Saving sponges

**hazystargazer** · 03-11-2009, 08:32 PM

I've heard you can make sponges last longer by wetting them and sticking them in the microwave. True or false? What about the ones that have the one scrubby side? I don't want to start a fire!

Oh, and will nuking a sponge get rid its nasty smells?

**mauimagic** · 03-11-2009, 08:48 PM

Nicole - mahalo for starting this thread. Not that I have the answers - would like to know. I have been meaning to bring the scrubbies that I knit out of nylon net and the dishcloths that I knit out of cotton thread to work to replace the sponges there!!

**Thevail** · 03-11-2009, 09:08 PM

I don't think I'd put anything plastic in the microwave..so probably not the scrubby ones.

I put mine in the dishwasher they come out nice and clean.

Someone said that you can put a packet of lemon kool-aid in your dishwasher to help clean and "un-smelly" it. Why not try it and put the sponges in.The worst that would happen is that it'll smell like lemons...

**dcompton** · 03-11-2009, 09:52 PM

When I have used some water with bleach in it, I throw them in that for a bit. I figure it massacres the evil beasties living in them (that, despite all the dire scientific predictions haven't killed me yet) and gets out any odor. The bleachy smell seems to go away the next time they're used. If the bleach solution is really strong it can be hard on them, but sponges aren't intended to be forever.

**old_lady_in_the_shoe** · 03-11-2009, 10:44 PM

A new study shows zapping sponges and plastic scrubbing pads in the microwave can kill bacteria, such as E. coli, that can cause illness.

"Basically, what we find is that we could knock out most bacteria in two minutes," says researcher Gabriel Bitton, professor of environmental engineering at the University of Florida, in a news release. "People often put their sponges and scrubbers in the dishwasher, but if they really want to decontaminate them and not just clean them, they should use the microwave."

Before you zap your sponges in the microwave, researchers offer the following advice:

1.Microwave only sponges or plastic scrubbers that do not contain steel or other metals.
2.Make sure the sponge or scrubber is wet, not dry.
3.Two minutes should be enough to kill most disease-causing germs.
4.Be careful in removing the sponge from the microwave because it will be hot and should not be handled immediately after zapping

**mamamia** · 03-12-2009, 02:38 AM

Yes, I put plastic scrubbies in the microwave. I didn't enjoy the smell it caused though.

Now I put them in the sink with a couple of inches of hot water and a little bleach. Another thing I stick in that water is my used paper towels (if still good). I let them dry, and then recycle them to cleaning the toilets (3 males in the house), and for messy spill overs on the stove and burners. Then I throw them out. Wow! I really AM cheap...LOL!

I also put sponges in my dishwasher. Read that that'll sanitize them too. No smell, but you do have to wring them out.

Theresa

**Thevail** · 03-12-2009, 02:43 AM

I wonder if you could make sponges go twice as far just by cutting them in half?

I think I'll try that.

**Momto2Boyz** · 03-12-2009, 09:50 AM

I have always cut my bathroom sponges in half...the ones I use to clean up the bathroom counter and bathtub.

I get a bit of boiling water, add a couple drops of bleach, turn off the burner and pop the sponge in for a minute. My sponges last me forever!

**spyzvixxen** · 03-12-2009, 12:12 PM

I also cut my green scrubbies in half. As far as sponges, I don't sanitize them though I probably should.

**rainbowgc** · 03-12-2009, 01:06 PM

I microwave mine (scrubbie side) and have had no problems

**Nishu** · 03-12-2009, 01:09 PM

I just throw mine in the laundry with my whites or sometimes I throw them in the dishwasher. They get sanitized either way and the advantage of putting them through the laundry is that they come out the other end dry. I lose them before they die on me.