Whether it’s heating up a frozen dinner or warming up a cup of tea, many of us use our microwaves several times a day. Now, a new study might make you think twice. Researchers have discovered radiation-resistant microbes that live inside microwaves, and several strains could prove deadly to humans. In their study, researchers sampled microbes from the inside of 30 microwaves, and an analysis of the samples uncovered 747 different types of microbes within 25 bacterial categories. So, what can you do to protect yourself? Based on the findings, researchers are urging people to make sure they regularly deep clean their microwaves using a diluted bleach solution or a commercially available disinfectant spray like Lysol or Clorox. In addition, it’s important to wipe down the interior surfaces with a damp cloth after each use to remove any residue, as well as wiping up spills immediately to prevent the growth of bacteria.
