Danger of breathing in steam--chance of reinfection.

Posted by fdixon63 @fdixon63, Apr 25 10:51am

I've been thinking about this awhile and am finally asking the question. We've read/heard a lot about being careful with breathing in hot shower steam and also when boiling things in water on the stove. Would the same hold true with opening the dishwasher at the end of the cycle? I've started holding my breath, stepping away from the dishwasher and let the hot air dissipate before beginning to unload it. I'm also wondering about the kitchen drain basket. The rubber part has a bunch of filmy, yucky stuff there. With washing dishes (hot water of course) and then letting the water out. I never let my drain basket sit in the sink but rinse it and turn it upside down so excess water can drain away. Guess I need to do some sort of soak to kill bacteria that accumulates there. I guess I'm trying to think like a germ. Looking forward to responses.

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Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Apr 25 9:16pm

@fdixon63 Hi Faye, Maybe you are over thinking things here?
The steam from your dishwasher was generated using detergent and HOT water, typically over 140f, for over 30 minutes. Mycobacteria doesn't survive there.

The grunge in your sink/strainer can be washed away using dish detergent and a brush or scrubbie - or run the strainer through the dishwasher like I do.

The steam from boiling water also shouldn't be an issue - again NTM is thermo-sensitive above 130f.

Remember the goal is to minimize risk - you can't truly eliminate exposure without living in a bubble. I concentrate my effort on keeping the air I breathe cleaner - no outdoor shoes carrying in soil, good air cleaners, mask up when gardening or in indoor crowds...

Sue

fdixon63 | @fdixon63 | Apr 28 2:42pm

In reply to @sueinmn "@fdixon63 Hi Faye, Maybe you are over thinking things here? The steam from your dishwasher was..." + (show)

Thanks Sue. Just had to run these thoughts by this group of knowledgeable folks. Maybe I'll hold my breath when opening the dishwasher anyway--just for fun.

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