Keep your sponges free of bacteria by cleaning them regularly.
Sponges are a workhorse in the kitchen—not only do they clean dirty dishes, but they’re also responsible for wiping down countertops, sinks, and pots and pans. Over time, sponges accumulate bacteria, food debris, and other particles, making them no longer suitable for cleaning. To prevent a build-up of germs, it’s important to clean your kitchen sponges regularly, which you can do in the dishwasher, microwave, or with everyday household cleaning supplies.
I’ve always been amazed at how much a sponge can handle in the kitchen, but it’s also kind of gross when you think about how much gunk it picks up. Studies show that kitchen sponges can harbor millions of bacteria per square inch if not cleaned properly—yikes! That’s why I make it a point to give mine a good scrub or soak every few days. Not only does it keep things hygienic, but it also saves me from buying new sponges too often, which is a nice little money-saver.
How Often to Clean a Kitchen Sponge
Kitchen sponges can become a breeding ground for bacteria if they’re not cleaned regularly. “Make sure to rinse and wring them out thoroughly after every use and give them a deep clean every few days,” says Kathy Cohoon, the director of franchise operations of Two Maids.
From my experience, rinsing the sponge right after washing dishes makes a huge difference—it gets rid of food bits that bacteria love to munch on. Research from the University of Arizona found that sponges can host up to 10 million bacteria per square inch if left damp and dirty. A quick rinse and a thorough wring-out after each use can cut down on that significantly. I also like to hang my sponge on a rack to dry completely, as moisture is a bacteria magnet. If you’re like me and sometimes forget to deep clean, setting a reminder every three days helps keep it on track.
How Often to Replace a Kitchen Sponge
In addition to weekly cleaning, you should also replace your kitchen sponges at the first sign of damage or odor. “Since these cleaning tools touch dishes, sinks, and more you don’t want to contaminate your kitchen with a dirty sponge,” says Cohoon.
I learned this the hard way after using a smelly sponge way past its prime—my dishes started to have a faint funky smell! Experts suggest replacing sponges every one to two weeks, depending on how heavily you use them. If you notice fraying edges or a lingering odor even after cleaning, it’s time to toss it. I’ve found that buying sponges in bulk is a cost-effective way to stay on top of replacements without breaking the bank—sponges can cost as little as $0.50 each in multipacks, so it’s not a huge expense to swap them out regularly.
Materials and Tools
The materials and tools you’ll need depend on the cleaning method you choose.
Materials
- Vinegar
- Boiling water
- Dishwasher detergent
Tools
- Pot (for boiling water)
- Bowl
- Kitchen spoon
- Dishwasher
- Microwave-safe dish
- Microwave
One thing I love about these methods is that you probably already have everything you need at home. Vinegar, for example, is super cheap—about $3 for a gallon—and can be used for so many other cleaning tasks. I keep a small pot just for boiling water for things like this; it’s handy and doesn’t mix with my cooking gear. If you’re using the dishwasher method, make sure your detergent is one that tackles grease well, as sponges can hold onto oily residues that bacteria thrive on.
How to Clean a Kitchen Sponge With Vinegar
Vinegar is a great household cleaning staple because it acts as a mild, natural disinfectant. “This is perfect for cleaning sponges, and the process is super easy,” says Cohoon.
- Fill a bowl with white vinegar.
- Fully submerge your sponge and allow it to soak for 5 to 7 minutes.
- Remove from the vinegar and fully rinse your sponge with hot water.
- Wring well and allow to air dry.
I’m a big fan of the vinegar method because it’s so low-effort and eco-friendly. Vinegar’s acetic acid can kill about 99% of bacteria on surfaces, according to studies, which makes it a solid choice for sponges. I usually do this while I’m tidying up the kitchen—just pop the sponge in a bowl of vinegar and let it sit while I wipe down counters. One tip: use a deep enough bowl so the sponge stays fully submerged, and don’t skip the hot water rinse afterward to flush out any lingering vinegar smell.
How to Clean a Kitchen Sponge With Boiling Water
Letting your kitchen sponge soak in boiling water is an effective way to kill any germs lingering on it. To do so, try this method from Cohoon.
- Pour 1 cup of water into a pot and bring to a boil.
- Once the water is boiling, put the sponge in and use a kitchen spoon to push the sponge down so it is fully submerged.
- Allow the sponge to boil for 5 to 7 minutes, then remove the water from heat.
- Once the water and sponge are cool, remove the sponge from the water and wring dry.
Boiling is my go-to when I want to be extra sure my sponge is germ-free, especially after cleaning something messy like raw chicken residue. The high heat—212°F at sea level—kills most bacteria and pathogens, which is why this method is so effective. I’ve noticed it also helps loosen up stuck-on bits in the sponge. Just be patient and let the water cool before handling the sponge, unless you want to burn your fingers like I did once! Pro tip: use a slotted spoon to fish the sponge out to avoid splashing hot water.
How to Clean a Kitchen Sponge in the Dishwasher
If you prefer to clean your kitchen sponge daily, tossing it in the dishwasher with a load of dishes is an easy way to quickly disinfect it, says Jennifer Parnell, co-founder of Humble Suds, a line of non-toxic, sustainably packaged cleaning products.
- Place your sponge in the top rack of your dishwasher.
- Add your detergent to the machine.
- Run on the longest cycle with the highest heat dry setting.
I love this method for busy days when I’m already running the dishwasher—it’s like killing two birds with one stone. The high heat and detergent combo can zap most bacteria, with dishwashers often reaching temperatures above 140°F, which is enough to sanitize. One thing I’ve learned: secure the sponge in a utensil holder on the top rack so it doesn’t flop around and get stuck in the bottom. Also, avoid this method if your sponge has a scrubby side, as those can sometimes melt or get damaged in the high heat.
How to Clean a Kitchen Sponge in the Microwave
Microwaving your kitchen sponge is a great time-saving way to sanitize it, says Cohoon. (Don’t use this method on sponges with metallic scrub pads.)
- Rinse your sponge with water and place it on a microwave-safe dish without wringing it out.
- Microwave the sponge on high for about 90 seconds. Be careful, it will be hot.
- Once the sponge cools, wring it out and let air dry.
This is my quick fix when I’m short on time—it’s done in under two minutes! The microwave’s heat creates steam that can kill up to 99.9% of bacteria, according to some lab studies, but you’ve got to make sure the sponge is wet first to avoid any fire risk. I usually set a timer for exactly 90 seconds to avoid overheating. One thing I’ve noticed: the sponge can smell a bit “cooked” afterward, so I let it air out near an open window to freshen up.
