This Kitchen Item Is Probably Dirtier Than Your Toilet Seat—Here's How Often to Replace It

Plus, the tell-tale signs your sponge has gone bad.

What if we told you your kitchen sponge is dirtier than your toilet seat? Research shows that kitchens are far germier than commodes, the main culprit being the dish sponge. Think about it: It’s super absorbent and used to clean food particles, bodily fluids, and sometimes even raw meat juices—often without being cleaned in between surfaces. This skyrockets cross-contamination risk and, ultimately, that of illnesses like food poisoning.

The thing is, there’s so much conflicting information out there about how to clean a kitchen sponge, how often to clean it, and how often it should be replaced. So, we did the best we could to break it down.

How Long Do Kitchen Sponges Last?

One recent study that investigated popular sponge cleaning techniques—boiling and microwaving in water—found that those methods aren’t as effective as once thought, that they could even worsen some strands of bacteria.

So, those researchers suggested replacing your kitchen sponge weekly. Another study that compared the hygiene of sponges to dish-washing brushes and found dish brushes to be cleaner and overall better for regular use.

Some experts say that regularly cleaned kitchen sponges may last up to a month or slightly longer, but if you’re worried about having the cleanest sponge possible and not spreading bacteria, a new sponge is your best bet.

This obviously isn’t the most ideal move because it’s not super sustainable or economic, but you can off-set those cons by buying biodegradable sponges in bulk.

How to Clean Your Kitchen Sponge

There are a few researched ways to clean a kitchen sponge. However, none of them have been proven to disinfect 100% percent.

How to Clean Your Sponge By Boiling It

Although boiling for five minutes, be that on the microwave or stovetop, has been found to effectively reduce some bacteria, including salmonella, it won’t offer you a completely clean slate.

How to Clean Your Sponge With Bleach

One study found that soaking sponges in a solution of .02% bleach for 10 minutes effectively sanitized them from multiple bacteria strains.

After using either method, make sure to store your sponge in a place where it can dry completely, like a sponge holder.

How to Make Your Sponges Last for Longer

Cleaning your sponges as often as recommended by experts—at least once weekly, if not after every use—is, unfortunately, going to do the opposite of extending your sponge’s life. With that being said, you kind of have to choose between a clean sponge or a sturdy, long-lasting one. Ah, the three facts of life: death, taxes, and the need to buy a new sponge.

What Are Signs Your Kitchen Sponge Has Gone Bad?

If your sponge smells bad, feels slimy, or has obvious signs of wear,  a replacement is probably long overdue. But, as we mentioned previously, it’s most ideal to swap out your sponge for a new one before these red flags pop up, so you’re less likely to errantly swipe high loads of bacteria around your sink and kitchen. While you’re at it, go ahead and hang up a clean dish towel, too. 

Read the original article on All Recipes.