HOW TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE A SPONGE IN THE MICROWAVE
Sponges help you tackle kitchen messes quickly, but without proper cleaning, sponges can do more harm than good. Dirty sponges can harbor and spread bacteria, yeast and mold across surfaces you’re trying to clean. Use this guide to learn tips on how to sanitize a sponge in the microwave, how often to clean sponges and how to know when it’s time to replace one.
CAN YOU MICROWAVE A SPONGE TO CLEAN IT?
Microwaving a sponge can help kill harmful bacteria, but not every sponge is microwave safe. Sponges with metallic scrub pads or other abrasive parts can spark in the microwave and should only be cleaned using other disinfecting methods. Always check a sponge’s packaging to find out if it’s cleared to go in the microwave. If your sponge comes into contact with raw meat, throw it away immediately.
DOES MICROWAVING A SPONGE KILL BACTERIA?
A handful of methods can help disinfect a sponge, but the USDA found that microwaving a sponge is the most effective method of killing bacteria. Microwaving a sponge kills 99.99999% of bacteria and is effective at eliminating yeast and mold that can develop over time.
HOW TO DISINFECT A SPONGE IN THE MICROWAVE
Disinfecting a sponge is simple and quick, but there are some precautions you should take to help protect your sponge, microwave and hands. Read the 4-step process below to learn how to clean a sponge in the microwave.
SUPPLIES
Microwave-safe sponge
Water
TOOLS
Microwave-safe container
- Oven mitts or tongs
- Microwave
STEP 1: INSPECT SPONGE
Only place a sponge in the microwave if it’s labeled as “microwave safe” on its packaging. Sponges with scrub pads may be more likely to have metal that can damage the microwave, so be sure to look over the sponge and check the sponge packaging to make sure it’s microwave safe.
STEP 2: SATURATE SPONGE
Saturating the sponge before microwaving helps create steam for a more thorough cleaning. Allow the sponge to absorb water until it’s soaked through, then place the sponge inside of a microwave-safe bowl or container.
STEP 3: MICROWAVE SPONGE
Put the container with the wet sponge in the microwave and run the microwave on high power for one minute.
STEP 4: REMOVE SPONGE
The sponge will be hot to the touch when the microwave cycle ends. You can let the sponge sit for 10-15 minutes before removing it, allowing it time to cool, or use tongs or oven mitts to remove the sponge and let it cool in a safe place.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU DISINFECT YOUR KITCHEN SPONGE?
Sponges are an ideal breeding ground for bacteria because they stay moist for long periods of time, which can encourage harmful bacteria to multiply. Help keep bacteria at bay by disinfecting your sponge in the microwave every other day, and be sure to rinse and wring out your sponge after each use.
CAN YOU CLEAN SPONGES IN THE DISHWASHER?
The USDA found that cleaning sponges in the dishwasher is nearly as effective at killing bacteria as microwaving them, and is also a better option for sponges with metal scrubbing pads or abrasive components. They discovered that sanitizing a sponge in the dishwasher can kill 99.9998% of bacteria, simply by running the sponge through a hot water dishwasher cycle with a drying cycle. Reference your dishwasher owner’s manual for more information about what can and can’t go in your dishwasher.
HOW DO YOU GET THE SMELL OUT OF A SPONGE?
Sponges will typically start to smell sour as bacteria multiples and food residue becomes rancid, so sanitizing your sponge every other day can help eliminate odors. Sponges aren’t meant to last forever, so if you notice lingering odors on your sponge after you sanitize it, replace it with a new one.
WHEN SHOULD YOU THROW AWAY A DISH SPONGE?
Many sponges are only designed to use for a week or two before it’s time to throw them out. If they hang on to odors after they’ve been sanitized, lose their shape or start to fall apart, it may be time to throw them in the trash. Keep in mind that sponges that come into contact with raw meat should be thrown away immediately.
SHOP MAYTAG® MICROWAVES
Maytag® microwaves bring the heat to help you prep everything from afternoon snacks to dinner entrees. Select microwave models include the Dual Crisp feature and a Brown function to help you get crispy results on anything from leftover pizza to frozen fries. Available in over-the-range and countertop models, there are plenty of options to fit your kitchen space.
