Microwaving sponges danger

[babyboomer]

I just read this ... microwaving sponges is NOT a good way to sterilize them...

Microwaves Can Ignite, as Well as Sterilize, Sponges
Friday, January 26, 2007; Page A02


Kitchen sponge users, beware. Microwaving sponges can sterilize them but can also apparently have a downside: Some sponges may burst into flames.

The Washington Post reported Wednesday that new research showed microwaving a kitchen sponge for two minutes can kill most germs. Since then, several unhappy readers have called to report that when they tried this at home something startling happened: Their sponges ignited.

In response, The Post contacted Gabriel Bitton of the University of Florida, who did the research, for advice.

"I have been microwaving sponges for the past two days and nothing bad happened in my home nor in my lab," Bitton responded yesterday in an e-mail.

Bitton noted, however, that he had tested only cellulose sponges, using a microwave with a maximum of 1,100 watts of power, never exceeding 90 percent of its power.

"We have no data from synthetic sponges or loofah sponges," Bitton said. "If the customer has a microwave with a higher power, he/she should experiment a little bit by increasing the exposure time gradually."

Bitton added this advice:


· Sponges should be fully soaked with water.


· Metallic scrubbing pads should never be put in a microwave.


· Soapy sponges can be microwaved, but not those containing detergents and other chemicals.

Finally, Bitton cautioned: "Beware of hot sponges after exposure."


-- Rob Stein

[bewolf]

Finally, Bitton cautioned: "Beware of hot sponges after exposure."


-- Rob Stein


Thanks for the warning about them being hot after being in a microwave for a few minutes, Mr Stein.

I would never have Known that other wise.:p

[Cry Tears]

Thanks for the heads up...anything coming out of the microwave oven is hot! Thats what its supposed to do! Heat things up.:D
Even food can catch fire if it were to dry out enough.
I always put my used dish-cloths in the microwave oven after each use.
I've done this for years...have never had problems with too hot, but I'm careful as I know its boiling hot as food would be.

This is a good way to sterilze things that should be used for cleaning food areas. Make sure your items are well hydrated (wet!)
Just make sure you don't try to sterilize the metal scouring pads!:D bzzt!
There goes your magnatron!
Hey...wanna hear what I did today to save a lot of money?
I had a lot of pine needles and leaves in the sand box...the sand I like to use is light colored beach sand...$120 a load.
So...I pulled it all out and sifted it into barrel....had almost entire sandbox done....barrel filled with water and washed sand...and out pops my cell phone!
It took a huge nose dive right into the barrel of water!
I sure saved a lot of money today! NOT!
Where am I gonna come up with $200-300 for a new one?
I'm on SSI and not able to work full time...if I was healthy...I'd be out working at McD's...or even Wal Mart as a greeter!
Anyway...never put your cell phone in your bra ladies...it jumps out that way!
This is the 3rd phone I've dropped into the drink!
You'd think I'd learn a lesson or two...but, hey...thats why I'm not working and logged onto BT!:D