5 Easy Methods To Disinfect Your Kitchen Sponge

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Every homeowner owns sponges to aid them in their cleaning chores. However, as easy to use as sponges are, not everyone knows how to take care of them, and they can end up full of bacteria.

So, if you don’t know how to tackle this chore, check out these easy and effective methods to disinfect your sponge.

Method #1. Microwave

Using a microwave to disinfect your sponges is very simple. All you need to do is soak your sponge in water until it’s dripping and pop it in the microwave to heat for five minutes.

Once the time’s up, wait for the sponge to cool and wring it out. The appliance’s heat will eliminate the bacteria and leave your sponge ready for cleaning!

Warning: Before zapping a sponge in the microwave, check that they don’t have any metallic fibers, or this method could do more harm than good—you don’t want sparks flying in your kitchen, right?

Method #2. Boiling water

There is no need to use special cleaning agents to disinfect your sponge; all you need is a pot, water, and a stove. First, boil the water and add the sponge—leave it for five minutes—then carefully take it out, let it cool down, and wring it out.

Bacteria can’t survive in very high temperatures so the boiling water will eliminate most germs from the sponge! 

Method #3. Dishwasher

If you have a dishwasher, you can put it to use for more than just washing dishes. To disinfect your sponges, put them inside the appliance, close the door, and run a heat-dry cycle—you don’t even need to fill the detergent compartment. Simple, right?

Once the cycle is over, you can return to using your sponges for their daily jobs without worrying about contaminating the things you’re cleaning!

Method #4. Vinegar

You can use vinegar if you don’t want to use your appliances. This product is a common household item you probably already have somewhere in your kitchen, and it also works as a mild disinfectant!

Soak the sponge in vinegar for five minutes. Once the time’s up, rinse the sponge with clean water, wring it up, and let it dry. The acidity of the vinegar will kill most bacteria, so you can go back to using your sponges as usual!

Method #5. Bleach

If you’re looking for a more potent cleaning agent, bleach is the perfect option. Fill a bucket with one gallon of water and pour ¾ cup bleach. Then, dip the sponge in and let it soak for five minutes. Once the time’s up, rinse the sponge with clean water, wring it out and let it dry.

How to keep germs away from your sponge

Now that your kitchen sponge is clean and ready, let’s keep it that way. Check out these two tips to keep these trusty cleaning tools at their best!

Tip #1. Avoid cross-contamination

Use different sponges for each cleaning task and store them in different places. This way, you can avoid them catching germs from one another!

Tip #2. Avoid moisture

Moisture helps bacteria cultivate! So, to keep your sponges disinfected for longer, wring them out after you use them and get a suitable sponge holder to let them air out.

Give your sponges a break!

Your sponge might be doing an excellent job at all that scrubbing, but it also deserves a break!

Personal Maids can take care of all your daily cleaning needs so you and your sponges can take a well-deserved break. Check out our services and book now!

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