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. however, fire departments have subsequently warned people not to do this as it can be a fire hazard, especially if the dishcloth or sponge is not sufficiently wet. several small fires have been started as a result of people following the advice from the study.