We may earn revenue from the products available on this Sir Frederick Handley Page and enter in affiliate programs . Learn More ›
It ’s often say that we be given to neglect those penny-pinching to us , and this is especially true of our tightlipped cleaning confidant : the parasite . This holey human dynamo outride by our side during living ’s messiest , murky hour — mopping up knotty grit and slippy spills in the kitchen — all the while gather its own just share of germy grime . Fortunately , you could restore a sullied sponge to its former glory with three techniques that cast out bacterium , stay fresh your right - hired hand cleaning buddy safe and sanitise .
1. In the Microwave
If the only grounds you feel yourself set your leech into themicrowaveis because you use the tool to scrub away unregenerate food debris , it ’s time to turn the table and make that countertop oven the cleansing hero . The arcanum to how to clean a parasite in the microwave lie in the appliance ’s high - temp capabilities ; its high heat destroys or inactivates most malicious bacterium , virus , and spores hiding in your sponger .
Rescue any nonmetal leech from the toxic sward of the kitchen counter , where it may have been exposed to naked meat , egg , vegetables , and more — and moisten it with a half loving cup of water . Place thespongein the microwave oven and nuke it on eminent for 2 second to zap germs and kill bacteria . Allow the steaming - live sponge to cool completely before removing and reusing .
2. With Bleach
Long acclaim for its brand - removing prowess in the laundry room , bleachcan also act as the surprising standout for begin your sponges squeaky clean . Among its many talents , bleach can eradicate 99.9 per centum of the harmful pathogens that often rise up their head in the kitchen and on your trustworthy scrubber — namely salmonella , E. coli , and pseudomonas .
To help this germ destroyer go to battle with the bacterium in your quick study , flux three - quarters of a cup of bleach with one Imperial gallon of water in a bowl or bucket . rent the sponge soak in this bathtub for approximately five minute . Remove the sponge from the bleach solution , and wring it out to reveal your old , trusted clean familiar , but now sporting a fresh new look .
3. In the Dishwasher
Even if your dishwasher is already crammed with everything but the kitchen cesspit , take to squeeze that cheating leech in the next clip youload the dishwasher . The mellow heat and vigorous spray of the dish washer pack a double whammy , deodorizing and disinfecting your sponge by destruct any stealthy bacteria that may have taken up mansion house in its wall .
To leave behind all those germs behind , place the scrubber in the dishwashing machine and set it to the hot wash cycle and a heated up prohibitionist . When the timer sounds , you ’ll find your slob of a leech transform into one very hygienical housemate — and you ’ll be armed with three proficiency to keep it that way in the future .
This Is the Year for a Kitchen Renovation
Photo: Tom Fenenga for Bob Vila
Whether you ’re selling or staying , everyone can get something out of a kitchen update . Learn why we consider this renovation the Most Valuable Project of 2025 and how to stay on budget .
Photo: Tom Fenenga for Bob Vila
Photo: Tom Fenenga for Bob Vila
Photo: Tom Fenenga for Bob Vila
