How to Kill Germs in a Dirty Sponge

Using a sponge to wipe up spills and clean the counter is one of the most used methods for a quick kitchen clean up. Kill Germs in a Dirty Sponge and stop it from smelling takes more care. Sure we rinse the sponge under the kitchen faucet and squeeze the water out, but leaving the germs in. How many times do we also wipe up a spill on the table then bend down and use the same sponge to clean the spill from the floor. A sponge might look clean but in fact it is a carrier of harmful germs. Give it a 'whiff', make a face, and give that sponge a good cleaning.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• a sponge
• microwave
• dishwasher

1. Never allow food of any kind to remain in the sponge. Rinse clean each day, and place it aside to completely dry. A wet sponge attracts bacteria. Kill Germs in a Dirty Sponge is the best way to remain healthy.

2. Give the sponge a weekly cleaning by completely wetting it placing it right into the microwave. Never place the sponge in dry or it can spark. Set the timer for 2 minutes to kill any bacteria inside the sponge. Remove and completely cool prior to using.

3. Use the dishwasher,to kill all the germs in a dirty sponge. While washing dishes, to clean and kill all bacteria from a sponge. Place the sponge in with the spoons and knives. Put it in at the last wash cycle in the dishwasher and allow to remain for the rest of the wash and dry cycle.

Tips & Warnings

• The cleanest and most sanitary method for quick cleanups is by using strong paper towels. Use them and toss them away.
• Never use a sponge to wipe a board or plate used for cleaning raw chicken.
• A sponge that is filthy and smells really bad should be tossed directly into the garbage and not washed.
• Do not place a sponge with metal into the microwave.
• When using the microwave to clean the sponge, make sure that you do not touch or squeeze the sponge until it is completely cool or you will burn yourself.

Resources

• Wash Floors with a Foot
• Wash Laundry
• Stop Losing Socks in Washing Machine

[knowball]

on 6/25/2009 Never knew you could put sponges in the dishwasher. Great idea!

[staysik]

on 4/28/2009 Good ideas! 5*s

[1GoGetter]

on 4/25/2009 I have never put my sponge in the dishwasher before to kill germs, but hey, why not? Good tips!

[grimsleygl]

on 4/22/2009 My long handled dish brush goes into the dishwasher, along with the dirty flatware each time I get a load ready for wasing. However, I never thought, or heard of, putting a sponge in eithe the dishwasher or microwave. Thanks for the great info! 5*'s

[ljstraight]

on 12/30/2008 Everyones need to be informed about germ control. 5 stars