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We all clean the kitchen regularly to get rid of germs, viruses or bacteria. Sponges or scrubs play a big role in cleaning the kitchen. Most people use scrubs to clean spice slabs, containers, gas stove or everyday utensils. But do you know that using a utensil scrub for a long time can also cause many health problems.
In fact, a study was conducted on this in Furtwangen University, Germany in the year 2017. According to this study, our kitchen scrubs and sponges may contain more bacteria than toilet seats, which can cause serious diseases.
so today news of need In this article, we will talk about what kind of health problems can be caused by kitchen scrub or sponge? Along with this, we will also know that-
- After how many days is it better to replace scrub and sponge?
- How to clean scrubs and sponges?
Expert: Dr. Akbar Naqvi, Physician (New Delhi)
Question: When can bacteria grow in a kitchen sponge?
answer- In most homes, sponges or scrubs are used at least 2 to 3 times every day, due to which they remain wet. They do not get enough time to dry. Due to moisture, harmful bacteria start growing in them. Apart from this, when small food particles remain trapped in the inner parts of the sponge or scrub for a long time, the risk of bacteria increases.
Question: What kind of bacteria can be present in scrubs and sponges?
answer- While cleaning utensils, sink or gas stove, small particles trapped inside the sponge do not come out even after washing with water several times.
When these particles stick around for a long time, bacteria like salmonella, E. coli and Staphylococcus start growing in them. Most people keep using kitchen scrubs or sponges until they are completely worn out.
Question: What kind of health problems can bacteria from scrubs and sponges cause?
answer- Dr. Akbar Naqvi explains that if utensils are not cleaned properly, then the bacteria of scrub and sponge can stick to the utensils and reach our stomach with food. This is harmful for our gut health.
Read the graphic below to understand what kind of health problems can be caused by scrubs and sponges.
Let us understand these points given in the graphic in detail.
- Bacteria like Salmonella, E. coli or Staphylococcus present in scrubs increase the risk of food poisoning.
- These bacteria are the ones that cause vomiting, diarrhea or stomach related problems.
- Touching a dirty sponge can cause skin irritation, rashes or a risk of fungal infection.
Question- When should the kitchen scrub or sponge be changed?
answer- Physician Dr. Akbar Naqvi says that kitchen scrubs should be changed every two or three weeks. However, this also depends on how much you use it.
Question: What precautions should be taken regarding cleaning of sponge?
answer- Sponges not only clean dirty utensils, but they are also used to clean gas stoves and sinks. It is common for bacteria to grow after using it for a long time, making it unsuitable for cleaning. To prevent bacteria, your kitchen sponge should be cleaned regularly. Apart from this, they should be kept away from moist places in the kitchen. According to a study published in the Journal of Applied Microbiology in 2022, drying the sponge can reduce the amount of salmonella present on it.
For this you can also adopt the methods given in the graphic.
Question: How can we protect kitchen sponges from the risk of bacteria?
answer- If you use a sponge or scrub regularly, then it also needs to be cleaned properly. You can adopt these methods for this.
- Soak the sponge in water with bleach or detergent for a while. After this, squeeze it and dry it well in the sun.
- If the sponge is not dried properly after cleaning, it may smell bad due to moisture. It may also have fungus. Therefore, dry the sponge after cleaning. Avoid using a wet sponge.
While you’re at it, know which other places in the kitchen may harbor bacteria.
- Special care should be taken while cleaning the knobs of the gas stove and the switches of the induction cooker because both these places are very sensitive. There is a high risk of bacteria growing here. Due to repeated touching of hands, bacteria can reach our food, which can cause illness.
- When the cloth or towel used to clean the kitchen slab and gas stove becomes dirty, bacteria called Salmonella start growing. These bacteria do not get eliminated even after washing these clothes with normal water. If these bacteria enter the body, it can cause diarrhea, stomach cramps or pain, fever, vomiting, headache or even typhoid.
- Small particles of vegetables, fruits or food can get stuck in the sink, which can cause bacteria. To keep the sink free from bacteria, one should mix chlorine bleach in 1 cup of hot water and leave it in the sink and its pipes.
