The kitchen sponge is one of the most controversial elements of our house. Some people throw them away after repeated use, others wash them frequently to keep them clean, and still others change or clean them only when they smell bad or are very worn.
It is important to clean kitchen sponges regularly to remove germs, bacteria, and microorganisms that develop. With proper disinfection, you will not only completely eliminate the bad smell that permeates them, but you will also guarantee the preservation of your family’s health.
Although many people don’t think about it, the sponge we use to wash dishes is one of the dirtiest items we have at home. In fact, scientific studies confirm that more bacteria accumulate in kitchen sponges than in toilets: we can detect concentrations of up to 10,000 million bacteria per cubic centimeter, and up to 118 different species of bacteria have been detected in telescopic analyses.
Smelly kitchen sponge, don’t throw it away: with this method you will eliminate the smell immediately and in just a few minutes!
First of all, it should be noted that sponges do not have a long lifespan. It is important that they are replaced regularly, as it is almost impossible to kill all bacteria despite daily disinfection. Washing the kitchen sponge only with water and washing-up liquid is not always the solution to kill germs.
So what can we do? This is how you clean your kitchen sponge properly so that it develops bad odors and germs after just a few uses:
- Wash it after use. After each use, put in the dishwasher, wash with the dishes and then let dry. If sponges are constantly wet, bacteria can develop quickly.
It is also recommended to disinfect sponges every week to prevent the spread of fungi and bacteria. This requires the following procedure:
- Prepare a mixture of bleach and water in a ratio of 1 to 10 (for one part bleach, you need to add 10 parts water).
- Allow the dishwashing sponge to soak in this mixture for at least five to ten minutes.
- Finally, rinse with water to remove any food residue. This way, your sponges will stay clean, disinfected and in good condition for several weeks.
According to a study by the University of Sonora in Mexico, it is advisable to “change the sponge at least every 15 days to avoid infection and disease”. This is to prevent the spread of bacteria that could cause food poisoning in humans.
