Did you know that it is possible to put your sponge in the dishwasher? If this seems surprising to you, it is quite normal since the practice is not so common. The reason behind this gesture is precise and that is what we will discover!
The practice seems quite unusual at first sight, we gladly grant you that. But in truth, it’s a simple way to save money. We explain how…
Sponge and dishes – Source: spm
Why put your sponges in the dishwasher?
As the cost of living rises, many are struggling and trying to find the most ingenious money-saving tricks. The current context therefore encourages us to tackle the problem head on to have more than one string to our bow! This necessarily involves changing our consumption habits and allows objects and appliances in the home to last as long as possible. Well imagine that the sponges too!
Read also: Don’t throw away your old dish sponges: they can protect and grow your plants
Dishwasher – Source: spm
A sponge collects a large amount of bacteria and mold from being used and absorb water. If in addition to that, we do not get into the habit of disinfecting it, it exposes the dishes to germs.
But if it is advisable to replace it once every two weeks, it is however possible to prolong its life by a few days, to keep it even longer and therefore save money ! And that’s exactly what you can do with a dishwasher.
How to clean and disinfect the sponge in the dishwasher?
To ensure optimal disinfection of your sponge in the dishwasher and rid it of bacteria, there is no effort required. You just have to integrate it with the dirty dishes and activate the usual washing cycle at 60° accompanied by drying. This way, your sponge and your dishes are spotless. Two birds with one stone !
If the device competes with the best tricks of grandmother to clean the sponges and extend their life, it is because the dishwasher is able to free the sponge from germs by disinfecting it in depth. Moreover, a washing cycle of the appliance removes the humidity accumulated in the dish sponge.
With this little trick, you will buy dish sponges less often and save a lot of money in the long run.
Extra tip: After using your sponge, be sure to soak it in vinegar water. Fill a bowl ¾ full with the same proportion of water and white vinegar to disinfect it daily. Gently rinse the dish sponge with lukewarm water and let air dry
Disinfect a sponge in the microwave
Sponge placed in the microwave – Source: spm
Yes yes you read correctly! The microwave is particularly effective in cleaning sponges like the dishwasher since it can eliminate 99.9% of germs. For that :
- Impregnate the sponge with a little soapy water
- Place the wet sponge in the microwave
- Activate the high power of the device
- Let heat for 1 minute. Your sponge is impeccable!
Why put a sponge in the washing machine?
Always to avoid the proliferation of germs and bacteria, the washing machine is another device that can help you. As in the case of the dishwasher, you do not have just place the sponge in the drum of your washing machine and then start washing at high temperature. Again, your sponge will benefit from optimal cleaning!
There’s no secret to guaranteeing constantly clean sponges that never smell bad. To avoid this, just clean them regularly and the technique of the dishwasher comes just at the right time. If you want to wash them manually, the white vinegar solution mentioned above is a very good alternative.
Do you prefer to play it classic and do without the dishwasher, the washing machine or even the microwave? This natural method answers the call perfectly!
Read also: The toilets stay clean and smell good when you flush this powder down the toilet
The Baking Soda and Vinegar Method
While white vinegar kills bacteria, baking soda absorbs odors. To use them and disinfect your sponge, nothing could be simpler:
- Make sure your sponge is dry and therefore wrung out beforehand
- Apply a generous amount of baking soda to the soft side of the sponge in case you have a sponge with a rough side
- Dip the sponge in a small bowl of White vinegar so that it is completely covered, soda side up. Note that it should not be submerged either. Wait a few minutes then rinse your sponge. It will be clean and disinfected!
With all these methods, you won’t have to buy so many dishwashing sponges and therefore you will spend less than before!
Read also: The genius trick for cleaning a dirty and encrusted oven: it becomes shiny clean again
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