Is It Time To Change Your Sponge?

We are all super focused on killing gems and viruses these days. So when was the last time you changed your kitchen sponge?

What are the rules for throwing out that sponge? Well, experts say throw out the old one and replace it every one to two weeks. When you hear the details of why, you'll run to the sink to do it.

Here are the reasons why experts say it's good to replace that sponge sooner rather than later, according to The Healthy...

Germier than what? A study shows that kitchen sponges are actually germier than your toilet bowl.

362 reasons...experts say there are 362 different types of bacteria in your sponge.

5 trillion more reasons...studies have identified 5.5 trillion microscopic bugs per kitchen sponge.

So, what's in that sponge? It could be bacteria, fungi, protozoa, algae, archaea and viruses, but the experts say mostly bacteria.

So, the next question becomes, 'Can you clean the sponge'? Good question since hopping in the car to go get a new pack of sponges is a lot more complicated than it used to be.The answer is yes. Here are two ways, according to the article...

Washing machine...You can put it in the washing machine (140 degrees) with a heavy duty detergent that contains bleach.

The microwave...Load the sponge with dish soap and flush it out with running water. Then put it in the microwave for two minutes. Do not put a dry sponge in the microwave. It could cause a fire!

And here's another hint. The dryer the sponge the less bacteria likes it, so squeeze it as dry as you can before placing it in the holder.

There you go. The details on caring for your kitchen sponge. Because we have nothing else to worry about.