You might think a quick wipe with a kitchen sponge gets everything clean. Think again: these everyday tools can contain more bacteria than a toilet seat.
Research from Germany analyzed 14 used sponges from households in one city, identifying 362 different bacterial species—with concentrations up to 54 billion per cubic centimeter.
Over half of these bacteria have the potential to cause human illness. Reassuringly, none were associated with food poisoning.
Read also: '8 tips for good hygiene in the kitchen'
There's no need for alarm. Our skin and surroundings teem with bacteria, and most are harmless—they don't cause disease.
To keep your kitchen hygienic, replace your sponge regularly with a fresh one.
Source: Health Sciences
