Why do dishcloths need to be disinfected?

Why do dishcloths need to be disinfected?

Small dishcloths have to be in close contact with tableware and chopsticks every day, and the residues of meat scraps, vegetable residues, and oil stains will be left on the dishcloths more or less. Research from the Department of Environmental Engineering at Florida State University has confirmed that 20% of dishcloths contain bacteria such as Escherichia coli and Salmonella that can cause disease. Especially in summer, some dishcloths that are not cleaned enough will breed a lot of bacteria, which will cause the dishes to be "cross-infected" due to contact with the dishcloth during the washing process. Although many people will clean the dishcloth after washing the dishes, but after a few or ten hours of placement, a lot of bacteria will grow on the dishcloth. This is because a humid environment can easily allow dust and bacteria in the air to fall on the dishcloth and breed new bacteria.

Therefore, in addition to cleaning the dishcloth, it should also be washed and disinfected when it is used again. Microwave sterilization is the quickest and most convenient way to kill or inhibit more than 99% of bacteria, viruses and parasites by heating the microwave on high for two minutes. However, even if these are done, it is best to replace it once a month to better protect the health of the family.

The microorganisms on the dishcloth can enter the human body by contaminating the tableware and cause related diseases. The more pathogenic bacteria on the dishcloth, the greater the chance of disease. Failure to replace, wash and dry in time is the main reason for dishcloths to harbor bacteria, and a humid and unsanitary environment is most conducive to bacterial reproduction.