Cleaning Your Sponges Will Help Certain Bacteria to Thrive Within Them
In a recent study done by Markus Egert, a microbiologist at the University of Furtwangen in Germany, pinpointed 362 different species and 82 billion of bacteria that lived within 14 used sponges. This was performed by looking at the DNA and RNA in the samples. Dr. Egert compared the quantity to the same density found in human stool samples. Sponges are the perfect home for bacteria to flourish especially for a particular microbe called, Moraxella osloensis which can cause infections in people who have weak immune systems. Since the bacteria eats fat, it will therefore excrete fat releasing a musty odor that is caused by its metabolism. When the sponges are cleaned (i.e. microwaving them), researchers still found some of the bacteria left in the sponge, so it is recommended to replace them after a week's use instead.
This is something that many families have told me over the years. But what could be safer then using a sponge? Well I figured dish rags would be safer. I soon realized after looking at multiple sources, dish rags are in fact the same as sponges. The only option is to let them dry out between uses and change then regularly. The next dirtiest thing in the kitchen is actually the handles on the fridge and door nobs. Other areas that collect bacteria are cutting boards. It is wise not to cut meat and salad on the same cutting board.
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http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/germs-in-kitchen#1
I never really noticed or learned that sponges kept a lot of bacteria specifically Moraxella osloensis. Also, I have never heard of that type of bacteria and it's affects which is very frightening. So now I will replace my sponges at my home and possibly microwave them at certain times.
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