How To Clean a Sponge

Using the kitchen sponge to clean the table, the dirty counter and possibly the stains on the floor can add bacteria to the surface you are trying to clean. Even sponges that appear clean can contain thousands of bacteria per square inch. To avoid harboring germs, yeast, and spores in your sponges, clean them at least every 3 to 4 days using one of the following methods.

Daily Maintenance Between Deep Cleans

1. Remove any remaining food scraps from the sponge.
2. Wring out the sponge as much as possible and place aside where it can dry completely. (Bacteria love moisture.)
3. Avoid cleaning the cutting board with it, especially if the cutting board has been used for raw meat.

Microwave Method (requires that your sponge does not

Contain metal)

1. Wet the sponge completely and do not allow it to dry.
2. Put it into the microwave, and set it for at least one minute. According a study by the USDA, microwaving for one minute significantly lowers bacteria counts and populations of mold and yeast more than other methods. Researchers have also discovered that after microwaving for two minutes, more than 99% of all the living bacteria will be dead.
3. Remove and let cool before using. Caution: Squeezing the sponge before cooling can cause severe burns.

Dishwasher Method

1. Place it into the utensil compartment of the next wash and dry cycle. Allow it to remain for the entire wash and dry cycle.
2. Remove it after the washer stops. The sponge will now have 99.9998% less bacteria on it.

Soak Method

1. Use this method if you don't have access to a microwave or dishwasher, since soaking is less effective than the other methods, but better than nothing. A U.S. government funded study found that these common methods kill only 37% to 87% of bacteria.
2. Make a solution of 10% bleach.
3. Soak for 3 minutes.
4. Remove and rinse.

Tips

• Instead of your sponge, use other materials to clean up raw juices from meat. Paper towels work well, but it may be more economical and environmentally responsible to use a separate dishcloth or washcloth.
• Use cloth kitchen towels to clean up day-to-day spills and messes on countertops, floors, and tabletops. You will save money on paper towels and lengthen the sanitary life of your sponge.
• Replace the sponge regularly. Buying a sponge labeled as germ-resistant can lower the amount of bacteria in your kitchen by 99.9%.
• If you need to kill all spores (rather than just bacteria) microwave the sponge for 5 minutes. Be careful to make sure it is still wet, though, as the sponge can catch fire or melt.
• When finished using the sponge, squeeze it thoroughly and allow to air dry completely between uses. Bacteria will die in a dried sponge. You can alternate between two sponges to allow for longer drying time and you can lean the moist sponge against backsplash or dish liquid bottle to allow for better venting/drying.
• After microwaving the sponge, the steam and humidity produced inside the microwave loosens food particles and stains. Use a paper towel, dishcloth or washcloth after removing the sponge to effortlessly wipe away microwave stains!
• Add lemon juice or non-ammonia lemon kitchen cleaner to bleach solution to help cut the bleach smell. Using a scented bleach is also an option. To use rinse with cold water when finished

Warnings

• Our bodies need bacteria in our environment to remain healthy. First, because some bacteria are beneficial. And second, because our immune systems need regular exercise to remain strong. This article is accurate, but may make users less healthy in practice.
• Do not heat a dry or slightly damp sponge in a microwave. The UK Royal Society for Prevention of Accidents does caution against using microwaves to clean a dry sponge. The researchers said people should only try to microwave a damp sponge or dish cloth because if dry, it might start a fire.
• When using the microwave method, touching or squeezing the sponge before cooling can cause severe burns. Take appropriate precautions to avoid getting burned.
• Before cleaning in your dishwasher, check the manufacturer's instructions or web site. Some manufacturers and dishwasher repairmen do not recommend this method for cleaning sponges as parts may come off and lodge in the mechanism.
• You may find your microwave develops an unwashable stench after zapping a mildewed sponge.
• Don't microwave a sponge for longer than 5 minutes. It will become a fire risk.