How To Clean A Sponge: 5 Best Sponge Cleaning Methods To Kill Bacteria
When it comes to cleaning, your everyday kitchen sponge is a humble hero. But without proper care, it can harbor villains like bacteria and mold.
Regular and hygienic sponge cleaning is crucial to ensure it doesn’t become a breeding ground for unwanted microbes. At Vella, we understand the importance of this and we want to share our knowledge on how to clean a sponge using safe, non-toxic methods.
Let’s explore the best practices for how to disinfect a sponge and keep your home clean and your health protected. But first, let’s explain why it’s crucial to know how to clean a sponge on a regular basis.
Why Sponge Cleaning is Crucial
An unclean sponge isn’t just unappealing. It’s also a hotspot for germs and bacteria, which poses significant health risks to you and everyone in your home.
For that reason alone, regular sponge cleaning is a necessity. Like mopping sticky kitchen floors, It’s about cleanliness – yes, but it’s also about safety.
Knowing how to disinfect a sponge and how to sanitize a sponge is essential to prevent the spread of germs. This is especially true when it comes to cleaning your kitchen where food contamination is a common concern.
Sponge Cleaning Method #1 – Microwave Cleaning
Wondering how to sanitize a sponge? One effective method is using your microwave.
First, ensure your sponge is microwave-safe and doesn’t contain any metal. Next, thoroughly wet the sponge and throw it in your microwave.
When it comes to how long to microwave a sponge, the process should be short. Microwave the sponge to kill bacteria on high for 1 to 2 minutes.
Does microwaving a sponge kill bacteria? Yes, microwaving a sponge is proven to kill 99.9% of germs. When you microwave sponges, remember to monitor your process to avoid any fire hazards.
Sponge Cleaning Method #2 – Dishwasher Cleaning
Another effective method for sponge cleaning is using your dishwasher. Place your sponge on the top rack and run it through a normal washing and drying cycle.
This method is particularly effective when it comes to how to sanitize a sponge and ensure its ready for next use. That’s because you’re both cleaning and disinfecting the sponge, as heat and detergents work together to eliminate any bacteria and mold.
Sponge Cleaning Method #3 – Vinegar Soak
From bathrooms to kitchens, vinegar is a natural and non-toxic solution you can use to clean many different parts of your home. It’s no surprise that it happens to be excellent for sponge cleaning, too.
To clean a sponge using vinegar, soak it in a bowl of white vinegar for about five minutes. Vinegar’s acidic nature helps to disinfect and sanitize the sponge, effectively killing bacteria.
After soaking, rinse the sponge thoroughly with water. This method is not only effective but also environmentally friendly.
Sponge Cleaning Method #4 – Boiling Water
Boiling water is another simple yet effective method when it comes to how to disinfect a sponge. This method eliminates bacteria through high temperatures, ensuring the sponge is thoroughly sanitized.
Just submerge your sponge in boiling water for about five minutes. After boiling, carefully remove the sponge with tongs and let it cool before handling.
Similar to microwaving a sponge, putting it in boiling water is a straightforward and effective way to clean it. With regular sponge cleaning methods like this, you’ll ensure your sponge is as hygienic as possible.
Sponge Cleaning Method #5 – Baking Soda Scrub
Here’s one more eco-friendly way to clean a sponge: use baking soda.
Mix a few tablespoons of it with water to create a paste. Apply this paste to the sponge and gently scrub it, allowing the abrasive nature of baking soda to remove grime and food particles.
This method is excellent for sponge cleaning as it not only cleans but also helps to disinfect and sanitize the sponge without harsh chemicals. Rinse the sponge thoroughly after scrubbing.
Recapping How to Clean a Sponge
These five methods offer effective ways to clean and disinfect sponges. To recap, they were:
- Microwave sponges
- Dishwasher cleaning
- Vinegar soak
- Boiling water
- Baking soda scrub
At Vella, we’re dedicated to providing safe, non-toxic cleaning services to people like you. Take our clean quiz today to find out which of our packages best fit your needs.