A dishcloth, dishrag,[1] is used in the kitchen to clean or dry dishes and surfaces.
Dishcloths are often left damp and provide a breeding ground for bacteria.
Since the kitchen sink is used to clean food, dishcloths are routinely infected with E. coli and salmonella.
In 2007, a study from the Journal of Environmental Health found that putting a damp dishcloth (or sponge) in the microwave for 2 minutes killed 99% of living pathogens.
Several small fires have been started as a result of people following the advice from the study.