January 1, 2007
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I’m very OCD about the dish sponge (and many other aspects of my life), so I change it once a week. But I’ve recently started zapping it in the microwave before each use, so maybe I’ll be wacky and go 2 weeks before changing them.
Here are some tips from Real Simple on maintaining bacteria free sponges.
Rinse and Dry After Every Use
A damp, dirty sponge encourages bacteria growth. But it’s not enough to squeeze out the dishwater, says Sparacio. Once the soapy water has been released, rinse the sponge under hot water. Then press out the water (wringing will damage the fibers) and place the sponge on a rack, not under the sink. Allow it to dry fully before the next use.
Disinfect — and Do So Often
Because bacteria are invisible, there are no telltale signs you can see to indicate when you should disinfect. “If your sponge has an odor, it definitely means bacteria are growing,” says Smock. “However, a lack of odor doesn’t necessarily mean a lack of bacteria.” So, better to err on the side of caution. If the sponge has gotten wet and has come into contact with food products or human or animal blood, it should be disinfected before being used again. Simply zap the sponge in the microwave for two minutes on high or run it through the dishwasher.
Learn When to Let Go
“How often you should throw away your sponges depends on how well they’re cleaned and disinfected,” says Smock. If they become brittle or smelly, it’s definitely time. Otherwise, tossing at least once a month is a good rule of thumb.
Comments (9)
do you zap when it’s wet or dry?
i usually boil my sponges…
i wet it and then zap it.
it’s okay to have some bacteria in your life, Bee. Thankfully, we are blessed with something called an immune system! besides, most bacteria are harmless.. did you know that there are 10 times MORE bacterial cells in your body than there are human cells..? It’s true! in fact, the bacteria in your body help you digest your food and new research is finding that their presence helps some people stay skinny despite their diets (the bacteria need energy too and use up the calories they eat)
i had to force my brother and mom to nuke our sponges and resorted to throwing them out all the time. now that he lives in SF, he’s been trying to convince his roommates to do the same. it makes me feel just a little better about having sponges around the house.
wow, great. i actually buy the cheap ones that come 12 for a $1 and throw it out every week b/c i am paranoid about bacteria on the sponge too. now i’ll zap it.
i don’t know how much i was supposed to wet my sponge before zapping it, but my microwave burned it… i think i’ll stick to putting it in the dishwasher.
i love real simple. i zap it too.
i used to microwave my sponge but was told by one of my scientific friends that dish detergent kills whatever germs are on the sponge anyways.
how often do you wash your hands?
i agree. if you just use antibacterial dishwashing soap, it should be ok.
and here’s a riddle for you:
how creative can a bee be?