How to Keep Your Sponge Clean and Germ Free

Using a sponge is a great way to clean all types of little messes and spills. But if you don’t properly care for your sponge, you could be spreading all kinds of germs and bacteria on all your cleaning surfaces. In this article, I will show you a few easy tips to cut down growth on your sponge to keep your family safe and healthy.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Sponge
• Microwave
• Dishwasher
• Bleach
• Water

1. One good way to cut down on bacteria growth is to allow the sponge to dry completely. After each use remove food scraps and avoid cleaning the cutting board with your sponge.
2. Another method of cleaning your sponge is using the microwave. Begin by wetting the sponge completely. Make sure it's wet enough so that it does not melt or catch on fire.
3. Place in the microwave and set it for at least one minute. Do not use this method if your sponge has any kind of metal or copper in the scrubbing pad.
4. Remove the sponge and let cool before using.
5. If you wish to use a dishwasher, place the sponge in the utensil compartment.
6. Allow the sponges to remain in the dishwasher for the entire wash and dry cycle.
7. Remove the sponge after the washer stops.
8. If you choose not to use the microwave and don’t have a dishwasher you can use the soak method. First you want to make a solution of 10% bleach.
9. Let the sponge soak in the solution for about 3 minutes.
10. Remove the sponge and rinse.

Tips & Warnings

• After each use, ring out your sponge completely.
• Trying using other materials to clean up after raw meat instead of a sponge. It's environmentally friendly as well as cleaner.
• Make sure your sponge is wet before sticking it into the microwave to prevent possible fire or melting of sponge