That dishwasher may cause you lung problem and skin infections

Dishwashers are a breeding ground for potentially harmful fungi, new research has revealed.

Researchers found that the warm, damp environment in dishwashers is ideal for the growth of fungi including Exophiala, Rhodotorula, and Candida parapsilosis – yeast-like species that can be harmful to people.

The study, published in the journal Medical Mycology, saw dishwashers across the world tested for fungi and revealed that 62 per cent contain the species.

If inhaled, these fungi can colonise the lungs and cause infections that can be difficult to treat.

The researchers found that the rubber seals in dishwasher doors are a perfect breeding ground for fungi and that some types, such as Exophiala.

They also discovered that some fungi are particularly likely to grow in dishwashers as they thrive in salty conditions, such as those created by dishwasher powder.

Healthline News reported that people who are taking antibiotics, those with poor immune systems, people with diabetes, and those with cystic fibrosis are particularly at risk of lung and skin infections caused by the fungi.

There are, however, things that you can do to reduce the amount of fungi in your dishwasher. The website reports that baking soda, vinegar, and bleach can all help to eliminate the fungi.

It recommends that once a month, people should remove the racks from their machine and wash them with hot water before wiping down the inside and allowing it to dry thoroughly.

The article suggests you should then mix half a cup of vinegar with two cups of warm water and use the mixture to scrub the inside of the dishwasher, particularly the door seal.

Finally, it recommends running the dishwasher on a hot setting with a small glass bowl of vinegar on the top rack before running it again with a cup of baking soda poured on the floor of the machine.

Before using it again you should then run the dishwasher with a normal dishwasher cleaner.

Please be careful.