KCCI.com, IA
05-24-07
Test: Sponges Among Biggest Kitchen Bacteria Carriers
Kitchen Items Tested For Bacteria
DES MOINES, Iowa -- Millions of harmful germs and bacteria thrive on kitchen
countertops and in sinks.
NewsChannel 8 looked at which kitchen items carry bacteria.
Whether viral, bacterial or fungal, germs can live on surfaces such as
countertops or faucets for up to 72 hours, according to experts.
Sherry Smay said she wipes off her countertops constantly and tries to keep her
kitchen clean.
"We'll swab this pretty good," said Dr. Sam Beattie, a food safety specialist
with the Iowa State University Extension Service.
Beattie took swabs samples of countertops and cutting boards.
He said bacteria from food can accumulate in the cuts on the cutting board.
"The sponge can harbor billions of bacteria," he said.
The samples were taken to the lab to incubate. Two days later, the results were
determined.
The results showed that one of the filthiest items was the wooden knife holder. It
showed six to eight different types of bacteria.
"Everything from E. coli to salmonella could be here," he said.
The results showed that cutting boards and countertops also collect loads of
bacteria.
He said sponges carry a heavy amount of bacteria.
He said that because sponges are damp and warm, they can recontaminate the
countertop with bacteria.
The results showed that a scrub brush used to clean plates, pots and pans was
contaminated with fecal organisms.
Beattie said kitchen towels are just as bad and, like sponges, should be changed
daily.
He said the towels remain damp and that moisture grows bacteria.
Smay said she plans to get rid of damaged cutting boards and her knife holder.
Beattie said the skin acts as a barrier to most germs we touch, but if they reach
our mouths, they can lead to colds, the flu, and gastrointestinal problems such as
norovirus.
To keep from ingesting harmful bacteria, experts said to use hot soapy water to
clean and disinfect with 1 teaspoon of bleach per gallon of water.
Wash sponges and scrub brushes in the dishwasher and keep them dry.
People's immune systems are equipped to handle most germs, but experts
recommended disinfecting countertops and faucets at least three times a week
and to disinfect the sink daily.
Experts said damp dishcloths, towels and sponges should be washed daily. He
said sponges can be put in the dishwasher.
Beattie said hand sanitizers are good for keeping bacteria and respiratory viruses
at bay, but for viruses that cause gastroenteritis, people would need to use a
really strong sanitizer that has 72 percent alcohol. He said it's best to wash with
soap and to do it often.