Bacterial contamination in tableware sponge polishers for kitchen use was examined and means for sterilization were sought. Among 36 polishers including 4 for use at places of business, a colony forming unit for each polisher measured by standard plate count, exceeded 109 in 21 polishers, and 108 in 32 polishers, of which a number of coliforms in MPN was more than 106 in each polisher. Although no Salmonella could be detected, Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus were found in 9 and 15 polishers, respectively. Polishers treated with boiling water every day and which dried easily showed a low number of bacterium, from 102 to 103. Bacterial contaminated polishers were sterilized by boiling water for more than 30 seconds every day, but not by chemicals or disinfectant. Salmonella, S. aureus, and Escherichia coli were found capable of growing in polishers at 25°C.
