Is it possible to kill all the germs in a sponge by putting it in the microwave for 30 seconds?

Question

My grandma does this.... she doesn't believe in wash clothes.

Answer 1

I don't know about 30 sec., I do it for 2 min. every day! Works for me!

Answer 2

No, the only reliable way to kill all the germs in a sponge is to soak it in bleach and water for an hour minimum. I believe a 10% solution is sufficient.

Microwaves are so varied in watts that you couldn't be sure 30 seconds would kill all the organisms. It depends on the thickness of the sponge. Too many variables.

Answer 3

probably, but for the price of a sponge, I would just buy more when they get old. Personally, I don't use sponges because they collect germs easily. I like dish clothes better. You can use a different one every day, and throw them in the washer with your towels. As for your grandma, if she's made it this long, it must be ok:)

Answer 4

I use wash cloths & sponges. I wash my sponges in the dishwasher, which is a tip I picked up a long time ago. The water is very hot & can kill the bacteria. I wash the wash cloths in hot water with the other towels & washcloths.

Answer 5

do not use Microwave. Use BLEACH. i take advantage of only sponges in my kitchen and cleansers with bleach always keep my sponges germ/heady scent loose. I keep a jar of bleach and water blend at my sink for all of my rinse brushes. I only dip the sponge in it and lay it in the sink for a couple of minutes then rinse with warm water.

Answer 6

This could work, however sticking sponges in the microwave is dangerous because it could cause a fire.

To clean sponges I just put them in boiling water in a pot with a little bit of soap, although the soap is not necessary. Or you can stick them in your automatic dishwasher

Answer 7

I don't know about the microwave...I

I put my sponges in the dishwasher and run them thru with the dishes. I would think that's a better solution.

Answer 8

I would do it for a minute, Boil the water in the sponge-it will kill the germs.

Answer 9

To recondition the sponges soak in 2 tablespoons of salt and 2 quarts of water, then put in dishwasher or washing machine. if you don't want to do that you can also soak them in a mixture of 1/2 cup of bleach and 1 gallon of water.

Answer 10

Make sure the sponge is good and damp. Let it heat to the point that it steams heavily. Yes, this seems to work well..fast and easy. (30 - 40 seconds seems to be long enough.)

Answer 11

Usually giving a little bit of warmth to bacteria just makes it grow more. Yes, heat does kill bacteria, but that's like fire. I suggest just rinsing the sponge out good.