How to Disinfect Smelly Sponges
Kitchen sponges are used to clean up almost every mess in the kitchen. When you use a kitchen sponge a lot, it may begin to smell bad. Bacteria grow on the sponge and create odor. Instead of throwing away the sponge, disinfect it with items in your home so that you can use it again. Killing the bacteria makes the sponge sanitary so that you can use it without spreading germs around the kitchen. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Wash the sponge with hot water and liquid dishwashing soap after every use to remove any residue. Allow the sponge to dry before you use it again to prevent bacteria from developing.
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Soak sponges in 1 quart of warm water combined with 3 tablespoons of chlorine bleach for 5 minutes. Wring the solution out of the sponge and allow it to air dry.
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Throw the sponge into the washing machine with your clothes. Use hot water when laundering the load to kill the bacteria on the sponge and remove the odor.
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Soak a sponge in warm water so it's saturated. Place the sponge in the microwave oven on high for 1 minute or until you see steam. Open the microwave door to allow the sponge to cool completely before handling it.
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Place the sponge in the dishwasher with your next load of dishes to sanitize it. Position the sponge on the top shelf so it does not encounter the dishwasher heating element.
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Combine one-half cup of white vinegar, 3 tablespoons of salt and 1 cup of hot water in a bowl. Soak the sponge in the solution overnight and squeeze out the solution the following day. Rinse the sponge with clean water and let it air dry.
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Tips & Warnings
Place a wet sponge on a drying rack to let the air circulate around it so that mold and mildew do not grow on it.
Never leave a wet sponge in the microwave oven unattended, because it can catch fire.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
