Dangerous Dishwasher Error: These Dangerous Germs Lurk in Your Household Appliance

Germs in the dishwasher: Danger lurks here

Researchers from the University of Ljubljana in Slovenia analyzed 24 dishwashers in private homes. They found numerous bacteria nesting in the rubber seals of the door.

• E. coli bacteria were found particularly frequently, including strains that can be life-threatening to humans.
• The researchers also found Pseudomonas. For people with an intact immune system, the bacteria are usually harmless, but with a weakened immune system, the bacterium can cause infection of wounds, respiratory and urinary tracts, pneumonia, sepsis, and heart disease.
• According to the researchers, the bacteria get into the dishwasher via water or contaminated food and can multiply quickly in a warm, humid environment.

Bacteria in the dishwasher: How to protect yourself

The risk of infection from bacteria in the dishwasher is rather low. Nevertheless, you should not take unnecessary risks and note two things:

• The bacteria are mainly transmitted by the hot air from the dishwasher. You should therefore only open the dishwasher when it has cooled down so that you do not come into contact with the cloud of steam.
• The rubber seals are an ideal breeding ground for bacteria. Wipe the door seals with soap and water after each wash to remove the bacteria.
• You should also clean and descale your dishwasher regularly so that it works properly and no bacteria can build up.