Television and I hang out a lot. One time television told me that sponges are the most discussing items in the house. Then television explained why. I was not happy with television, nor the sponge.
I’ve been always weary of using older sponges. Sometimes I’ll just use my hands.
This “How To” helped me settle my fears.
[quote="[url=http://www.wikihow.com/Clean-a-Sponge]http://www.wikihow.com/Clean-a-Sponge[/url]“][b]How to Clean a Sponge[/b]
Using the kitchen sponge to clean the table, the dirty counter and possibly the stains on the floor can be dangerous and unhealthy. While the sponge might appear to be clean, sponges can contain 10,000 bacteria, including E. coli and salmonella, per square inch.[1] How do you know you’re not harboring germs, yeast, and spores in your sponge? Clean them at least every 3 to 4 days using one of the following effective cleaning methods.
[b]Microwave Method[/b]
1. Get a sponge that does not contain any metal parts.
2. Wet the sponge completely and do not allow it to dry.
3. Put it into the microwave, and set it for at least one minute. According a study by the USDA, microwaving for one minute significantly lowers bacteria counts and populations of mold and yeast more than other methods.[2] Researchers have also discovered that after microwaving for two minutes, more than 99% of all the living bacteria will be dead.[3]
4. Remove and let cool before using. Caution: Squeezing the sponge before cooling will distribute very hot water from the center of the sponge directly onto your hand.
[b]Dishwasher Method[/b]
1. Make sure the sponge does not contain food scraps.
2. Place it into the utensil compartment of the next wash and dry cycle. Allow it to remain for the entire wash and dry cycle.
3. Remove it after the washer stops. The sponge will now have 99.9998% less bacteria on it. [4]
[b]Soak Method[/b]
1. Use this method if you don’t have access to a microwave or dishwasher, since soaking is less effective than the other methods, but better than nothing. A U.S. government funded study found that these common methods kill only 37% to 87% of bacteria.[5]
2. Make a solution of 10% bleach.
3. Soak for 3 minutes.
4. Remove and rinse.
[b]Daily Maintenance Between Deep Cleans[/b]
1. Remove any remaining food scraps from the sponge.
2. Wring out the sponge as much as possible and place aside where it can dry completely. (Bacteria love moisture.)
3. Avoid washing the cutting board with it, especially if has been used for raw meat.[6]
[b]Tips[/b]
* While the used sponge might appear to be clean, it is accumulating bacteria, mold and yeast.
* Instead of your sponge, use other materials to clean up raw juices from meat. Paper towels work well, but it may be more economical and environmentally responsible to use a separate dishcloth or washcloth.
* Replace the sponge regularly. Buying a sponge labeled as germ-resistant can lower the amount of bacteria in your kitchen by 99.9%.
* If you need to kill all spores (rather than just bacteria) microwave the sponge for 5 minutes. Keep an eye on it, though, as the sponge can light on fire. Be careful!
* When finished using the sponge, squeeze it thoroughly and allow to air dry completely between uses. Bacteria will die in a dried sponge. You can alternate between two sponges to allow for longer drying time and you can lean the moist sponge against backsplash or dish liquid bottle to allow for better venting/drying. [7]
* After microwaving the sponge, the steam and humidity produced inside the microwave loosens food particles and stains. Use a paper towel, dishcloth or washcloth after removing the sponge to effortlessly wipe away microwave stains!
* Add lemon juice or lemon kitchen cleaner to bleach solution to help cut the bleach smell. Using a scented bleach is also an option.
[b]Warnings[/b]
* The UK Royal Society for Prevention of Accidents does caution against using microwaves to clean a dry sponge.[8] The researchers said people should only try to microwave a damp sponge or dish cloth because if dry, it might start a fire.
* Allow the sponge to remain in the microwave for a few seconds before removing it to allow it to cool. The water that was in the sponge might have made it hot to touch and a burn may result.
* Before cleaning in your dishwasher, check the manufacturer’s instructions or web site. Some manufacturers and dishwasher repairmen do not recommend this method for cleaning sponges as parts may come off and lodge in the mechanism.
[b]Sources and Citations[/b]
1. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/6293735.stm
2. http://www.ars.usda.gov/research/publications/publications.htm?SEQ_NO_115=207115
3. http://www.webmd.com/content/article/131/118080.htm
4. http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/2007/070423.htm
5. http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/2007/070423.htma US
6. http://www.cnn.com/TECH/tomorrow_today/9603/sponges/index.html
7. http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/97808/How_to_Disinfect_the_Sponge_you_Clean_Dishes_with_
8. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/6293735.stm[/quote]