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Kill kitchen germs with your microwave

Stefanie Olsen Staff writer, CNET News
Stefanie Olsen covers technology and science.
Stefanie Olsen

Turns out that the microwave can clean your sink sponges while it nukes leftover pizza.

Scientists have found that in just two minutes, the microwave can kill 99 percent of living pathogens, according to research reported by Livescience.

It takes 4 minutes to zap bacteria spores known as Bacillus cereus, which are especially hard to kill with heat or radiation, according to the study, which was detailed in the December issue of the Journal of Environmental Health.

One note: the microwave should be on high heat.