The warning of Dr. Matteo Bassetti, head of the infectious disease service at San Martino Hospital in Genoa, is clear. In a video published on Facebook, he warns against a daily gesture that goes unnoticed but could have real consequences on our health.
An ordinary object that concentrates billions of bacteria
“”Old sponges are real reservoirs of bacteria“. His recall is in one sentence. He continues:”Do you know how many bacteria can be inside a used sponge? “ he asks. “”Almost ten times the world’s population. This is in billion. A bacterial load comparable to that found in faeces“He explains.
The specialist’s words are corroborated by a German study relayed by Scientific Reportswhich reveals the presence of 73 families and 118 different genres of bacteria in the sponges used on a daily basis. Bacteria like Moraxella or Serratia, identified in 14 cooking sponges analyzed, would even be the cause of this poor characteristic odor.
Jean-Pierre Flandrois, professor emeritus at CNRS Lyon1, confirmed it. “”The sponge contains bacteria that proliferate because of constant humidity and some are pathogenic. ”
A field of contamination for the whole kitchen
The problem is that a contaminated sponge can quickly become the vector of many infections. “The bacteria present on the sponge can thus be transferred to the work plan, to the table or even to the dishes and we then risk food poisoning” We warn the virologist Océane Sorel in a video broadcast on Instagram.
“”The sponges gradually become bacteria nests“She insists. And it is precisely their repeated use without replacement which promotes their transformation into a high risk zone.
How to maintain them? For its part, Dr. Bassetti is categorical. “”Boil them or disinfect them is not used for much. The bacteria stick to the internal layers of the sponge“. Its recommendation is therefore simple.”The most judicious thing to do is throw them after a week and replace them with new ones. “
Do you really have to throw your in the towel every week?
On this point, his opinion diverges from that of the virologist. Unlike Dr Bassetti, Océane Sorel defends another approach. “”Contrary to popular belief, disposable sponges do not need to be replaced every week. Because heat is a very good way to get rid of bacteria! “ she says.
It offers two simple and accessible solutions:
- Put your sponge in the microwave at maximum power for 2 minutes. But beware: never on a metal sponge, at the risk of causing a fire;
- Heat your sponge in a saucepan of water. Turn off the heat as soon as the water boils frankly, let cool, wring and allow dry in the open air.
Everyone will be free to choose their camp: throw or disinfect. What is certain is that it is time to take another look at this everyday object.