How long do you use your kitchen sponge before throwing it away?

Answer 1

Depending upon the type of sponge....put it in the microwave for one minute....make sure the sponge is damp, not wet. This will kill all the bacteria in it....and you'll notice if it was a little smelly before you put it into the microwave, it won't after. Then rinse it out, you should be good to go!

Answer 2

I'm into using the Mr Clean sponges. If you aren't familiar with them they literally fall apart when you clean things with them. They take the guess work out of when to throw a sponge away. When I do use a regular sponge I throw it out after about 4 days.

Answer 3

Not too long since a sponge collects lot of bacteria. Some people put sponges in the dish washer to clean them.
If you keep them clean they can last for awhile.

Answer 4

I get several months of use from a sponge. When you let them dry out the bacteria all die, so until the sponge begins to fall apart I keep letting it dry out before re-wetting it.
Keeping it soapy also keeps it clean.

If they get groaty, or I use them on the floor, I put them in the washing machine. Cleans them up good. Some people say to put them in the dishwasher but that is much too harsh for them and they'll fall apart quicker.


Modern "sponges" are made from petroleum and waste is bad for the environment.

Answer 5

Ask yourself this question. Would I stick the sponge in my mouth? Well it is washing dishes I eat out of. Cotton wash cloths are cheap and don't absorb or harbor germs like sponges and just use and throw in the dirty cloths and have plenty on hand. The paper towel idea is great if you can afford it. A little soaking in a little bleach wont hurt either. A lot of the disposable wipes are using a minimal of bleach now as well.

Answer 6

I have a trick to prolong the life of your sponge. Drop it in a pot of boiling water with baking soda for a couple minutes. Afterwards there is no smell and the boiling water should kill germs. I've kept sponges for a couple months this way. It's good for the environment and your wallet.

Answer 7

Commonly only after it is no longer "useable." When the "form" has lost all form is when I usually give the sponge a toss. - (4 / 5 / 6 months?) Otherwise, I still wipe and clean any spill or mess with the dried ball of flaking crumbs.

Answer 8

I use the sponges for a week then I throw them out and get a new one. I have two though one for dishes and one to wipe down my counter tops.

Answer 9

if you're not going to do the microwave thing, you should replace the sponge like every 4 or 5 days. they get a lot of bacteria on them and then you are just spreading it around and not really cleaning. if you use anti-bacterial dish soap then i guess that would be better.

Answer 10

Until I can't get it clean anymore. I usually have two sponges, one for dishes and the other for cleaning up the one for cleaning up is the one I replace the most. but in between I throw it in the dishwasher when I use it. or I take vinegar and dish detergent to clean it. and get to use it longer/ . you know when its time to change it/