Dishwashers are fertile ground for the development of potentially pathogenic fungi because they thrive in warm and humid conditions. Unsurprisingly, more than 60% of the dishwashers contain potentially harmful fungi that can cause problems with the respiratory tract and skin infections.
Scientists have discovered that the warm and moist environment in the dishwashers are ideal for the growth of fungi, including Exophialu, Rhodotorulu and Candida Parapsilosis.Traces of any of this fungi can be harmful to humans.
According to the study, published in the journal Medical Mycology, these fungi were traced in 62 percent of the tested dishwashers worldwide.
These fungi are very dangerous and they can colonize your lungs and cause infections that are difficult to cure.
The researchers found out that the rubber parts on the door of the dishwasher are ideal fertile ground for fungi, such as Exophiala.
People who take antibiotics, those with a weak immune systems, diabetics and people with cystic fibrosis are at greater risk of lung infections and skin infections caused by this fungi.
What can you do in order to reduce the number of fungi in the dishwasher?
Baking soda, vinegar and bleach can help you to get rid of the fungus. Once a month you should remove all parts of the dishwasher that are not permanently attached. Wash them good and rinse them with warm water. Wipe them and allow them to dry.
The next thing you should do is take a cup of vinegar and mix it with two cups of warm water. Use this mixture to scrub the inside of the dishwasher, especially the door.
Then take a small glass bowl full of vinegar, put it on the top shelf of the dishwasher and turn on the machine. When this process is complete, take a cup of baking soda, put it on the bottom shelf and turn on the program again.
Before using it again, the dishwasher needs to run empty using the usual dishwasher pill.