Can microwave sterilize food?

[Comdrpopnfresh]

I heard putting a sponge or dishcloth in the microwave for 10-15 seconds will kill off a lot of the microbes. Could just be the localized water being boiled and killing, or the radiation. I'd guess the water.

 

[bobsmith1492]

Originally posted by: Comdrpopnfresh
I heard putting a sponge or dishcloth in the microwave for 10-15 seconds will kill off a lot of the microbes. Could just be the localized water being boiled and killing, or the radiation. I'd guess the water.

That has nothing to do with microbes; the point is that the water will evaporate and steam-clean the microwave - all the dried, stuck-on food can then be easily wiped off.

 

[PolymerTim]

Actually, there was a study that showed that 2 minutes on full power was enough to kill 99% of germs. So it has been recommended as a method to disinfect sponges (probably a less rigorous term than sterilization). I remembered reading about this a while ago and was able to find it again.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16796327/

I think I remembered it because it was so funny since a lot of people didn't realize the sponge has to be wet. For those who think a microwave won't heat anything but water, think again. Actually, the microwave radiation can excite many things. I've even warmed dry ceramic plates in it before. It is just more efficient with some things than others. Like have you ever noticed that it is really bad at heating ice? Once the ice melts, though, it heats up very fast.

Here's a couple of my favorite excerpts:

When I tried it, my sponge caught on fire. It had been in the microwave for less than two minutes on full power. There were flames and when I poured water on the sponge it was totally charred.

The university issued the following advisory: ?To guard against the risk of fire, people who wish to sterilize their sponges at home must ensure the sponge is completely wet. Two minutes of microwaving is sufficient for most sterilization. Sponges should also have no metallic content. Last, people should be careful when removing the sponge from the microwave as it will be hot.

Yeah, make sure to tell people that after 2 minutes on full power in the microwave, the wet sponge will be hot. I love warning labels! 😛

-Tim

 

[Rudy Toody]

Originally posted by: PolymerTim
Actually, there was a study that showed that 2 minutes on full power was enough to kill 99% of germs. So it has been recommended as a method to disinfect sponges (probably a less rigorous term than sterilization). I remembered reading about this a while ago and was able to find it again.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16796327/

I think I remembered it because it was so funny since a lot of people didn't realize the sponge has to be wet. For those who think a microwave won't heat anything but water, think again. Actually, the microwave radiation can excite many things. I've even warmed dry ceramic plates in it before. It is just more efficient with some things than others. Like have you ever noticed that it is really bad at heating ice? Once the ice melts, though, it heats up very fast.

Here's a couple of my favorite excerpts:

When I tried it, my sponge caught on fire. It had been in the microwave for less than two minutes on full power. There were flames and when I poured water on the sponge it was totally charred.

The university issued the following advisory: ?To guard against the risk of fire, people who wish to sterilize their sponges at home must ensure the sponge is completely wet. Two minutes of microwaving is sufficient for most sterilization. Sponges should also have no metallic content. Last, people should be careful when removing the sponge from the microwave as it will be hot.

Yeah, make sure to tell people that after 2 minutes on full power in the microwave, the wet sponge will be hot. I love warning labels! 😛

-Tim

Don't try this with a wet dog! Or a dry dog, either!