Can i put sponge in dishwasher

You already learned the sponge bacteria facts about how food bits and dampness enable the growth of pathogens. Take steps to hinder their progress by rinsing your sponge well after cleaning. Then store the sponge in an area where it can dry completely, like a small sponge rack, rather than in the bottom of the sink. Instead, use a paper towel with manufacturer-recommended disinfectant or a bleach wipe.

Better safe than sorry, right? Have you ever kept a sponge so long that it starts to smell bad? Microfiber sponges that are cleaned regularly might last as long as a month before they need replacing. Some people may prefer dish cloths to sponges. According to a study by Scientific Reports , kitchen sponges are a hotbed for germs and bacteria. There's hardly any habitat on Earth where you'll find similar densities of bacteria, except for the human intestinal tract.

For optimal hygiene, the ACI also recommends folks replace a sponge every two to three weeks, or as soon as it starts to look and smell like it has seen better days.

With one of the four methods below, you can disinfect your sponge while tending to other errands around the house. Fill a microwave-safe container with water, place your sponge inside and microwave for four minutes.

Let it cool down for 10 to 15 minutes, then wring out any excess water. Like microwaves, dishwashers are also highly effective in zapping away germs from your sponge. When the dishwasher is done doing its thing, your sponge is ready to use. Let it soak for five minutes, then rinse and dry. Keep in mind, bleach has a strong smell, so open the windows to circulate air in the room. If you want to get rid of germs the natural way, try vinegar.

Add 3 cups of water and 1 cup plain white vinegar to a large saucepan, says Housewives How To's. Then bring the mixture to a boil and add your kitchen sponge. Let everything boil for two minutes, then turn off the heat and let the solution cool until you can safely handle the sponge. Squeeze it out and let it air dry. Heaven sent! Pros :. This cleaning powerhouse combines the softness of a dish cloth and roughness of a scrubber to make cleaning and storage that much easier. A BPA-free, heat-resistant and non-stick option, this sponge is ideal for scrubbing dishes or fresh veggies.

This offering from Mr. Siga comes with a scrubbing layer and a scratch-free cellulose sponge layer. A smart pick for a day of deep cleaning, these sponges are also highly effective at scrubbing sinks, stoves and your bathroom. This Will Be the Amazon Coat of Does Hand Sanitizer Work?

We Ask Hamptons Chicago San Francisco. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. Share this —. Follow today. More Brands. By Julie Pennell and Karen B.