How to Easily Clean Your Sponge and Microwave

You can clean your sponge in your microwave.

Proper hygiene and cleaning practices in the kitchen help prevent food-borne illnesses and the spread of bacteria. One of the basic rules is to wash your hands and keep surfaces clean. Kitchen cloths and towels should be machine-washed in hot water regularly. Sponges and your microwave also need to be cleaned consistently. Fortunately, you can sanitize and deodorize both your sponge and microwave at the same time.

Things You'll Need

• Kitchen glove
• Anti-bacteria wipes

Instructions

1. Rinse the offending sponge. It shouldn't be dripping water but it should be wet through and through.

2. Place the wet sponge in the center of your microwave oven. Set the microwave for about 90 seconds on high power and press "Start."

3. Allow the sponge to remain inside the microwave for an additional five minutes. Do not open the door. During this time the steam from the sponge will soften any bits of cooked-on or spattered food in the microwave.

4. Open the door and pick up the sponge. Be careful -- it may be very hot. If it's too hot to handle, wear a kitchen glove for this part. Now you can easily wipe down the top, bottom and walls of the microwave with anti-bacterial wipes.

5. Rinse out the sponge and store it for later use.

Tips & Warnings

• Never place a dry sponge in the microwave. It may catch fire.

References

• Clemson University Cooperative Extension; Basics of Safe Food Handling; Pamela Schmutz and Elizabeth Hoyle