During dishwashing sessions, you sometimes forget to… clean your sponge! Because if it is used to clean dishes, pots, and surfaces, it can become a real bacteria nest. Here are some tips for cleaning and maintaining your sponge.
Crockery, cutlery, surfaces, pots and sometimes even bathroom and WC, the sponge is the essential daily tool for cleaning and maintaining our home. Even if it comes into contact with dishwashing liquid, soap and household sprays, the sponge can, over time, turn into a real nest of bacteria and therefore no longer have any effect on cleaning. Here’s why it deserves to be thoroughly cleaned and maintained.
Ideally, you should rinse your sponge after each use. After each cleaning session, it is essential to wring it out and let it air dry. Removing the water will already prevent the proliferation of bacteria linked to humidity and stagnant water. Here are the other steps to follow to improve its effectiveness.
Properly clean your kitchen sponge: 4 tips to prevent the development of bacteria
1. Focus on daily cleaning : After each use, rinse the sponge well with warm water to remove food and soap residue. Wring it out as much as possible to remove excess water.
2. Carry out regular disinfection : You should disinfect your sponge about once a day or every other day. You can do this by soaking it in a solution of hot water and diluted bleach (about a tablespoon of bleach to a gallon of water) for about 5 minutes. Be sure to rinse the sponge thoroughly after soaking to remove any bleach residue.
3. Carry out a complete cleaning of the sponge : regularly, do not hesitate to place your sponge in your dishwasher! Start the cycle and let it dry once it is finished. Another way: place your sponge in the washing machine when washing the tea towels. Your sponge will come out like new and free of all residue.
4. Do not forget about periodic replacement : Even with proper care, dish sponges wear out over time. It is recommended that they be replaced every two to three weeks, or sooner if they show signs of heavy wear, tearing, or lingering odors.
By following these tips, you can extend the life of your sponge while ensuring that it remains effective and hygienic.