The kitchen sponge may be one of the most frequently used household tools, but health experts say it also harbors a host of germs. NBC 7’s Consumer Bob reports.
Betsy Landry and her kitchen are bouncing back after a huge Thanksgiving Day feast. But her dish sponge is worse for the wear.
"I'm sure there are a lot of germs on it but I don't think much about it," said Landry.
She says she usually uses her sponge until it looks "scrungy" then she throws it away.
The sponge is critical in many households to keep things clean. However, on the other hand, it is often criticized for being the dirtiest item in the house.
One health expert says the kitchen sponge has far more bacteria than a toilet seat.
So what can people do about their sponge? Here are some suggestions:
1) Replace your sponge every other week.
Local
2) Wash your sponge after every use with an antibacterial soap and let it dry.
3) Microwave a wet sponge for 60 seconds.
4) Put your sponge in the dishwasher when you do a load of dishes with the "heated dry" selected.
5) Soak your sponge in lemon juice, vinegar or a solution of 10% chlorine beach.
