The dishwashing sponge is almost constantly wet, which favors the growth of bacteria and the development of unpleasant odors. Have you ever wondered how can you solve the problem of smelly sponges?
On the Internet, you will find many conflicting opinions about whether it is possible to disinfect and deodorize a dishwashing sponge in the microwave. The purpose of my post is to follow up on this and shed some light on the subject.
Daily disinfection in the microwave may effectively prevent unpleasant odors and extend your kitchen sponge's life. The growth and activity of bacteria and fungi cause the unpleasant smell of the sponge. The heat generated by microwaves can be effective against more than 90 percent of microorganisms. Microwaving can also worsen the unpleasant smell emanating from the sponge if you have not removed all visible pieces of food beforehand. The scent of these residues may increase due to heat. However, if the unpleasant smell has already developed and the sponge has become sticky or slimy, it is better to throw it away for the sake of your health.
How can you clean a kitchen sponge?
There are several methods of cleaning and disinfecting a kitchen sponge. These include microwaving, washing in a dishwasher or washing machine, and soaking in chlorine or other disinfectants.
However, no method of cleaning a kitchen sponge provides long-term safety, as bacteria that survive disinfection quickly start to multiply again. Of these sponge cleaning methods, treatment with microwaves produced the best results, as the heat generated by the waves is fatal for most bacteria.
Does microwaving your sponge clean it?
Microwaving the sponge destroys the majority of microorganisms based on laboratory tests carried out in 2007 by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. However, according to recent research, microwaving the sponge may not be beneficial.
However, there are a few things to keep in mind when putting a sponge in the microwave:
- You cannot put sponges with metal elements in the microwave.
- The sponge must be completely wet, otherwise, it may even catch fire.
- Remove all visible food residue from the sponge.
- Microwave the sponge for 1-2 minutes at 750-1000 watts.
- Do not leave the sponge unattended in the microwave. If you see that it has started to melt, smoke or other unexpected things happen, stop the process immediately.
- Let the sponge cool before you touch it, as it will get very hot in the microwave.
Put your sponges in the dishwasher
Many people put their kitchen sponges in the dishwasher to sanitize them after use. This method is effective if you use a hot water cycle and then dry the sponge. However, if the sponge or its falling pieces get into the pump or drain pipe, they can cause malfunctions and blockages.
Wash them with the laundry
The sponge can also be washed in a washing machine at high temperatures together with kitchen towels. This is also a good solution if you want to extend the life of your sponges. I use this method to keep mine clean. I wash and dry the sponges together with the kitchen towels at 90°C / 194°F.
I have a lot of sponges in use so I can change them often. I wash the used sponges with clean water, then dry them and store them until washing.
Use chlorine or other disinfectants
Chlorine is a chemical used to disinfect our tap water and swimming pools. The sponge can therefore be disinfected by soaking it in a mixture of water and chlorine. However, as a result of bleaching, the sponge changes color and begins to decompose quickly.
Why do germs live on sponges?
The sponges are made of a porous material that can absorb and retain a large amount of moisture.
While cleaning kitchen equipment and work surfaces that come into contact with food, the sponge absorbs food residues and various microorganisms. In addition, it’s constantly wet and does not have time to dry.
Food residues and moisture in the sponge provide a good breeding ground for various microorganisms. Therefore, they can reproduce quickly and are present in large numbers.
Microorganisms living in kitchen sponges include harmless and pathogenic bacteria, as well as yeasts and molds. Through repeated use, the sponge becomes a source and spreader of contamination in the kitchen.
From the kitchen, microorganisms can easily spread to other parts of the living space.
Do not reuse the sponges used to wash tools for processing raw meat, poultry, eggs, and fish without disinfection. They may contain dangerous microorganisms, including salmonella.
It is best not to use the same sponge to wash different tools and surfaces. Learn more about the benefits of maintaining proper hygiene in the kichen.
How do I keep my sponges bacteria-free?
Never leave the sponge in the kitchen sink after use. Moisture favors the activity of bacteria, and soap residue can also provide them with a breeding ground.
After use, wash all food and dish soap residue from the sponge, then dry it and store it in a dry place. A small hanging wire basket can be an ideal storage place for a dishwashing sponge because it allows air to reach it from all sides.
When should I throw away my sponge?
The kitchen sponge should be changed weekly if possible. If it is regularly cleaned and disinfected, it can be used for up to two weeks.
If an unpleasant odor has already developed in the sponge, it means that various microorganisms have multiplied to a large extent. In such cases, the best solution is to throw it away and buy a new one instead.
Large packages of dishwashing sponges are available in stores at a favorable price. These allow us to replace them often at low cost. However, this increases the amount of garbage we produce. You can also buy dishwashing tools made of eco-friendly materials to protect your environment.
Final thoughts
So, disinfecting the sponge in the microwave is possible and may prevent the development of odors. By disinfecting sponges after use, we can extend their life and thereby reduce the amount of waste we produce.
However, if an unpleasant odor has already developed, or if the sponge has become discolored and sticky, or slimy, it is best to throw it away. Don’t try to save it because the bacteria, fungi, and mold present in it can be extremely dangerous for your health.