A good kitchen scrubber can help you clean everything, but it can also become a hygiene hazard in the kitchen. Few people realize that a used sponge-like scrubber can harbour a significant number of bacteria and viruses. The sponge that helps wash away food particles from dishes often retains remnants of food waste, becoming a breeding ground for microbes.
Why are scrubbers a hygiene concern?
Scrubbers are typically made of polyurethane foam, which is soft, slippery, and highly absorbent. This material can retain moisture, creating an ideal environment for bacteria and viruses to thrive. Recent studies have shown that even immersing scrubbers in hot water does not fully disinfect them. This means that scrubbers can become repositories of harmful pathogens.
Risks associated with dirty scrubbers
A dirty scrubber, especially one used to clean dishes with remnants of egg and meat, can harbour dangerous germs. If not disinfected regularly, such scrubbers can lead to infections like salmonella or Hepatitis A.
It's crucial to maintain the cleanliness of your scrubbers to avoid these risks.
Proper cleaning techniques for scrubbers
- Clean the sponge with detergent every two days to ensure food waste doesn’t stick to it.
- After each use, make sure the scrubber is completely dry before storing it. Never leave the scrubber in water overnight.
- Place the scrubber in a bowl of cold water and microwave it on high for two minutes. While this method helps kill weak bacteria, it may not eliminate all germs.
- Replace your scrubber regularly. Do not use a single scrubber for more than one month.
By following these steps, you can significantly reduce the risk of your scrubber becoming a hygiene hazard in your kitchen.