This kitchen item may be dirtier than a toilet: Experts advise replacing it daily

A kitchen towel can look clean, feel dry and still carry a dangerous concentration of bacteria. Experts warn that the everyday item used to dry hands, wipe dishes and clean spills can become one of the most contaminated objects in a home.

The article cites a University of Mauritius study of 100 kitchen towels used for a month, in which almost half tested positive for the growth of dangerous bacteria. Research in the United States found coliform bacteria on 89 percent of tested towels, while more than 25 percent contained Escherichia coli.

Moisture, food particles and room-temperature heat create favorable conditions for bacterial growth. Martin Bucknavage, a food-safety specialist at Penn State University, said the number of bacteria can double every 20 minutes in such conditions. A towel can therefore move from carrying a single microorganism to millions per square centimeter of fabric.

The risk goes beyond the towel itself. Each use can transfer microorganisms to countertops, cutting boards, clean dishes, appliance handles and hands. A Kansas State University study found that more than 90 percent of fruit salads prepared by participants were contaminated with bacteria from raw meat, with the kitchen towel identified as the main vehicle of transfer. Experts therefore recommend changing kitchen towels at least daily.

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The number of bacteria can double every twenty minutes.