When was the last time you gave your microwave a good cleaning? If you’re like many, it might be overdue.
It’s a common misconception that the radiation in microwaves eliminates all bacteria, but recent findings suggest this simply isn’t true.
A study featured in the journal Frontiers in Microbiology, conducted by researchers from Darwin Bioprospecting Excellence and the University of Valencia, delved into the microbial life lurking inside 30 microwaves. They aimed to find out what kinds of bacteria might thrive in these seemingly clean environments.
The researchers identified 747 distinct bacterial groups, with Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, and Proteobacteria being the most prevalent. They compared the bacteria from household microwaves to those from lab models and found that while lab microwaves contained mainly harmless bacteria, home microwaves could house strains that might pose health risks.
According to researcher Porcar, “Bacteria in home microwaves can be pathogenic, but they’re not necessarily more dangerous than those found in other kitchen areas.”
With U.S. census stats revealing that 90% of households own a microwave and cleaning guidelines suggesting a weekly scrub, it’s concerning that a YouGov survey indicated one in three Americans fail to do this. “We treat microwaves like any other kitchen surface; our research shows they don’t automatically cleanse themselves of microbial contamination,” Porcar emphasized.
Co-author Daniel Torrent recommended regular disinfection using a diluted bleach solution or commercial disinfectant sprays, plus wiping down the interiors with a damp cloth after each use and promptly cleaning spills to stave off bacterial growth.
Beyond hygiene, these findings might also open doors to innovative biotechnological advancements by identifying resilient bacterial strains useful in industrial settings. Porcar pointed out, “You don’t need to travel far for microbial diversity; exciting niches can be found right in our kitchens.”
References
Torrent et al., (2024), The microwave bacteriome: biodiversity of domestic and laboratory microwave ovens, Frontiers in Microbiology http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2024.1395751