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Keep Sponges Clean

A study of 30 different surfaces in 22 homes found that the kitchen sponge has the most bacteria – harbouring more germs than your toilet seat! Eww!

If your sponge or kitchen cloth has seen better days, it's a good idea to replace it instead of tossing it in your dishwasher. Old or worn out sponges may break apart and possibly damage your dishwasher.

To help keep your sponge clean:
Keep in a dry place. Bacteria thrives in moist environments, so it’s important to keep your sponge dry. Wring out your sponge after every use and store it in a dry place.
Run it through the dishwasher. Place your sponge on the top shelf with the rest of your dishes. Run the sponge through the dishwasher on the hottest cycle. Be sure to air dry the sponge thoroughly afterwards.

Microwave it. A study from the USDA’s Henry A. Wallace Beltsville Agricultural Research Centre found that the microwave is the best at killing bacteria, yeast and mould in kitchen sponges. If you don’t have a dishwasher, microwave a soaking wet sponge on the highest setting for two minutes. Carefully remove the sponge and let it cool before use.

Replace it. Replace your sponge every two weeks. Tip: Try sponges made from natural and sustainable materials to reduce waste. I move sponges from the kitchen, to the laundry, to the bathroom and finally it is binned.
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  • Home
  • Join the Club!
    • Twenty Reasons to Join the Cheapskates Club
  • About Us
    • Cath's Story
    • Ask Cath
    • Glossary of Cheapskating Terms
  • Forum
    • Current Forum Discussions
    • How to Use the Member Forum
  • Inspiration
    • Getting Started
    • 31 Days of MOO Index
    • Articles
    • Housekeeping Routines
    • Budget Renovations
    • Saving Stories
    • Learning Centre
  • Recipes
    • Recipe File Index
    • Meal Plans
    • Add a Recipe
    • $300 a Month Food Challenge >
      • $300 a Month Food Challenge
      • The $300 a Month Food Challenge Forum
  • Newsletters
    • Newsletters 2023
    • Newsletters 2022
    • Newsletters 2021
    • Newsletters 2020
    • Newsletters 2019
    • Newsletters 2018
    • Newsletters 2017
  • Saving Money
    • Latest Tips 2023
    • Latest Tips 2022
    • Cheapskates Tip Store
    • Tip Sheets
    • Top Tip Competition
  • Contact
    • Changing Details
    • Help Files