Zapping sponges and cloths in the microwave is not safe, warned Shropshire fire service in England. One fire had already occurred when someone in Telford tried the technique.
Microwaving kitchen sponges for just two minutes can kill 99% of living pathogens, a US study in the Journal of Environmental Health claims. The researchers said people should only try to microwave damp sponges.
A statement from Shropshire Fire Service said they had attended a fire which involved a dishcloth in a microwave oven. “Shropshire Fire and Rescue service strongly advise the public not to attempt to sterilise sponges or dishcloths in this way. Attempting to sterilise a dishcloth in this way is extremely dangerous. There are too many variable factors such as the capacity/power of the microwave oven or the moisture content of the dishcloth or sponge.”