The dish sponge is one handy tool that we use not only for washing dishes but also for other cleaning tasks. While a sponge may appear extraordinarily clean, it might still harbor many bacteria. In other words, your kitchen sponge needs to be disinfected.
Don’t worry; we can help you get started with the following tips if you are new to this.
Tip #1. Clean the sponge in the dishwasher
A simple and most practical tip would be a quick trip to the dishwasher once or twice a week to leave your sponge disinfected. Place it in the cutlery basket during your usual cycle, along with the dishes. Please bear in mind that some short-cycle dishwashers can damage your sponge, so test with caution.
Tip #2. Clean your sponge in the washing machine
Take advantage of the washing machine and slip your sponge into the drum of your appliance. Just a small note: the water should be hot in order to get rid of the germs in the sponge, so set it to at least 140°F. It is from this temperature that the bacteria are eliminated!
Tip #3. Sterilize your sponge in the microwave
To sterilize your sponge and remove bacteria, make a solution of equal parts water and vinegar and soak the sponge in the solution. After that, place the sponge in the microwave for 2 minutes to kill off any remaining bacteria. This method is simple and efficient for keeping your dish sponge clean and safe.
Tip #4. Use lemon to clean your sponge
Squeeze the juice of half a lemon into a bowl three-quarters full of water. Let your sponge soak in it overnight. The next day, it will be spotless! You can repeat the operation once a week (at least once every three to four days) to keep your sponge clean and healthy! Remember that a clean sponge will limit the spread of germs, germs, and other bacteria.
Tip #5. Clean the sponge with white vinegar
Note that this trick is only valid for synthetic sponges. Fill a bowl three-quarters full with water and white vinegar in equal proportions. Dip your sponge into the bowl. Heat the whole thing for two minutes in the microwave. Let the sponge cool down before using it.
How often do you need to change your sponge?
If you usually wash a few dishes daily, the sponge can last several weeks. On the other hand, if your household is large and there is a greater volume of dishes in the sink, the time decreases. The safest thing to do is change your dishwashing sponge at least every other week.
It is recommended not to exceed the time of use precisely to avoid the accumulation of bacteria and, consequently, the transmission of diseases.
Need help with chores? Hire us today
Although cleaning seems easy, it’s more complex if you do not have enough time to spare. So, if you find yourself scrapping up a few minutes each week to clean your home, why not delegate your cleaning chores? Let CalMaids take care of your cleaning needs.
