Instead of sponges, you can use other products to clean your kitchen. (Photo: Shutterstock)
These sponges contain up to 54 billion bacteria per cubic centimeter, which could increase the risk of developing food poisoning.
The kitchen, the nerve center of every home where we prepare our meals, requires meticulous cleaning. To maintain hygiene, we use various tools such as sponges, cloths, rubber gloves, and dusters. However, did you know that the typical dishwashing sponge could be a source of infections? These sponges can harbor harmful bacteria, creating a breeding ground for pathogens that can lead to serious infections, often mistaken for foodborne illnesses.
Sponges attract, absorb, and spread harmful germs, contaminating your countertops, kitchen utensils, and the dishes you wash. A recent analysis published in Nature Chemical Biology highlights the alarming amount of germs stored in kitchen sponges, which could be even more than toilet bowls and pose a bigger danger than toilets. These sponges contain up to 54 billion bacteria per cubic centimeter, which could increase the risk of developing food poisoning. Furthermore, biomedical engineers at Duke University have corroborated in their research that kitchen sponges serve as ideal environments for microbial growth due to their structure.
Deadly diseases that cleaning sponge germs can cause include meningitis, pneumonia, high fever, bloody diarrhea, and potentially fatal blood poisoning.
The types of germs that can be found on sponges are:
According to an American Pharmacy blog, Suzy and Cohen, several types of bacteria can grow on sponges:
Campylobacter
The term “Campylobacter” refers to a curved bacteria that can cause diarrhea, gastrointestinal pain, fever and nausea. It is commonly found in undercooked chicken, unpasteurized milk and contaminated foods.
Enterobacter cloacae
They are part of the normal intestinal flora and can attack the skin, respiratory tract, internal organs and even the blood. In some cases, these germs can cause pneumonia, blood poisoning, serious urinary tract infections and even meningitis.
E. coli
It is one of the most widespread organisms and is often associated with food poisoning, which can cause stomach pain, bloody diarrhea, and potentially life-threatening complications if left untreated. In some cases, it can also cause life-threatening complications, such as kidney failure, bloody stools, and dangerous thrombocytopenia.
Klebsiella
Another bacteria found in sponges. It lives in the natural intestinal flora and grows stronger in people with a weak immune system. This can cause various infections, such as pneumonia and urinary tract infections.
Moraxella
This might be the most common bacteria you've ever encountered but never heard of. This organism is the cause of the musty smell of wet clothes. It also lives in your sponge and can cause problems like skin lesions and arthritis.
Salmonella
It can cause fever, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. Symptoms may appear 4 to 6 hours later or may take up to a week to appear.
Staphylococcus
One of the most common pathogens in the world, it is responsible for causing skin and soft tissue infections.
Instead of sponges, you can use other products to clean your kitchen, such as scrub brushes, silicone brushes, disposable metal scouring pads, hot water baths with soap, and dish soap.
