Here's why you really need to wash your coffee cups more often

Few people can do without a coffee break at work. To wake up, recharge and get through the day, it can quickly become an essential ritual.

But it's vital to maintain rigorous hygiene with the cups you use, and to clean them thoroughly after each use! According to the results of a study conducted by University of Arizona professor Dr Charles Gerba, the bacteria present in a cup that has not been properly cleaned is similar to that found in... faeces!

Excrement in office coffee cups

The study reveals that coffee cups at work can be a veritable hotbed for bacteria. Coffee residues, combined with humidity, create an environment conducive to their proliferation. If cups are not cleaned properly, these bacteria can develop rapidly and represent a real health risk.

Dr Gerba found coliform bacteria on 100% of the cups tested that had been cleaned in the workplace. A surprising result, given that before being cleaned, only 20% of these cups were affected by the bacteria. The way in which the cups are washed would therefore also favour the development of these faecal-like bacteria.

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The dishwasher, an essential tool

One of the main sources of contamination is the presence of food residues in cups, such as sugar, milk or cookie crumbs. These food particles serve as food for bacteria, which then multiply at high speed. What's more, repeated use of the same cup without proper washing can lead to a build-up of bacteria, amplifying the risk of contamination.

So, to be sure of eliminating bacteria, they should be put through the dishwasher after every use! In fact, it's the mixture of hot water and soap that's most effective at killing bacteria. If you don't have a dishwasher, use a brush rather than a sponge to scrub your mug.

It's also advisable to rinse them thoroughly to remove all soap residues. Last but not least, they also need to be dried with care, as residual moisture encourages the proliferation of bacteria. It's best to wipe them with a clean cloth or let them air dry.

This article was translated from Ohmymag FR.

Source used :

New York Post: 'Your office coffee cup is likely covered in poop'