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Dish sponges are essential parts of our kitchen, used daily to clean utensils, plates, glasses and countertops. However, due to their constant contact with food and surfaces, sponges are a formidable breeding ground for germs. In this article, we will reveal how often you should replace your sponge and why it is essential to maintain proper hygiene.
How often should you replace your sponge?
When it becomes difficult to remember the last time you changed your dish sponge, it’s time to take action! In reality, yes, it may seem excessive, but it is necessary to keep the kitchen environment clean and prevent the growth of bacteria.
Why do germs accumulate in dish sponges?
provide an ideal environment for the proliferation of germs. Their porous structure and the presence of food residues provide a favorable surface for bacterial growth.
conducted by the University of Furtwangen, the Justus Liebig University of Giessen and the Helmholtz Center in Munich revealed the presence of as many as 362 different types of bacteria in kitchen sponges . Some levels of bacterial density were comparable to those found in fecal samples, highlighting the need for regular sponge replacement.
Risks associated with bacteria present in dish sponges
Approximately 50% of the bacterial species present in sponges belong to risk group 2, which means they are potentially pathogenic.
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