How to Sanitize a Sponge

Shawna Bailey
by Shawna Bailey
2 Materials
2 Minutes
Easy
Sponges are some of the dirtiest things in a kitchen. Even though we use them to clean our dishes, get food stains off of counters, wipe up messes, etc. they can get pretty dirty, and it's important to clean them between uses. Imagine wiping the spot where you just cut up raw chicken and then wiping a dish with the same sponge - gross! Even regular use allows bacteria to grow, because the sponges are always damp. Call me a germaphobe, but I'm getting squeamish just thinking about it. Sponges should be sanitized every week or so, and I have the easiest and most efficient way to do it!
My trusty sponge at work. I had just cut up a tomato for my salad and some of the juice spilled onto my counter.
Step 1: Wet the Sponge
Make sure your sponge gets actually wet, not just damp.


Step 2: Microwave Your Sponge
I microwaved the sponge for 2 minutes. Depending on your microwave, you might have to put it in for longer.
Two minutes was enough time to get the water to boil. You might need to set the time for a minute longer.


Step 3: Let it Cool
The sponge is literally boiling hot, so I had to wait until it was cool to pick it up. Be careful when you touch it!
Now your sponge is all clean, and you can continue using it for whatever you want.
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Frequently asked questions
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3 of 8 questions
  • Jeanne Jeanne on Apr 03, 2021

    Is it ok to spray with Peroxide before putting in the microwave? That’s what I’ve been doing for awhile now and it removes that nasty smell in less than a minute.

  • Cecilia Cecilia on Apr 03, 2021

    I microwaved my sponge to sterilize it. last August. I put it outside on the porch because I thought there we’re fumes from the heat. It was hot enough to ignite the siding on the house, which burned through to the electric wires, which burned upward toward the ceiling. The flames spread laterally in both directions, and the house went up in flames. I not only lost my house, I lost everything I owned.

  • Lacey Lacey on Apr 04, 2021

    I’ve been putting mine in the dishwasher when I run it.

Comments
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2 of 133 comments
  • Mia Mia on Mar 12, 2023

    FYI from the USDA site: “Kitchen sponges are potential sources of bacteria and are difficult to clean. Microwaving or boiling kitchen sponges may reduce some of the bacterial load; however, these methods alone are not adequate to ensure that your sponge will reduce potential cross-contamination of hands, kitchen counters, and food. If you use sponges, buy new ones frequently.” Washing in dishwasher also doesn’t sterilize it.


  • Gabrielle Falk Gabrielle Falk on Mar 30, 2023

    I never, ever use sponges. I think they are filthy things. I buy inexpensive micro-fibre clothes. Use one, while another one airs and dries. What I do is put the m/fibre cloth in a micro-wave resistant bowl, add water and some dishwashing liquid. 'Nuke' on high for about 10 minutes, but be careful, because it will be very hot. When cool enough wring out and place outside to dry. Alternate your cloths every day. Or you can put it in a heat resistant bowl, add water, dishwashing detergent, add boiling water etc.. I perfer the m/wave; however if your m/wave is like mine, not a very expensive one, condensation will build up, and if it does you need to make sure that you wipe it dry. And leave the door open for a little time, as well. For anything really messy on the kitchen bench, I just use paper towel. I NEVER waste money on 'wipes'. Such a con. job by advertising companies to spend your hard earned dollars. On something you don't need. If I could mention the bathroom. I use methylated spirits on toilet paper!! NOT WIPES, to wipe down the toilet, then flush the toot paper away. Unlike wipes, which take a very long time to disintegrate. They absolutely not necessary. In my humble opinion.

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