After using a kitchen sponge to wash pots and pans or your everyday dishes, you probably don't think much about it: most of us leave the sponge to dry on the edge of the sink or in a practical sink caddy until the next time we use it.
While you don't need to worry too much about your kitchen sponge, you should consider replacing it more often, or your dishes might not get as clean as you'd like. To prevent the spread of germs and get that sparkling kitchen you all crave, we spoke to cleaning experts about when you should replace your kitchen sponge.
How often should you replace your kitchen sponge?
“Kitchen sponges should be replaced every one to two weeks,” says cleaning expert Rechelle Baranzat, founder of Juliet Technologies, a tech-enabled laundry service in New York City. “Sponges can harbor bacteria and germs, so changing them frequently will help maintain hygiene in your kitchen.”
When you wash dishes with a dirty sponge, you risk spreading harmful germs and bacteria that can then be transferred to your dishes, sink, and kitchen counters.
5 Key Factors That Determine When to Throw Away Your Kitchen Sponge
- How often do you use it? “The more you use a sponge, the faster it wears down and bacteria builds up,” Baranzat warns.
- It depends on what kind of cleaning you do. You should consider what cleaning you will be using the sponge for. A sponge used for everyday washing dishes will last longer than one used for scrubbing pots and pans.
- It's so moist. “If a sponge is left wet for an extended period of time, it can become a breeding ground for bacteria and mold,” she says. To prevent excessive moisture and help your sponge last a little longer, be sure to leave some space for it to dry after use.
- Visible wear and tear. “If the sponge starts to crumble, become discoloured or emit a foul smell, it's time to replace it,” says Baranzat.
- What type of sponge are you using? “Some sponges are more durable or have antibacterial properties, which can affect their lifespan,” Baranzat explains.
Should I wash the sponge instead of throwing it away?
What if you can't throw it away because you don't have a replacement sponge? Balanzat says there are a few cleaning methods you can try to extend the usable life of your sponge before tossing it.
“Effective methods include heating a damp sponge in the microwave, washing it in the dishwasher, soaking it in a bleach solution or using white vinegar,” she says. “However, even if you clean it regularly, it's important to replace the sponge every one to two weeks to maintain hygiene.”
