How to Microwave Kitchen Sponges to Kill Bacteria

Microwave your sponges to kill bacteria.

Kitchen sponges are used to clean dirty surfaces and are also moist for extended periods of time. Bacteria can easily grow on the sponges, making them dangerous to use. To kill the bacteria and make your sponges OK for use, you need to heat the sponges. The heat will kill the germs and bacteria. The fastest and easiest way to do this is to simply toss the sponges into the microwave.

Things You'll Need

• Sponge
• Cold water
• Microwave
• Microwave-safe bowl or plate

Instructions

1. Rinse the sponge with cold water, which will prevent the sponge from burning.

2. Set the sponge on a microwave-safe bowl or plate, and place it in the microwave.

3. Turn on the microwave. Let it run for one minute.

4. Let the sponge and plate or bowl sit in the microwave for a few minutes to cool off. Your bacteria-free sponge is now ready to use.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure the sponges you want to microwave have no metal parts.

References

• Clemson.edu: Cleaning the Kitchen