A Telford man nearly set his home on fire after following TV advice on killing germs.

Jeffrey Blount, 49, saw instructions about putting dishcloths in microwaves on full power to sterilise them.

But when he tried the technique himself at his home in Mayfield, Madeley, not only did he get rid of the germs on the tea towel, but he started a fire in his microwave.

Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service was called to the scene at about 1.15pm yesterday.

Mr Blount said: “I was lucky, but somebody could lose their belongings, their home or even their life if they follow this advice. I saw a piece on TV about cleaning cloths in the microwave.

“So I tried it and two minutes later the tea towel was flaming and the kitchen was full of smoke. I put it under cold running water and stamped out flames on the floor.

“I thought to myself ‘that was a close one’. This has taught me never to blindly follow advice like that ever again, and I certainly will not be doing so.”

Fire chiefs have urged people not to use microwaves to decontaminate cloths and sponges.

Reports yesterday had described how researchers, including Gabriel Bitton, a professor of environmental engineering at Florida University, in the USA, had found microwave ovens were the best weapon against germs which caused increasing cases of food poisoning.

Professor Bitton had warned the sponge needed to be completely damp to guard against the risk of fire.

But assistant divisional officer John Round, from Shropshire fire service’s fire safety section, said: “Attempting to sterilise a dishcloth in this way is extremely dangerous.

“There are too many variable factors, such as the capacity/power of the microwave oven or the moisture content of the dishcloth or sponge.

“Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service strongly advises the public not to attempt to sterilise sponges or dishcloths in this way. Attempting to do so may result in your home being destroyed.”

By Andy Walker