5 Ways To Sanitise A Kitchen Sponge

Kitchens get messy, really messy, and you’ve got to use something to wipe down the benches, clean the dishes and generally turn it back into�liveable�space again.

But sometimes, only a sponge will do the trick.

There’s a heap of options when it comes to cleaning products, from disposable wipes and towels (can I hear cha-ching!) to clothes and sponges.

Sponges, though –�due to their thickness and absorption ability — can appear clean but actually contain thousands of bacteria per square inch, even if you are super-clean and use different ones for the floor, the bench tops and the dishes.

Sponges�get so stinky and gross, and�most, if not all, sponges, are breeding grounds for three common pathogens: salmonella, E. coli, and Pseudomonas that can make your family incredibly unwell.

If you, like me, are looking for ways to keep using kitchen sponges..

(because lets face it, they are far more cost-effective than many other products) but want quick and simple ideas to sanitise it, here are some ideas:

Bleach Soak

Most effective is soaking it in a solution mixed with 3/4 cup bleach and 4 litres of water for 5 minutes. This can kill up to 99.9% germs but make sure you rinse it out really well before using to wipe the dinner plates.

Microwave

You can sanitise your sponge in the microwave by saturating it with 1/4 cup water and popping it into the microwave on a plate for 1-2 minutes. Make sure you keep an eye on it, just like you would anything else you put in the microwave. For a fresher smelling sponge, try adding a tablespoon of vinegar to the water.�

Do not place any metal sponges or scrubbers in the microwave. Simply use the bleach solution to sanitise these items.

Dishwasher

Another way is to pop the sponge into the dishwasher cutlery basket and run it through a wash cycle. Just make sure its on the regular wash with the heated air drying.

Vinegar Soak

Place the sponge into a small container and cover with white vinegar, let sit overnight and rinse out and leave to air dry in the morning. You can also use lemon juice instead of vinegar. A great alternative for those who don’t like using harsh chemicals.

Washing Machine

This had been found to be not as effective as the other remedies in killing germs, but it still works. Just add the sponges into your wash and leave them�on the clothes lines to air dry. Don’t put them out if it’s stinking hot as rapid drying can cause them to shrink and become brittle.

Have you found a quick, easy and quirky way�on how to sanitise a sponge?

Tell us in the comments!

Clare Whitfield Chief Editor

Clare Whitfield is the Editor of Stay at Home Mum and a recognised voice in practical home management for Australian families. Based in the northern suburbs of Sydney, she balances editorial leadership with life as a stay at home mum to two school age children. Her background in home economics and more than a decade of experience in recipe development, family budgeting, and household systems inform her work.

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