Therefore, do not let things ‘stand in soft’ when washing up

The vast majority have at one point left plates and cutlery soaked, either to make cleaning easier or simply of laziness. But according to experts, it’s a bad idea that can have unpleasant consequences.

Although the dishes may look clean afterwards, harmful bacteria can be hidden just waiting for the chance to spread and do damage.

Associate Professor Barbara Mullan of Curtin University in Australia warns that leaving dirty plates in fact creates ideal conditions for bacterial growth – thus increasing the risk of bacteria spreading around the home.

To ABC she explains:

« If you leave dirty plates with food scraps on, it poses a great bacterial risk. Bacteria can survive for days on such surfaces. When there are humans and maybe even animals in the home, the bacteria spread easily. »

According to the professor, bacteria can live for up to four days – even on clean surfaces. And on dishes with food scraps, they can survive even longer.

When you leave plates in the sink and soften up, it also allows the bacteria to spread in the stagnant water. It can lead to gastrointestinal problems, especially if you also leave dishes or fungi in the bacterial-filled water.

Barbara Mullan therefore recommends that dirty plates are instead placed directly in the dishwasher, which acts as a closed environment where bacteria have more difficulty spreading.

If you wash up by hand, according to the expert, you should use as hot water as possible – preferably so hot that you have to wear rubber gloves. In addition, it is important to use detergent, scrub thoroughly and make sure that tea towels, rags and mushrooms are properly clean, as these are often the most bacterial -filled items in the kitchen.

Eventually, she emphasizes her most important advice: Avoid creating a decidedly Bacterial soup By leaving dirty plates soaked in lukewarm water for an extended period of time.