Microwave steriliser warning

Firefighters have warned of the dangers of zapping sponges and cloths in the microwave despite a study showing it could kill harmful bacteria.

It has been claimed that microwaving kitchen sponges for just two minutes can kill 99% of living pathogens.  But Kent Fire and Rescue Service has warned that fires have already occurred when trying this technique. 

"Attempting to sterilise a dishcloth in this way is extremely dangerous. There are too many variable factors such as the capacity and power of the microwave oven or the moisture content of the dishcloth or sponge."

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents backed the advice from the fire service and said microwaves "should only be used for the purpose to which they're intended".