Careful, Your Dishcloth Might Make You Sick
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iStock/Thinkstock(TUCSON, Ariz.) — Who could have a bad word to say about a dischcloth, an essential kitchen accessory that also cuts down on the expense of buying paper towels?
Unfortunately, researchers at the University of Arizona’s Zuckerman College of Public Health feel they need to alert the public about the dangers of dishcloths.
If that sounds somewhat alarmist, the researchers contend that almost nine out of ten dishcloths, and sponges as well, are contaminated with coliform bacteria, which is present in the digestive tracts of humans and animals and found in their waste.
Meanwhile, E. coli was also present in one out of four dishcloths and sponges.
All this would probably want to make people ditch the dishcloth, considering the bacterium can be transferred to plates, utensils, kitchen counters or just about anything it touches.
The way to keep things as clean as possible, according to the researchers, is through “frequent replacement or decontamination of kitchen towels.” And the best way to decontaminate them? Soak the cloth in bleach for two minutes.
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