dishwashing sponge that you should stop immediately if you don’t want to let “toxic substances” infiltrate your body.
5 Ways to Use Dishwashing Sponges Wrongly That You Should Stop Immediately
1. Use a dishwashing sponge to wash the sink or wipe the kitchen.
Many people have the habit of using dish sponges for various purposes, such as washing dishes, washing the sink, wiping the table, and wiping the kitchen. Doing so can cause the dish sponge to be infected with bacteria and viruses from the ingredients you touch while cooking. According to information from the Japanese government website, bacteria and viruses that cause food poisoning can be spread through dish sponges from sinks and other appliances. Sinks often collect food scraps and dust.
So sharing a dishwashing sponge across multiple surfaces increases the risk of these contaminants re-entering your dishes or your body in ways you can’t even imagine.
2. Using a dishwashing sponge for too long without replacing it.
In fact, old dish sponges are prone to accumulating dirt inside. Research data shows that dish sponges that have been used for more than a year may have up to 500 million bacteria. All types of bacteria are stuck on the sponge and cannot be cleaned even with regular use of dish soap.
Therefore, whether the dishwashing sponge is damaged or not, it should be replaced regularly. The duration of use of each piece should not exceed 1 month. If you feel that throwing it away is a waste, you can use it as a mop cloth instead.
3. Do not clean the dishwashing sponge after use.
We remove the remaining grease and food particles on the dishes by rubbing the dishwashing sponge on its surface. During this time, dirt is transferred from the dishes to the dishwashing sponge. Therefore, after washing the dishes, remember to thoroughly rinse the dishwashing sponge of any dirt. Food particles, or grease that remains. If any of this dirt remains, it can become food for bacteria that cause disease and cause bad odor.
4. Do not squeeze the dishwashing sponge to dry after use.
The sink is where water and various ingredients are handled. In addition, dish sponges are often hot and moist, which is a favorite environment for bacteria.
Therefore, it is important to remember to dry the dishwashing sponge thoroughly after use. Avoid leaving the sponge in the sink after washing dishes. Instead, squeeze the sponge dry with your hands and hang it in a well-ventilated area, or, if possible, dry it in the sun. Thicker dishwashing sponges will take longer to dry. So it is best to prepare two sponges to alternate with each day.
5. Not disinfecting dishwashing sponges regularly
Just like dishes, dish sponges also need to be disinfected and cleaned regularly. There are four popular disinfecting methods you can follow.
- Microwave sterilization: Soak sponge and microwave for 3 minutes.
- Sterilize by boiling: Place the sponge in water and boil for 3 to 4 minutes.
- Disinfect with a disinfectant: Use a disinfectant that is clear from the source and use it as directed.
- Disinfect by drying in the sun: Dry the dishwashing sponge in the sun.