Stop leaving your kitchen sponge wet
How to clean a kitchen sponge
Rinse out food, wring the sponge hard after every use and stand it up to dry. Once a week run it through a hot dishwasher cycle, and replace it every 1-2 weeks or as soon as it smells.
Don't microwave a sponge: a dry sponge or one with metal fibres can catch fire. Washing-up liquid only, never mix cleaners, and keep a separate sponge for raw meat spills.
Never mix cleaning products. Bleach plus ammonia, vinegar or other acids releases toxic gases. Use one product at a time, rinse between them, ventilate, and unplug appliances before you clean them.
Part of: Printable weekly cleaning checklist · Kitchen deep clean in 30 minutes
Step by step
- Rinse food bits out under hot running water
- Wring it out hard after every use
- Stand it on its edge or in a drainer so it dries, never in a puddle by the sink
- Once a week, put it on the top rack of a hot dishwasher cycle
- Replace it every 1-2 weeks, or straight away if it still smells
Watch it in 30 seconds
FAQ
How to clean a kitchen sponge?
Rinse out food, wring the sponge hard after every use and stand it up to dry. Once a week run it through a hot dishwasher cycle, and replace it every 1-2 weeks or as soon as it smells.
What are the steps to clean a kitchen sponge?
1. Rinse food bits out under hot running water. 2. Wring it out hard after every use. 3. Stand it on its edge or in a drainer so it dries, never in a puddle by the sink. 4. Once a week, put it on the top rack of a hot dishwasher cycle. 5. Replace it every 1-2 weeks, or straight away if it still smells.
Is it safe to clean a kitchen sponge at home?
Yes, with care. Don't microwave a sponge: a dry sponge or one with metal fibres can catch fire. Washing-up liquid only, never mix cleaners, and keep a separate sponge for raw meat spills. Never mix cleaning products. Bleach plus ammonia, vinegar or other acids releases toxic gases. Use one product at a time, rinse between them, ventilate, and unplug appliances before you clean them.