How often should a sponge be thrown out?

Question

I have one sponge I use to scrub the tub and bathroom sink. I have another sponge just for scrubbing the kitchen sink. How often should I throw them out? I generally don't use sponges much since they can hold so many germs in them, but for those items I do like to use a sponge.

Answer 1

I'm with you -- dont much care for sponges except for a couple of things, and like you I keep them segregated for specific uses.
I have found that very thorough rinsing, disinfecting,and allowing for thorough drying after use, extends the life of sponges.
Mine usually last for about 6 weeks before I retire them to the "Outside Use" bin....use them outdoors a couple of times, or to clean the cars, etc.
Other than that, all I can tell you is that if they feel gross (slimy, slick, greasy, etc) get rid of it if you cant salvage it.
If it's new and you dropped the ball by not cleaning it thoroughly, run it in the top rack of the dishwasher (ALONE! or with your sink stoppers, stove-top grates, etc) using PineSol and the HEAVY WASH setting, plus (if you have it) the SANITIZE setting but no heated dry cycle. Let it dry naturally in the sun and it should be good as new...

Answer 2

I use my sponges for about a month or sometimes more... I use sponges for wiping down the tub, toillet and sink and I have another one for the kitchen every night I put my sponges in the dishwasher and during the day after I wipe everything down I rinse the sponge a few times and then soak it with water and put in the microwave for about 3 minutes.. So, mine I don't think get too germy.. .However, I do use papertowels quite a bit and antibacterial wipes... Good luck

Answer 3

I soak mine in diluted Clorox water for a few minutes and then rinse with hot water. The small rectangular ones I use for about a month of kitchen duties unless they begin to shred sooner, then I pitch. Never use sponges for cleaning up areas where raw meat and poultry was prepared.

Answer 4

I don't use sponges, They hold to many germs and bacteria. I use paper towels with my cleaning solutions and when I am done I through the paper towels in the garbage with the germs.
Antibacterial wipes are great too.

Answer 5

i change my sponge in the kitchen every month since i use it more often. i microwave it for 1 minute every night. try to squeeze the sponge to get the soap out.

good luck.

Answer 6

You can microwave your sponges to kill germs. I microwave mine for 1 minute after cleaning up raw meat and poultry juices with it. I throw them out whenever they start looking dirty or worn or if they start smelling funny.

Answer 7

i throw mine out each and every 2-3 weeks. you ought to use them longer, and you are able to bathe them in makeup brush air purifier or antibacterial hand cleansing soap... rub cleansing soap in and squeeze below heat water till water runs sparkling and sponge looks sparkling of makeup. permit take a seat to dry. do no longer use on the face back till thoroughly dry! i exploit a beginning place brush, too, so i'm no longer employing sponges each and every of the time.

Answer 8

I throw them out only when they are worn out. As long as they are doing their job well, there should not be much germs. The cleaning agent you use with it should kill all germs anyways.

Answer 9

Every time he comes back!