Smelly sponges!!!?

Question

How can I get the yucky, musty smell out of my sponges?
I stoped buying the cheap ones because of that purpose. Now I buy "Scoch Brite", yet still they smell after only a weeks use.
This is very annoying to me. I have no clue.
I have a different sponge for each use, dishes, counters, cleaning, etc. but I can't seem to solve this problem!! PLEASE HELP!!
Thank you for your time!! Peacelilly

Answer 1

Wet your sponges and heat them up good in the microwave. Kills bacteria, kills smells, sanitizes.

Answer 2

I agree with the answers by putting the sponge in the microwave for two minutes on high. ( Do not take out the sponge out right away very hot!)
It will sterilize the sponge and I think the sponge last longer. I have used Scotch Brite and SOS sponges.

Answer 3

Putting sponges in the microwave can be chancy -- microwave ovens vary in power, and the size of the sponge affects how long you need to zap it to kill germs. So I can't recommend this method.

But I can offer a way to sanitize sponges, endorsed by the Soap and Detergent Association: Place them in a solution of 1 gallon water and 3/4 cup household bleach (or 1 quart water to 3 tablespoons bleach), let soak for five minutes, then air-dry.

Sponges should be cleaned in dishwashing detergent and hot water after each use and allowed to air-dry to prevent bacteria from multiplying. You can also wash them in the dishwasher along with your dishes. Place them in the utensil caddy or clip them to the top rack with a clothespin. Be careful when you remove them; they may be hot.

Sponges last for only two to eight weeks, depending on how frequently and roughly they're used. Look for sales and stock up, as I do.

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Answer 4

That funky "smell" is actually bacteria and mildew, because sponges take longest to try, and sponges tend to harbor the most bacteria (because they are porous) than other kitchen cleaning items (such as dishclothes, etc).

Soak in bleach for about a half hour or toss in the wash if you have a good brand.

Or, by cheaper sponges and toss them once a week.

Answer 5

Putting a sponge in th microwave for one minute kills many of the bacteria that causes that odor. Wait a few minutes before handling the sponge because it will be hot. Then throw it in the washing machine with a bleach load. Don't throw it in the dryer, just let it sit and dry.

Answer 6

I know you have already received a good bit of answers to your question, but I do not use a sponge for the fact that they are filthy with germs. I used an cloth everywhere that I clean and either throw out or put in washing machine.

Answer 7

Get them good and wet and microwave them for a couple of minutes on a plate. You'll need to let them cool off before handling them again.
Also, this tip was in the paper a few months ago and some less astute people discovered that if you microwave a DRY sponge it will catch on fire. Don't make that mistake.

Answer 8

You may not be rincing them well enough! You can place a regular sponge without any scrubby stuff on them in the microwave for 2 minutes and that will sterlize them.

Answer 9

Bleach will work. After a week you should toss a sponge and use a new one.

Answer 10

I bet Sponge Bob Square Pants would know.