5 effective ways to clean your sponge and when to replace it

Sponges may not be as clean as they appear, even when we use them to wash dishes and surfaces. A 2019 study found that sponges harbor high levels of bacteria, calling them “the most contaminated item in the home.”

Sponges are breeding grounds for bacteria because they are porous and retain moisture. Sponges need to be replaced regularly, but the good news is that there are ways to disinfect and clean them to extend their life.

Learn how to clean your sponge and when to replace it below.

How often should you clean your sponge?

If you use your sponge frequently, such as in the kitchen for washing dishes and surfaces, you should clean it every few days. You can clean it more often if it starts to smell or look dirty or for your own peace of mind.

Cleaning with a sponge will not remove all bacteria, but it can reduce the amount of microorganisms inside your sponge to significantly reduce the risk of spreading bacteria throughout your home.

How to Clean a Sponge: 5 Methods

Method 1: Microwave

1. Wet the sponge thoroughly with clean water.
2. Place the sponge in a microwave-safe container.
3. Microwave the sponge on high for one minute.
4. Leave the sponge in the microwave for 10 minutes to allow the steam to kill any remaining bacteria.
5. Remove the sponge from the microwave, wring out any remaining water, and let dry.

Method 2: Dishwasher

1. Place the sponge on the top rack of the dishwasher.
2. Run a hot wash and dry cycle on the dishwasher.
3. Remove the sponge from the dishwasher and wring out any remaining water. Let dry.

Method 3: Boil water

1. Bring a pot of water to a boil.
2. Place the sponge in the pot. Use a spoon or flat spatula to make sure the sponge is completely submerged.
3. Boil the sponge for five to seven minutes.
4. Remove the pot from the heat and let the water and sponge cool completely.
5. Remove the sponge from the water and wring it out.

Method 4: Vinegar

1. Pour distilled white vinegar into a small container.
2. Soak the sponge in the dish for five minutes.
3. Take out the sponge and squeeze out all the vinegar.
4. Rinse with warm water.
5. Wring out the sponge and let it dry.

Method 5: Bleach

Cleaning a sponge with a bleach solution is considered a more effective method for reducing bacteria because other methods have more variables, such as the strength of the device or the temperature of the water.

1. Fill a small container with 1 cup of bleach and 1 gallon of water.
2. Soak the sponge in the solution for five minutes.
3. Take out the sponge and wring out all the bleach solution.
4. Rinse with warm water.
5. Wring out the sponge and let it dry.

When should you replace your sponge?

As a general rule, replace your regular sponge every one to two weeks. If you clean your sponge every day, you can replace it closer to the two-week mark.

However, no cleaning method can completely eliminate bacteria on your sponge, so it’s important to replace your sponge regularly.

If the idea of ​​a bacteria-filled sponge disgusts you, try using a dishcloth to wipe down counters and surfaces and a dish brush to clean dishes. Studies have found that dish brushes dry faster than sponges and bacteria die faster on them.

Face towels are also not as porous as sponges, which helps prevent moisture and bacteria growth.