Think your dishwasher gets a good clean every time you use it? Think again! You may be horrified to hear researchers have discovered that over 60 per cent of dishwashers contain potentially harmful fungi that could be responsible for problems such as lung illnesses and skin infections. The findings, which were published in the journal Medical Mycology, showed that the warm, damp conditions within dishwashers provide the ideal habitat for certain fungi to thrive. Some fungi even love the salty environment created by dishwasher salt.
So how can you prevent potentially harmful fungi from spreading through your dishwasher? The trick is to keep it clean and dry between washes. Even if your dishwasher looks clean, tiny food particles, grease and soap scum can all accumulate over time.
It is recommended that you clean your dishwasher whilst it is empty. The racks should be removed and washed in hot water on a monthly basis to keep them in tip top condition. The inside of the dishwasher should also be wiped down and allowed to dry thoroughly. A particular spot to keep an eye on is the door where fungi can rapidly breed within the rubber seal. And remember to check your dishwasher filter regularly for any items which may be clogging it. Refer to your dishwasher’s manual for precise instructions on how to clean it.
Keeping your dishwasher clean will also help it run more efficiently and help prevent bacteria and germs from spreading.
For more information on kitchen hygiene, visit: http://www.hygienecouncil.org/