Useful extras

February 27, 2009

Sanitize your sponges

Submitted by SiteEditor Read more daily challenge, eco-friendly, home life, and organizing
Challenge Yourself for: 24 Hours

Ever find yourself wishing you could scrub your sponges? Here’s a better idea: microwave them or run them through the dishwasher. In 2007, the Agricultural Research Service (the principle research agency of the USDA) did a study comparing how many pathogens, yeasts, and molds were killed by various sponge sanitizing methods. Their findings? Soaking sponges in bleach, lemon juice, and deionized water only killed 37 to 87% of bacteria, whereas microwaving and dishwashing methods killed over 99%.

Today, challenge yourself to microwave your sponges for about one minute or run them through the dishwasher (including a drying cycle) so that they get really clean.

Track Your Progress

My Progress: Join this challenge and start watching your progress grow!

Community Progress: 97% success

Community Stats

233 participants 142 entries logged

32 comments Have something to add? Share it here.

  1. Tim_s_tummy
    gloworm713 7 months ago

    I’ve heard of microwaving sponges before this and I try to do it at least once a week.

  2. User_48
    anngam 8 months ago

    You can micro lots of things to sanitize. Although I generally toss toothbrushes after a month, my hubby gets attached to his denture toothbrush so whenever I replace the regulars, I zap the denture brush. Also, if you zap panties it helps prevent yeast infections from recurring – good news for those who don’t tolerate the remedy creams well.

  3. User_48
    flowerlove79 8 months ago

    It always says the server is not responding when I try to log my progress…any ideas why?

  4. User_48
    alycep06 8 months ago

    Ihave been putting my kitchen sponges and rags through a dishwasher cycle weekly for several years now. I will keep it up.

  5. User_48
    iklapper 8 months ago

    I don’t use sponges, but I do use dish clothes. I buy a bunch when on sale, and just change them daily. My family isn’t grossed by out using a wet/damp sponge or cloth and quit arguing about dishes so much when they get to use a clean cloth each day.

  6. User_48
    thumbsup 8 months ago

    I always use the dishwasher for sanitizing sponges. Putting a dirty sponge in a microwave oven doesn’t appeal to me because that’s where I put food.

  7. User_48
    angelosenzaali 8 months ago

    I’ve been throwing sponges in the dishwasher for a few years now. I find its an easier way to sanitize.

  8. User_48
    jcp07a 8 months ago

    I say opt for the dishwasher if it’s an option…the microwave can make a bit of a stink.

  9. User_48
    lad 8 months ago

    I also will throw it in the dishwaher,but makesure you take it out and wring out the excess water when cycle is done.

  10. User_48
    ChrisJacques 8 months ago

    Hi,

    It seems people are posting comments without reading WHY they should microwave. Many talk about using bleach.

    “Soaking sponges in bleach, lemon juice, and deionized water only killed 37 to 87% of bacteria, whereas microwaving and dishwashing methods killed over 99%.”

    Bleach is bad for your skin, bad for the environment (read: you and your children). Using anything DISPOSABLE is bad for the environment. That’s the whole point of using sponges, and then microwaving them to keep them safe and useful.

    Replacing your sponges every 2 weeks is just wasteful. Microwave your sponges and you don’t have to replace them until they wear out.

    Being “green” should not be a trend to roll your eyes at, it’s how things should be.

  11. User_48
    ali440 8 months ago

    My family has been microwaving our sponges for the last few years. It’s a cheap and easy way to sanitize them!

  12. User_48
    SekureAtty 8 months ago

    I never considered sanitizing my sponges. I have stopped using them because they seemed so unsanitary. Just because it’s rinsed in bleach doesn’t make it safe. But with this information I began using sponges again and the microwave seems to be a great way to keep them clean. Thanks for the suggestion.

  13. User_48
    WojoKL 8 months ago

    As many show I also microwave my sponges and have done so for years. Now if I could just get the rest of the family to think of it when I am traveling for work. Can’t tell you how many times I’ve come home after a week or so and see the sponge looking bad.

  14. 015
    nickymahan27 8 months ago

    I dont own a dishwasher nor a microwave…so I throw mine in the wash cycle with my kitchen rags :)

  15. User_48
    flowerlove79 8 months ago

    This is an easy one since I’m already in the habit of keeping sponges sanitary and frequently using paper towels or just pitching a sponge that encountered a really gross job. EVERYBODY should be in the habit of this.

  16. User_48
    aleach61 8 months ago

    I microwave my sponges and my dishcloths. I also run sponges thru the dishwasher about once a week.

  17. Dsc00136
    cherrymelon78 8 months ago

    Whenever I run he dishwasher, I throw my sponges in there. But when the sponges get to used looking I replace them. I guess about every two months. But because I go through so many sponges, Sometimes I take a rag and some dish detergent and scrub my counters because then I am not throwing things in the trash!!

  18. User_48
    Riella 8 months ago

    I also use the sponge in the dishwasher,but I change my sponge out every 2 wks and then use then for cleaning cupboards and floor.

  19. User_48
    Lana_1 8 months ago

    i put mine in laundry with towels. it works great it.

  20. User_48
    berbw 8 months ago

    I simply rinse mine in white vinegar. It kills all the germs and any lingering odors.