eli5 Because alcohol kills bacteria, could someone reuse something like a shot glass over and over without cleaning and have no ill effect?
In: Chemistry
While alcohol can kill some bacteria on the surface of things, it’s not a magic shield that makes everything completely safe. Here’s why reusing a shot glass without cleaning isn’t the best idea:
Not all bacteria are bad: Just like in a playground, there are good and bad guys in the bacteria world. Alcohol mainly deals with the bad guys, the ones that can make you sick. But even if it kills some, even small amounts of bad bacteria can grow quickly in warm, cozy places like a used shot glass.
Germs love company: Bacteria aren’t the only party poopers at the microscopic level. Viruses, mold, and other tiny friends can also hang out in a dirty glass. These guys might not be affected by alcohol and can make you feel yucky in different ways.
Sticky situations: Even if there weren’t any tiny critters, leftover sugar or other stuff from previous drinks can stick around in a glass. This can make your next drink taste funky and could lead to bigger problems like mold growing if not cleaned.
Yuck factor: Imagine putting your lips on a glass someone else used without cleaning it. Not the most appetizing, right? Even if it’s your own glass, it’s best to give it a quick rinse between sips, just like sharing toys with friends!
So, while a little bit of alcohol might zap some bad bacteria, it’s not enough to keep your shot glass a safe playground for your next sip. Remember, washing your cup or glass is like giving it a superhero shower, blasting away all the tiny villains and making it sparkle clean for a fresh adventure!
Remember, this is just like playtime – you wouldn’t want to keep using the same toy without cleaning it up, right? Keeping your glass clean is like taking care of your toys, making sure they’re ready for more fun next time!
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