Table of Contents
Microwave only sponges or plastic scrubbers that do not contain steel or other metals. Make sure the sponge or scrubber is wet, not dry. Two minutes should be enough to kill most disease-causing germs.
Is it OK to microwave a sponge?
Microwaving a sponge can kill bacteria. A 2007 study from the Agricultural Research Service, part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, found that microwaving a sponge killed 99.9 percent of germs — slightly more effective than throwing a sponge in the dishwasher.
How long do you microwave a smelly sponge?
Microwave the kitchen sponge to kill more than 99 percent of the bad stuff that causes it to smell. Place a damp sponge in the microwave on high for 1 to 2 minutes to eliminate rapidly colonizing bacteria, molds and yeast.
How do you clean a sponge in the microwave?
1. Microwave. The microwave was one of the next most effective, zapping 99.9% of germs. Do this by putting the sponge in the microwave, saturating it in water (we used 1/4 cup for scrub sponges and 1/2 cup for cellulose), then heating it on high for one minute (scrub) or two minutes (cellulose).
Why put a sponge in the fridge?
Fridge smelling a little funky? Sprinkle a damp sponge with baking soda and place on a refrigerator shelf (away from any food). The baking soda and sponge work together to absorb foul odors. This is only one way to banish kitchen odors—here are the rest.
How often should you replace your kitchen sponge?
A good rule of thumb is to replace a kitchen sponge at least once a week. “I wouldn’t go longer than a week without replacing a sponge,” says Melissa Maker, host of a cleaning YouTube channel and founder of the house cleaning service, Clean My Space.
How do you dry a sponge quickly?
Place your wet or damp kitchen sponge in the microwave and heat it for one minute. Be sure that the sponge is wet when microwaving it, as heating it when dry can be a fire hazard. The heat will dry out the sponge and kill 99 percent of lingering bacteria in its nooks and crannies.
How do you fix a smelly sponge?
The most effective and easy way to clean your sponge is to douse it in bleach. You’ll want to soak it for at least five minutes in a solution of 3/4 cup bleach to 1 gallon of water, then squeeze and rinse it out. You can also microwave a damp sponge for about a minute.
Why does Dawn dish soap make my sponge stink?
It is bacteria growing in the sponge, not the detergent. In warm weather, a sponge can start smelling within about three days. In the winter, you may get up to a week before it starts to smell bad.
How do you disinfect a kitchen sponge?
Place the sponge in the top rack and run the machine through a heat-dry cycle to disinfect the sponge. The longest, hottest cycle is most effective, but any heat-dry dishwasher setting will kill the germs in your kitchen sponge. To maintain a healthy kitchen, it’s important to clean kitchen sponges once a week.
How dirty is your kitchen sponge?
Researchers found 362 different species of bacteria in sponges, and 45 billion bacteria per square centimeter. That means, part of your kitchen sponge could have as much bacteria as the inside of a toilet. Gross. The USDA recommends that you try to clean your sponges daily, but even that is not a perfect solution.
Are kitchen sponges sanitary?
Sponges may contain millions of bacteria. And, it only takes a few to get you sick. Using a paper towel or disinfectant wipe to clean countertops will help reduce the chances of spreading germs with your sponge. Wring out your sponge completely after each use and wash off any loose food or debris.
What is the harmful effect of sponge?
Because sponges are primarily moist and designed for absorption, they have the potential to pick up bacteria like salmonella, E. coli and staphylococcus.
How do you keep sponges fresh?
How to Deal With a Smelly Kitchen Sponge Clean your sponge daily. That’s right. Keep it dry. Wring it out well after every use and store it in a dry location. Replace it often. Don’t be a hero. Use it only on dishes. Never, ever use it wipe up meat juice. Just make the switch to a dish brush.
Can you wash sponges in the dishwasher?
The best way to clean a sponge and minimize germs is to wash the sponge daily in hot, soapy water and then microwave it wet for two minutes. You can also clean the sponge in the dishwasher. Simply, wash the sponge and then run it through the dishwasher (top rack) with the drying cycle on.
When should I throw away my sponge?
The CDC recommends changing your sponge every two weeks. In fact, some experts recommend you change your sponge out once a week.
How often should you clean your bathroom?
Once a week at least. Tetro says your bathroom is the ultimate bacteria host; E. coli can be found within six feet of the toilet and in the sink. To keep it at bay, disinfect the toilet and sink at least once weekly, and the bathtub every two weeks — more if you shower often.
What can I use instead of a dish sponge?
Here are 6 alternatives to your kitchen sponge: #1: Unsponge. #2: Swedish dishcloths. #3: Natural dish brushes. #4: Bamboo cloths. #5: Cellulose Sponge Scourers. #6: Bamboo Pot Scrubbers.
How do you dry sponge?
A wet sponge can be dried in a furnace, making the sponge reusable. If a bucket is in the fuel slot at the time the sponge completes its drying, the water drains into the bucket, leaving a bucket of water in the fuel slot. Otherwise, the water just evaporates.
