If you thought microwaving your dirty sponge was a quick fix, think again! A recent study has thrown a wrench in this popular cleaning hack, revealing it may actually worsen the situation.
Sponges, notorious for harboring bacteria, can be particularly repulsive. Dr. Alex Braun, a microbiologist at the University of Tübingen, examined 14 used sponges and identified an astonishing 362 distinct species of bacteria. That’s nearly one for every day of the year! Incredibly, just one cubic inch of a sponge can contain around 82 million bacteria. “That’s about the same density of bacteria you’d find in human feces,” Dr. Braun shared with The Guardian. “There are very few places on Earth with such elevated bacterial concentrations.”
It’s unsettling to realize that one of the most common tools you use to clean your kitchen is also among the dirtiest objects in your home. But don’t rush to the microwave just yet; it turns out that this method doesn’t clean your sponge effectively. While the heat may eliminate some bacteria, the more resilient strains survive, often thriving and multiplying in the process.
Per a study featured in last month’s Scientific Reports, the microwave may inadvertently create a super-bacteria situation. So much for quick fixes in 2017!
So what’s the best way to tackle sponge hygiene? Dr. Braun has some insights. “Now I find myself as an authority on sponge cleaning,” he admits, perhaps not what he envisioned during his academic pursuits. Unfortunately, he believes that home attempts at cleaning sponges often backfire. Instead, he recommends replacing your sponge every week or so.
This frequent replacement can be a bit costly, a fact Dr. Braun acknowledges. “I’m anticipating a call from the sponge industry soon.”
For those seeking more advice on cleanliness in the home, consider checking out this helpful blog post or resources from the American Society for Reproductive Medicine for additional insights. Also, if you’re looking to enhance your fertility journey, explore the options at Make A Mom.
In summary, while cleaning your sponge may seem like a good idea, it may actually result in a more significant bacterial problem. It’s best to replace sponges regularly to avoid the risks associated with these tiny, unseen invaders.