KOMPAS.com – According to research in 2011, dishwashing sponges are the most germ-infested item in the kitchen.
Dish washing sponges are usually not only used for scrubbing plates, pans, kitchen utensils but also sometimes used to wipe tables or stoves so that a lot of dirt sticks to them.
Therefore, it is necessary to replace it regularly so that kitchen equipment is safe from bacteria and germs.
Check out the explanation of how often to replace dishwashing sponges, quoted from the Thespruceeats page.
Also read: 3 Tips on How to Clean a Cutting Board at Home
Why sponges are microbe magnets
Kitchen sponges are porous and moist, creating an ideal environment for bacteria to grow. Apart from that, food residue can easily get into the gaps between the sponges.
The wet sponge filled with food is the perfect place for bacteria to grow quickly. Billions of bacteria can grow on a sponge.
Also read: How to Clean a Greasy Kitchen After a Big Cookout
Harmful or pathogenic bacteria such as salmonella, E., and listeria can grow quickly and spread from sponges to hands, kitchen surfaces, and other equipment.
Depending on the surface and type of bacteria, they can survive for days and make people sick.
Also read: How to Clean a Clogged Kitchen Sink Drain
How to clean a kitchen sponge
You should clean the sponge thoroughly and often. Soak the sponge for 5 minutes in a solution of one quart of water and three tablespoons of chlorine bleach, suggests Jessica Ek, a spokesperson for the American Cleaning Institute, then let the sponge dry.
Also read: How to Clean the Freezer, Preparation Before Ramadan
How often should you change the sponge?
Even though it is cleaned quite often, it is not enough to avoid cross-contamination with hands, tables or food.
A food microbiologist suggests replacing dish sponges at least every two to three weeks, depending on how often they are used.
Also read: 2 Ways to Clean Stains on Stainless Steel Pans, Looks Like New
