How To Clean Your Kitchen Sponge From Bacteria & Mold
Sponges are filthy if not maintained/detoxed. Filled with Bacteria, yeasts, & mold.
Further reading:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aerobic_organism
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yeast
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mold
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enterobacteriaceae
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coliform_bacteria
The sponge holder is extremely important. The longer the Sponge retains moisture, the more pathogens grow/replicate.
SunnyPoint Sponger Holder:
Umbra Sponge Holder:
Yamazaki Sponge Holder:
Ways to Clean a Sponge
Source: https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/cleaning/a18731/how-to-clean-a-sponge/
The Best Way to Clean a Sponge
Below, you'll find the best step-by-step method for cleaning a sponge. But no matter how diligent you are about cleaning, your kitchen sponges won't last forever. You need to clean them weekly, and toss shabby ones every two to three weeks, depending on use.
Mix 3/4 cup of bleach in one gallon of water.
Soak the sponge in the mixture for five minutes, then rinse – and that's it!
In testing, the bleach solution killed 99.9% of the three bacteria strains from the test sponges (scrub and regular cellulose), which is the benchmark based on the EPA's requirement for sanitization of non-food-contact surfaces.
Even though bleach is the most effective bacteria killer, in a bind, these methods are your next best option. They're listed in order from most to least effective, so choose wisely.
Microwave: The microwave was one of the next most effective ways to clean a sponge, zapping 99.9% of germs. Do this by saturating the sponge in water (we used 1/4 cup for scrub sponges and 1/2 cup for cellulose), putting the sponge in the microwave, then heating it on high for one minute (scrub) or two minutes (cellulose).
Dishwasher: The dishwasher also killed 99.9% of germs. To use, add your sponge to a regular dishwasher load, using the "heated dry" setting.
Vinegar: This method eliminated 99.6% of bacteria. All you have to do is soak your sponge in full-strength vinegar for five minutes, then rinse.
Please let me know if you have any questions =)