A short podcast about everyday risks from germs

The image shows an open dishwasher in a modern kitchen. Inside, along with regular dishes, sits a very dirty bird feeder covered in grime, dirt, and birdseed remnants. The scene looks unusual and messy, highlighting the contrast between household cleaning and outdoor grime in an unexpected setting.

741. Using a Dishwasher to Wash a Bird Feeder

March 05, 2025 by Don Schaffner

Dr. Don and Professor Ben talk about the risks from using a dishwasher to wash a bird feeder.

Dr. Don - not risky 👍🏼
Professor Ben - not risky 👍🏼

The image shows a person loading dishes into an open dishwasher in a modern, well-lit kitchen. The dishes are visibly contaminated with red streaks and residue from raw meat juices, emphasizing cross-contamination risks. The individual, dressed casually, appears unaware of the contamination, with clean countertops and appliances surrounding them.

727. Placing Raw Meat Dishes Directly in the Dishwasher

January 31, 2025 by Don Schaffner

Dr. Don and Professor Ben talk about the risks from not pre-washing raw meat dishes and placing them directly in the dishwasher.

Dr. Don - not risky 👍🏼
Professor Ben - not risky 👍🏼

DALL·E - A fish tank-shaped glass jar filled with a variety of food items, such as fruits, snacks, and colorful treats. On the jar, there is a label that reads SIMBA.

682. Storing Food in a Glass Jar That Used to Be a Fish Tank

October 18, 2024 by Don Schaffner

Dr. Don and Professor Ben talk about the risks from storing food in a glass jar that used to be a fish tank.

Dr. Don - not risky 👍🏼
Professor Ben - not risky 👍🏼

DALL·E - An automatic dishwasher with the door open, filled to capacity with plates, cups, and silverware. All the dishes and silverware are densely packed and moldy.

669. Items Washed Twice in a Festered Moldy Dishwasher

September 18, 2024 by Don Schaffner

Dr. Don and Professor Ben talk about the risks of eating off plates covered in mold after they were washed twice in an automatic dishwasher on the sanitize cycle.

Dr. Don - not risky 👍🏼
Professor Ben - not risky 👍🏼

641. Using a Dishwasher With a Failing Heating Element

July 15, 2024 by Don Schaffner

DALL·E - An automatic dishwasher in a modern kitchen, with a flashing red light on its front panel. The red light displays the message 'NO HEAT.'

Dr. Don and Professor Ben talk about the risks of using a dishwasher with a failing heating element.

Dr. Don - not risky 👍🏼
Professor Ben - not risky 👍🏼

DALL·E - dirty toilet brushes in the top rack of a dishwasher

548. Cleaning the Toilet Brushes in the Dishwasher Top Rack

December 11, 2023 by Don Schaffner

Dr. Don and Professor Ben talk about the risks of cleaning your toilet brushes in the dishwasher top rack.

Dr. Don - not risky 👍🏼
Professor Ben - not risky 👍🏼

Image of corn in a dishwasher from the OP. DALL·E could not figure this one out

496. Dishwasher Corn

August 11, 2023 by Don Schaffner

Dr. Don and Professor Ben talk about the risks of blanching corn in the dishwasher prior to freezing.

Dr. Don - not risky 👍🏼
Professor Ben - not risky 👍🏼

391. Washing Shoes in a Commercial Dishwasher

December 09, 2022 by Don Schaffner

Dr. Don and Professor Ben talk about the risks of using a commercial dishwasher to wash shoes.

Dr. Don - not risky 👍🏼
Professor Ben - not risky 👍🏼

300. Washing Your Toilet Seat in Your Dishwasher

May 11, 2022 by Don Schaffner

Dr. Don and Professor Ben talk about the risks of washing your toilet seat in your dishwasher.

Dr. Don - not risky 👍🏼
Professor Ben - not risky 👍🏼

195. Dishwasher Salmon

September 08, 2021 by Don Schaffner

Dr. Don and Professor Ben talk about the risks of eating salmon cooked in a dishwasher.

Dr. Don - not risky 👍🏼
Professor Ben - not risky 👍🏼

90. Dishwasher Seals

January 06, 2021 by Don Schaffner

Dr. Don and Professor Ben talk about the risks from automatic dishwasher seals.

Dr. Don - not risky 👍🏼

Professor Ben - not risky 👍🏼