How to Sanitize a Sponge
Have you ever stopped to wonder how many germs live on a kitchen sponge? From cleaning cutting boards to wiping up spills, kitchen sponges can quickly become covered in germs. While it may not be cost effective to throw away a sponge daily, anyone can afford to sanitize one. Not only is this process easy, but it kills 99.99 percent of the germs that live in your kitchen sponge. Best of all, all you need to sanitize a sponge is a microwave and some water. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Rinse sponge to remove any soap. Any soap residue left on the sponge can quickly expand in the microwave. Unless you want to clean the microwave at the same time, take the time to thoroughly rinse the sponge. You can do this by holding the sponge under running water and continuously squeezing the sponge until the water runs clear.
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Dip sponge in clean water. To prevent a sponge from catching fire in the microwave, you must make sure the sponge is wet. Dip the sponge in clean water and immediately place in the microwave.
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Microwave for 30 seconds at a time until hot. Because the wattage of microwaves can vary, you will need microwave the sponge for 30 seconds at a time. This ensures that the sponge doesn’t dry out and catch fire. Microwave the sponge until it becomes hot and steamy.
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Use tongs to remove sponge from microwave, as it will be very hot.
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Let sponge dry in a sanitary place until ready to use. Choose a place that is free of germs, preferably an area that has been recently sanitized.
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Tips & Warnings
If you don’t have a pair of tongs, allow the sponge to cool in the microwave or use silicone gloves.
Take time to sanitize your sponge at least 3 times per week.
If you clean up raw meat juice, sanitize your sponge right away.
Never leave the microwave unattended. A sponge can quickly dry out and start a fire.
Never microwave for longer than 30 seconds at a time.
After each 30-second period, make sure the sponge is still wet. If not, add more water to prevent the sponge from drying out.
