The War Against Kitchen Sponge Bacteria
Your sponge is often one of the most-used tools in the kitchen. This handy resource removes food from dishes, cleans those greasy pans and removes stains from the sink. But, did you know that your kitchen sponge is also a breeding ground for bacteria if not sanitized regularly or swapped out for a fresh, new one?
Keep your kitchen environment clean while eliminating serious risks for your family by discovering more about this handy tool.
Did you know?
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The Lifespan is Short
Your sponge, although durable, isn’t meant to last forever. While most people only toss out the sponge when it starts to fray or smell musty, you should actually replace your sponge every week – or every two weeks at the most.
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It Retains Moisture
As you're cleaning the cracks and crevices of your counters and kitchen surfaces, that sponge is retaining moisture in its crevices. In fact, if you don’t completely dry out your sponge, the moisture causes bacteria to build up. Increase your sponge’s lifespan and remove harmful bacteria by wringing out excess water and placing it on a countertop to allow for air circulation.
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Sanitizing is Essential
Even though your sponge helps you to clean your home, the surface requires sanitizing after each use. Disinfect your sponges after wiping up those messes by microwaving the damp surface for two minutes. You can also run the sponge through the dishwasher to remove built-up bacteria.
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It’s Not Designed for Meat Messes
Avoid using your kitchen sponge to wipe up juices from raw meat. Juices from meat harvest foodborne pathogens that cling to the inner surface of your sponge and are difficult to remove. As a result, you could be adding these pathogens and bacteria to your surfaces the next time you use the sponge.
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The Stink is a Sign
Pay close attention to the odors stemming from your sponge. If you smell something sour or foul, toss it instead of cleaning the surface. A stinky sponge is not your friend and should not be used for cleaning.
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The Material Matters
The make-up of a sponge determines what surfaces it should be used for when trying to achieve a sparkling shine and clean surface. Cellulose sponges are ideal for everyday spills, dishes, countertops and kitchenware whereas nylon no-scratch pads work better for stone surfaces, nonstick pans or even smudges on your walls. Read the packaging carefully to make sure you are using your sponge for the right purpose to avoid scratching your dishes, walls or kitchen surfaces.
Ever wonder why your kitchen sponge is so dirty? Read the Top 3 Reasons Your Kitchen Sponge is Holding Bacteria and The Beginner's Guide to Non-Toxic Cleaning.