Germ Killin' Machine

Andrea Karim — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 22:33:11 +0000

Guarding against germs doesn't have to be a chemical-filled experience. To get rid of germs in your kitchen sponge (and there ARE germs in you kitchen sponge), do the following:

Soak the sponge with water (this is key - not doing so poses a significant fire risk).
Place the sponge on a microwave-safe plate.
Stick it in the microwave on HIGH for 2 minutes.
Don't even TRY to pick it up with your fingers. Use a pair of tongs to remove it from the microwave and leave it to cool or soak it in cold water before using.

*Make sure the sponge doesn't contain metal, even though lots of modern microwaves don't mind metal.*

If nuking the sponge kind of creeps you out or creates so nasty smells (if it does, stop the heating immediately), try boiling it in a little clean water instead. I don't keep a sponge for more than three weeks anyway, but I boil it at least twice a week to kill germs.

AND I use a different sponge for my dogs' dishes.

(Photo by dalasie)

Written by Andrea Karim and published on Wise Bread. Read more articles from Wise Bread.