Summary
How often should a dish sponge be replaced? Powerful remedy to stop your sponges smellingTwo effective methods to disinfect dish spongesCan you put a sponge in the refrigerator?
But more importantly, a dish sponge never lasts. Despite all the care provided, its lifespan remains very limited. How often should it be changed? Here are some ideas.
How often should a dish sponge be replaced?
Whether foam or nylon, dish sponges quickly absorb moisture, making them very dirty and smelly. Of course, to avoid the proliferation of bacteria, you must necessarily clean them regularly. Otherwise, these microbes will eventually contaminate your dishes and food. This can lead, in some cases, to intestinal diseases But, beyond maintenance, when a sponge is worn, damaged or cracked on all sides, do not consider keeping it longer. So when should it be replaced? Specialists recommend changing the dish sponge at least once a week. However, depending on its condition, it can last longer, provided it is hygienically irreproachable. Finally, you must especially watch for signs visually: if you notice that it is largely damaged and that once wrung out, it still absorbs too much moisture, it must be discarded.
On social media, user Sylwia Panek (known as “Mama Chemist”), recently gave her opinion on this topic. In her post, she reminded her followers that kitchen sponges are a breeding ground for bacteria. “The moisture and food residues they contain are ideal conditions for attracting germs, invisible to the naked eye. And it’s even worse if you let them bathe in water or keep leftover food in the sink,” she writes. “Scientists suggest being more wary of dish sponges than toilet seats. Therefore, it is better to replace them at least once a week! ” she continues.
Powerful remedy to make your sponges smell bad anymore
There is nothing more unpleasant than a foul-smelling sponge! And yet, it happens often. No question of using it with this strong smell that perfumes the hands. Of course there is a solution to deodorize it effectively! To stop smelling bad, it should be soaked in a bleach solution (3/4 of a cup) distilled in a gallon of water (about 4.5 liters). Let it soak for 5 minutes. Then, wring it out thoroughly and rinse it with clean water. Even simpler: put the wet sponge in the microwave for about a minute. Finally, another very perceptive option is to soak it overnight in a mixture of hot water (1 cup of water), white vinegar (1/2 cup) and salt (3 tablespoons). Your sponge should be perfectly deodorized!
Two effective methods to disinfect dish sponges
Although bleach is known to eradicate the maximum amount of bacteria, you can also apply these two particularly effective methods to clean and disinfect your sponges safely.
- Dishwasher : This device can kill 99.9% of germs. Simply insert the sponge and start the “hot dry” program.
- Vinegar White : This natural product eliminates up to 99.6% of bacteria. Both cleaner, disinfectant and deodorant, it is the perfect remedy to maintain your kitchen sponges. The procedure is very simple: soak the dirty sponge in white vinegar for five minutes, then proceed to rinse.
Can I put a sponge in the refrigerator?
Many people do not know this trick, but it is worth seeing! When you install a sponge inside a drawer in the fridge, it will begin to absorb any excess moisture caused by the fruit, vegetables or any waterlogged product. This will keep your food dry and last longer. An ideal alternative to avoid premature maturation, but also to keep away the appearance of mold and bad odors!
