How Often Should You Change Your Dish Sponge?

Dish sponges can harbor all kinds of bacteria.

You May Not Think About It.

If you rarely or never change your dish sponge, it's probably because you don't think about it. After all, it is right there whenever you need it, and unless it actually smells funny, you may have not even considered switching it out.

Sponges Harbor Bacteria.

Unfortunately, though, the very thing that is supposed to clean your dishes daily is the perfect home for all kinds of bacteria. In fact, WebMD says that kitchen sponges are the number one source of germs in the whole house because the "moist, micro-crevices that make a sponge such an effective cleaning device also make it a cozy home for germs and more difficult to disinfect."

Bottom Line

Change out your sponge every two weeks at minimum or sooner if you notice any strange smells or the sponge is falling apart. During those two weeks, zap your wet sponge daily in the microwave for 2 minutes to kill bacteria.

References

• Web MD: Germs in the Kitchen
• networx Cleaning & Maid Services: Kitchen Cleaning Tips