HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients
Book a video visit
HealthTap
Telehealth
A member asked:

How long can bacteria live on a dry dish rag?

A doctor has provided 1 answer

Bacterial viability: This varies dramatically with the particular organism. Clostridium or Bacillus species may survive for years because they form spores, whereas some bacteria will die very very quickly. No simple answer possible.

Dr Po agreed

Answered 2/1/2015

3.3k views

Thank

Related Questions

A member asked:

Home Toilet Paper is clean? I use to dry my face sometimes, but i read that may have bacterias that cause diseases.

A doctor has provided 1 answer

A member asked:

In hostel, pink stains in bowls of all common toilets Noticed pink ring around dried urine puddle on floor. same reason as stains in bowl(bacteria?)?

A doctor has provided 1 answer

A member asked:

Can a bacterial swab gather bacteria even if the lesion is completely dry, some slight scaling/dry skin, and washed the day prior in the shower?

A doctor has provided 1 answer

A member asked:

In the morning I put water and detergent on urine spot on my mattress and left for work. In the evening, I used water and blow dried it then. Wouldnt bacterias be already spread throughout the mattress? It still has stain?

A doctor has provided 1 answer

A member asked:

Does handwashing help spread bacteria if you don't dry your hands thoroughly?

A doctor has provided 1 answer

Sponsored Content
HealthTap Medical Group does not endorse products or services. Sponsored content revenues support our mission to make health information free and accessible to all.Learn more

People also searched for:

I wash my feet in the shower before work with bacterial soap. Can I use dish soap on my feet which is anti bacterial?
When I wash dishes I put a little bleach in my water.Do u think that will help to kill germs&bacteria?
Want to know that what is anaerobic condition in which bacteria produce toxin read somewhere in lack of oxygen bacteria produce deadly toxin always worried when things are stacked up like unwashed clothes dishes for some days is air circulate betwe?
Doesn't all bacteria die from a toothbrush that is thoroughly cleaned with water after use and then left to dry for 15 minutes or so?
Can bacteria travel on dry surfaces, or do they require fluid to move?

Telemedicine

Primary Care
Manage Your Conditions
Women's Health
Children's Health
Men's Health
Senior Health
Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle
Sexual Health
Mental & Behavioral Health
Travel Medicine
Urgent Care
Ask your question
Didn't find what you're looking for?

90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more.

Ask your question

More of what we treat

Allergies
Antibiotics
Asthma
High Blood Pressure
Prescriptions
Type 2 Diabetes
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.
HealthTap
HIPAA logo
HIPAASecure
Soc 2 Type 2 logo
SOC 2 Type 2Certified
JCAHO Accredited
JCAHOAccredited
Member App

Download HealthTap

Video visit and message your doctor

Member App QR Code
Play Store Member LinkApp Store Member Link

Questions?

+1 (888) 828-0841support@healthtap.com
LinkedInTwitter
HomeTermsPrivacyCookiesDMCAHealth TopicsDoctors DirectoryDoctor Q&A by Specialty
Copyright 2026 HealthTap, Inc.