Disinfecting Kitchen Sponges: 5 Excellent Tricks

It is important to disinfect kitchen fungi, but some people do not do it regularly. While this may not be obvious, kitchen fungi are full of potentially harmful microorganisms. Discover more tricks to disinfect them in this article.

Do you know why it is important to disinfect kitchen sponges regularly?

Kitchen fungi can become infested with harmful bacteria and microorganisms as they are used for many cleaning tasks. In fact, some studies have shown that mushrooms are one of the most contaminated household items, even more so than bathrooms.

Why is that just it?

Moisture and food waste in fungi create an environment that promotes the spread of many pathogens.

Therefore, it is important to learn different methods you can use to disinfect them, preferably after each and every use. In this article, you will discover five tricks to disinfect kitchen fungi.

Therefore, you should disinfect kitchen fungi

Kitchen sponges are used for washing and other cleaning. Due to the material they are made of, they easily release grease and food waste that sticks to the plates.

They are very dirty because the moisture and microfibers of which they are made are perfect homes for various bacteria such as E. coli, salmonella or campylocacter . They spread much faster in this environment and can survive for up to two weeks.

When you use them to wash dishes, many of these microorganisms can spread in various utensils, increasing the risk of infection.

Fortunately, all you have to do is replace them regularly or use a remedy to keep them clean.

Tricks to disinfect kitchen fungi

Although disinfection methods for kitchen fungi are quite useful, you still need to replace them about twice a month. Although they may look good on the outside, they may contain harmful debris and bacteria on the inside. Here are five solutions for disinfecting kitchen sponges.

1. Clear vinegar is good for disinfecting kitchen sponges

This product produces an acidic pH that favors the elimination of many bacteria and wastes.

Clear vinegar is one of the best natural products for disinfecting kitchen fungi. Due to its concentration of organic acids, it changes the environment that the microorganisms need to be able to live. In addition, it eliminates odors and grease.

Course of action

• First boil 1.5 dl of water.
• Then pour in 1.5 dl clear vinegar.
• Then put the mushroom in the mixture for approx. 20 minutes.
• Twist it to help remove dirt.
• Rinse the sponge with soap and water if you find it necessary.

2. Liquid dishwashing detergent gives good results when you try to disinfect kitchen sponges

Liquid soap can disinfect fungi due to its properties. But for a deeper cleaning, it is best to combine it with boiling water.

This is what you have to do

• Dissolve a teaspoon of liquid soap in a bowl of boiling water to begin with.
• Then put the sponge in the mixture (be careful not to burn yourself).
• Rinse and remove any residue after approx. 20 minutes.

The microwave is a good way to kill bacteria because it can reach high temperatures

This machine can be used to disinfect kitchen fungi due to the temperatures it reaches.

Microwaves help eliminate pathogens in kitchen fungi. High temperatures alter their characteristic humid environment and therefore prevent microorganisms from living.

This is what you have to do

• Be aware first that some sponges are made from synthetic materials that can melt when exposed to high temperatures. Therefore, before using this method, it is best to put the kitchen sponge in a bowl of water and vinegar.
• Then put the dish in the microwave for two minutes.
• If your fungus smelled bad or musty, this method will remove any odor immediately.

Be careful when taking the bowl out of the microwave as you may burn yourself.

4. Lemon juice is not the most powerful disinfectant, but it is a good alternative

Although it is not the most powerful disinfectant, lemon juice is a good alternative when there are no other options. Lemon juice is a natural antibacterial agent that can help disinfect surfaces and objects.

Use it if you notice that your kitchen sponges are dirty or smelly.

This is what you have to do

• Squeeze the juice from several lemons and pour it into hot water.
• Then put your mushrooms in the mixture for 20 minutes.
• Rinse them afterwards with cold water and liquid soap.

5. Essential tea tree oil has antimicrobial properties

Due to its antimicrobial properties, tea tree can help control bacterial growth.

Although this ingredient is known for its therapeutic uses, it is a great way to remove microorganisms on various surfaces. It can even eliminate bad odors.

This is what you have to do

• First, add 15 to 20 drops of essential tea tree oil to a cup of boiling water.
• Put the mushroom in the mixture for 20 minutes.
• Then rinse and twist the sponge to remove residue. If you notice that it still looks dirty, clean it with soap.

Now that you know how important it is to disinfect kitchen fungi, do not hesitate to use one of the disinfection methods we mentioned in this article today!