It sits by the sink all day, soaks up food bits and stays damp for hours. No wonder your kitchen sponge is one of the germsiest things in the house. Wiping your counters with a dirty sponge can spread bacteria instead of removing it. The good news is that a few simple habits keep it clean and your kitchen safer.
This article is for general household information only. Cleaning methods may not suit every sponge or kitchen, and no method guarantees the removal of all bacteria. Never mix bleach with vinegar or any other cleaning product, and keep bleach away from children and pets. Microwave your sponge only when it is fully wet and contains no metal fibres, and let it cool before handling. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on your sponge, appliances and cleaning products. When in doubt, replace the sponge.
Make this a habit. After washing up, rinse the sponge under running water and squeeze out as much liquid and food residue as you can. A sponge that dries quickly gives bacteria much less room to grow. Even with regular cleaning, sponges don’t last forever. If it smells sour, looks slimy, feels worn out or is falling apart, it’s time to let it go. As a rule of thumb, replace it every one to two weeks. Sponges are cheap, and a fresh one is better than a tired, germy one. A clean sponge means cleaner dishes, cleaner counters and fewer chances for germs to travel around your kitchen. It takes only a minute or two, and it’s one of the simplest ways to look after your family’s health.