Yahoo Lifestyle This Is How Often You Should Replace Your Kitchen Sponge for Maximum Cleanliness
Hint: You're probably holding onto it for too long.
Tanja Ivanova/Getty Images
After you use your kitchen sponge to wash your pots and pans or your everyday dishes, you probably don’t think too much about it. Most of us let it dry out on the edge of the sink or in a practical sink caddy until next time.
While you don’t necessarily need to stress too much about your kitchen sponge, you should consider replacing it pretty often. If you aren’t, your dishes may not be getting as clean as you'd like them to be. We spoke to a cleaning expert about when to swap out kitchen sponges to avoid spreading germs and get the squeaky clean kitchen we all deserve.
How Often Should You Change Your Kitchen Sponge?
“You should replace your kitchen sponge every one to two weeks,” according to Rechelle Balanzat, cleaning expert and founder of Juliette Technologies, a tech-enabled laundry service in New York City. “Sponges can harbor bacteria and germs, so frequent replacement helps maintain kitchen hygiene.”
Washing dishes with a dirty sponge can spread harmful germs and bacteria, which you then risk transferring to your plates, sink, and kitchen countertops.
5 Key Factors That Influence When You Should Throw Away That Kitchen Sponge
How often you use it. “The more you use the sponge, the quicker it will wear out and accumulate bacteria,” Balanzat warns.
The type of cleaning you're doing with it. You’ll want to consider what type of cleaning you’re using your sponge for. Sponges used for regular everyday dishes may last longer than those used for scrubbing your pots and pans.
How moist it is. “Sponges that remain wet for extended periods can become breeding grounds for bacteria and mold,” she says. Make sure you have a designated spot to let your sponge dry after each use to prevent excessive moisture and make your sponge last a bit longer.
Visible wear and tear. Balanzat says, “If the sponge starts to fall apart, become discolored, or smell bad, it's time to replace it.”
The type of sponge you're using. “Some sponges are more durable or have antimicrobial properties, which can influence their lifespan,” Balanzat explains.
Should You Ever Clean Your Sponge Rather Than Toss It?
What if you can’t toss your sponge because you don't have another to replace it? Balanzat says there are some cleaning options you can try to extend the sponge’s usability before throwing it away.
“Effective methods include microwaving a damp sponge, running it through a dishwasher cycle, soaking it in a bleach solution, or using white vinegar,” she says. “However, despite regular cleaning, it's important to replace your sponge every one to two weeks to maintain hygiene.”
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