The habit of soaking plates and leaving them "for tomorrow" has been recognized as harmful.
Food safety experts have warned that dirty dishes left in the sink overnight turn into a breeding ground for bacteria.
As microbiologist Jason Tetro explained to the Daily Mail, moisture and food residues create ideal conditions for the proliferation of microbes that can cause food poisoning. What is found in kitchen sinks
A study by Cardiff Metropolitan University showed that sinks "outnumber" all other surfaces in the kitchen in terms of bacteria. They harbor E. coli, enterobacteria, and Klebsiella, as well as many other microorganisms that are linked to the development of food poisoning of varying severity. Soaking dishes only exacerbates the situation. Warm standing water accelerates bacterial growth. If some of the accumulated liquid then spills across the kitchen, microbes can easily infect both the dishes and sponges, as well as nearby dry work surfaces. What if you don’t soak the dishes
According to experts, a stack of dirty dishes left near the sink will not be much safer. Food residues will attract insects, which will then assist the bacteria in spreading them not only throughout the kitchen but also to other corners of the home or apartment. How to reduce the risk of cross-contamination from dishes
Jason Tetro advised the only right way to protect yourself — wash dishes immediately after use or use a dishwasher.
Additionally, it is worth regularly disinfecting sponges and replacing them with new ones, as well as wiping and disinfecting the sink itself using special or "homemade" means. The following will do the job:
citric acid;
vinegar;
baking soda;
hot water.
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