You're probably using your sponge way past its expiration date. Here's when to get rid of it.
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Nobody likes doing dishes. It's one of the most tedious and thankless tasks in the world, and it's even worse when you have to do them by hand because your dishwasher is on the fritz.
But after cooking a big meal or hosting a dinner party, there's just no getting around it – those dishes aren't going to wash themselves! And as much as we all hate doing them, we also know that cleanliness is important for both our physical and mental health.
So we grit our teeth and get to work, knowing that at least when we're finished, everything will be sparkling clean – including the trusty sponge that helped us accomplish the task. Except... what if it isn't? What if instead of being our helpful ally, our sponge is actually working against us? What if it's full of bacteria just waiting to make us sick?
Yikes! We don't even want to think about it. But alas, this grim reality is something we must face because apparently, most of us are using sponges way past their expiration date without even realising it. Gross!
Is your kitchen sponge feeling a little neglected or overworked? Source: OpenAI
The Spruce asked Jeri Fritz of Highland Park Housekeeping how often her teams replace sponges. According to Jeri, there are four indications that your sponge requires substitution.
The sponge is visibly discoloured or stained
In most cases, an aged sponge becomes visibly stained. Stains that result from washing dishes or cleaning up messes ought to wash out easily. If a sponge keeps stains even after being properly rinsed, then it's time to get a fresh one.
The sponge has a nasty smell
Even if a sponge appears to be in good shape, you can tell that it's aged by the scent. If you detect a vile smell from your sponge, throw it away immediately and replace it because the smell is probably due to nasties like bacteria or mould. A new sponge will keep your kitchen smelling fresh – and that means your guests can safely eat from the forks you scrub with a clean sponge.
The sponge is falling apart or disintegrating
If you're a clean freak who loves to put in some elbow grease, your sponge might start falling apart before it shows any other signs of ageing. Using too much force or letting your sponge whittle down will only make it less effective. As an aside, if you’re wearing your sponges down to the nub, it might be time to review your cleaning products. A weak or ineffective cleaner will only make you do all the hard work.
You can't remember the last time you replaced your sponge
Sponges ultimately deteriorate over time. If you're reading this article worried about whether you've ever replaced your sponge, that's a sign it's probably time to do so.
‘Two weeks to one month is more than enough,’ Jeri says. ‘It just depends on how often you use your sponge and what you use it for. If you cook a lot and scrub pots and pans often, you'll probably have to get a new one sooner than someone who usually picks up takeout.’
How to keep your sponges in good nick for longer
If you think replacing your sponge every 2-4 weeks is excessive (we don’t blame you), we'd like to introduce you to a few tips on how to make your sponge last longer.
Got any tips for keeping your sponges in good condition? Share them with us in the comments below.
But after cooking a big meal or hosting a dinner party, there's just no getting around it – those dishes aren't going to wash themselves! And as much as we all hate doing them, we also know that cleanliness is important for both our physical and mental health.
So we grit our teeth and get to work, knowing that at least when we're finished, everything will be sparkling clean – including the trusty sponge that helped us accomplish the task. Except... what if it isn't? What if instead of being our helpful ally, our sponge is actually working against us? What if it's full of bacteria just waiting to make us sick?
Yikes! We don't even want to think about it. But alas, this grim reality is something we must face because apparently, most of us are using sponges way past their expiration date without even realising it. Gross!
Is your kitchen sponge feeling a little neglected or overworked? Source: OpenAI
The Spruce asked Jeri Fritz of Highland Park Housekeeping how often her teams replace sponges. According to Jeri, there are four indications that your sponge requires substitution.
The sponge is visibly discoloured or stained
In most cases, an aged sponge becomes visibly stained. Stains that result from washing dishes or cleaning up messes ought to wash out easily. If a sponge keeps stains even after being properly rinsed, then it's time to get a fresh one.
The sponge has a nasty smell
Even if a sponge appears to be in good shape, you can tell that it's aged by the scent. If you detect a vile smell from your sponge, throw it away immediately and replace it because the smell is probably due to nasties like bacteria or mould. A new sponge will keep your kitchen smelling fresh – and that means your guests can safely eat from the forks you scrub with a clean sponge.
The sponge is falling apart or disintegrating
If you're a clean freak who loves to put in some elbow grease, your sponge might start falling apart before it shows any other signs of ageing. Using too much force or letting your sponge whittle down will only make it less effective. As an aside, if you’re wearing your sponges down to the nub, it might be time to review your cleaning products. A weak or ineffective cleaner will only make you do all the hard work.
You can't remember the last time you replaced your sponge
Sponges ultimately deteriorate over time. If you're reading this article worried about whether you've ever replaced your sponge, that's a sign it's probably time to do so.
‘Two weeks to one month is more than enough,’ Jeri says. ‘It just depends on how often you use your sponge and what you use it for. If you cook a lot and scrub pots and pans often, you'll probably have to get a new one sooner than someone who usually picks up takeout.’
How to keep your sponges in good nick for longer
If you think replacing your sponge every 2-4 weeks is excessive (we don’t blame you), we'd like to introduce you to a few tips on how to make your sponge last longer.
- Try not to leave it in the sink or tucked away into a cleaning caddy. Sponges, like any other fabric, need air to breathe or they will end up with mildew and mould after only a few uses. To save money and improve your sponge's lifespan, buy a sponge bag that hangs on the side of your sink and allows your sponge to dry quickly after use.
- Make sure to always select the most appropriate sponge for the job. If you're cleaning a grimy frying pan, use a tough scrubbing sponge instead of a soft sponge. This will prevent you from wearing the sponge down too quickly.|
- Instead of rinsing your sponge in the sink and leaving it, rinse and wring it out thoroughly. This will allow the sponge to dry thoroughly, which will help it last longer.
Got any tips for keeping your sponges in good condition? Share them with us in the comments below.
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