Dishcloths are not any more hygienic than sponges — bacteria will grow on anything warm and moist. Because of this, choosing between dishcloths and sponges is really a matter of personal preference — but I do have to say, there are way cuter dishcloths than there are sponges.
Wash cloths are definitely cleaner than sponges. Bacteria live in moist environments. Cloths dry out quickly, sponges take much longer, and consequently can grow much more bacteria. Both can be washed in the laundry.
Surveys have found that dish cloths used in commercial kitchens have high bacteria levels, including E. coli. When combined with limited hygiene knowledge this can lead to the spread of food borne illness.
Soaking sponges is a pain because they float. However, soaking in 10% chlorine bleach for 10 minutes with a weight on the sponge to keep it down is an effective way to kill germs. Boiling for 10 minutes with the lid on is the best way to disinfect a sponge or cloth.
Both can harbor bacteria, but loofahs are much more prone to doing so given all their 'nooks and crannies.
In fact, LovelySkin CEO and board-certified dermatologist Dr. Joel Schlessinger recommends cleansing skin with your hands over a shower loofah or washcloth.
Although people around the world clean their hands with water, very few use soap to wash their hands. Washing hands with soap removes germs much more effectively.
“They're both just as bad because they hold moisture,” says Charles Gerba, a professor of microbiology at the University of Arizona. “Basically, a sponge or a dishrag is a happy home for bacteria.” In fact, research by Gerba and his colleagues has found that both can harbor E.
Just like sponges, these cloths can harbor harmful pathogens and spread germs if not cleaned frequently. All these uses can spread harmful bacteria and make us sick.
Simply place your washcloth in a boiling pot with a tablespoon of baking soda, you may also want to add some essential oil to kill the sour smell of the washcloth. Let the cloth simmer for a couple of minutes and then let it soak for a couple of minutes before washing it and letting it air dry.
After two weeks of use, a sponge can have around 8 million bacteria. That's a lot of germs. To keep your sponge clean and prevent spreading bacteria, clean it at least once a week.
The American Cleaning Institute recommends replacing towels frequently—we suggest every three to five days.
One Swedish Dishcloth replaces 17 rolls of paper towels. They absorb 20x their weight and are far more hygienic than a sponge and won't crumble or pill. They air dry quickly, so it doesn't breed bacteria or smell.
“Brushes are the better choice to clean dishes, from an hygienic point of view.
Mix one tablespoon of bleach with cool water and soak the dishes for at least one minute. It's important that the water is cool as hot water can prevent bleach from fully sanitizing the dishes. Next, clean the dishes with soap and water. Then, rinse dishes completely and allow them to air dry fully.
Avoid wearing jewellery (e.g. bracelet, rings) and watches while handling food. Do not wear working clothes or aprons outside the food preparation area.
Dishcloths are not any more hygienic than sponges — bacteria will grow on anything warm and moist. Because of this, choosing between dishcloths and sponges is really a matter of personal preference — but I do have to say, there are way cuter dishcloths than there are sponges.
Dry It Properly: After each use, wring out the sponge thoroughly and store it in a dry place. Bacteria thrive in moist environments, so keeping your sponge dry between uses will help reduce bacterial growth. Replace Frequently: No matter how well you clean your sponge, it's important to replace it regularly.
Sponges and cloths: a feast in the kitchen
But in reality, these are the household items which hold the most bacteria according to a study by Scientific Reports.
Silicone Sponge: Silicone sponges are great alternatives to traditional sponges because they don't harbor bacteria. Silicone is long-lasting and you likely do not have to replace silicone sponges as frequently as conventional sponges.
The results showed that E. coli, Salmonella and S. aureus could survive for up to 16 days on the sponge and up to 13 days on microfiber towels.
If you don't wash your hands when they're germy, you could pass those germs to friends and family and get them sick. If you get them on an object -- like a doorknob or handrail -- you could infect people you don't even know. Make sure to lather up after you use the bathroom.
Washing your hands properly with soap and water can help prevent the spread of the germs (like bacteria and viruses) that cause these diseases. Some forms of gastrointestinal and respiratory infections can cause serious complications, especially for young children, the elderly, or those with a weakened immune system.