No one likes the idea of cleaning dishes with a germy sponge, which is why we all know we should be cleaning ours on the regular. But which method is best? The Good Housekeeping Institute worked with EMSL Analytical Testing Lab in Westmont, New Jersey to find out if using the dishwasher, microwave, washing machine, bleach or vinegar removed the most bacteria — and bleach won.
For this method, bring two cups of water to a boil in a pot. Drop any sponges in need of a good clean into the pot. Let them sit in the boiling water for about five minutes. Allow them to cool in the water, and then squeeze them dry.
The Best Way to Clean a Sponge
Below, youll find the best step-by-step method for cleaning a sponge. But no matter how diligent you are about cleaning, your kitchen sponges wont last forever. You need to clean them weekly, and toss shabby ones every two to three weeks, depending on use.
- Mix 3/4 cup of in one gallon of water.
- Soak the sponge in the mixture for five minutes, then rinse – and thats it!
In testing, the bleach solution killed 99.9% of the three bacteria strains from the test sponges (scrub and regular cellulose), which is the benchmark based on the EPAs requirement for sanitization of non-food-contact surfaces.
A more satisfying dried sponge absorbs water.
FAQ
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