Did you know that you can put your sponge in the dishwasher? If this surprises you, it is completely normal, since this practice is not so common. The reason for this gesture is precise and that’s what we’re going to find out!
Why should you put your sponges in the dishwasher?
As the cost of living is rising, many are struggling and trying to find the most ingenious tricks to save money. The current context therefore encourages us to tackle the problem head on, to have more than one string to our bow! This inevitably involves changing our consumption habits and ensuring that household items and appliances last as long as possible. Imagine that the sponges too!
A sponge collects a large number of bacteria and mold caused by the use and absorption of water. Moreover, if you do not get into the habit of disinfecting it, it exposes the dishes to germs. However, if it is advisable to replace it every two weeks, it is still possible to extend its life by a few days to keep it even longer and thus save money ! And this is exactly what you can do with a dishwasher.
How to clean and disinfect the sponge in the dishwasher?
To optimally disinfect your sponge in the dishwasher and rid it of bacteria, no effort is required. You just have to integrate it with the dirty dishes and activate the usual rinse cycle at 140° followed by drying. In this way, your sponge and your dishes will remain spotless. Two birds with one stone!
If the device competes with the best tricks of grandmother to clean the sponges and prolong their life, it is because the dishwasher is able to rid the sponge of germs through a thorough disinfection. In addition, a rinse cycle of the machine rinses out the moisture accumulated in the rinsing sponge. With this little trick, you’ll buy rinsing sponges less often and save a lot of money in the long run.
Extra tip: Be sure to soak your sponge in vinegar water after use. Fill a bowl ¾ full of an equal amount of water and white vinegar to sanitize it daily. Rinse the rinsing sponge carefully with lukewarm water and let it air dry.
Disinfect a sponge in the microwave oven
Yes, you read correctly! The microwave is particularly effective in cleaning sponges as in the dishwasher, because it can remove 99.9% of germs. To do this:
- Soak the sponge with a little soapy water.
- Put the wet sponge into the microwave oven
- Activate the high power of the device
- Let it heat up for 1 minute. Your sponge is perfect!
Why put a sponge in the washing machine?
To prevent the proliferation of germs and bacteria, the washing machine is another device that can help you. As with the dishwasher, all you have to do is place the sponge in the drum of your washing machine and then start washing at a high temperature. Again, your sponge will benefit from optimal cleaning!
How to prevent sponges from smelling bad? Other methods for cleaning sponges
It’s no secret to constantly guarantee clean sponges that never smell bad. To avoid this, it is enough to clean them regularly and the technique of the dishwasher is just at the right time. If you want to wash them manually, the solution of white vinegar mentioned above is a very good alternative. Do you prefer to take a classic approach and do without the dishwasher, the washing machine or even the microwave? This natural method answers the call perfectly!
The baking soda vinegar method
While white vinegar kills bacteria, baking soda absorbs odors. To use it and disinfect your sponge, it couldn’t be easier:
- Make sure your sponge is dry beforehand and therefore wrung out
- Apply a generous amount of baking soda to the soft side of the sponge, if you have a sponge with a rough side
- Dip the sponge, baking soda side up, into a small bowl of white vinegar , so that it is completely covered. Note that it should not be submerged either. Wait a few minutes and then rinse your sponge. It will be clean and disinfected!
With all these methods, you won’t have to buy as many rinsing sponges, so you’ll spend less than before!
