How to store a dish sponge so it doesn't stink: useful tips

Sometimes you walk into the kitchen and everything seems to be shiny, but you still smell an unpleasant, musty odour. It can be caused by such a household item as a dishwashing sponge. When it comes into contact with food residues and warm water, it becomes an ideal breeding ground for bacteria, including pathogens, which are the source of the unpleasant smell.

But is there a way to prevent this? As OBOZREVATEL found out, there is. And it is quite simple. You just need to provide the sponge with proper care and free access to air so that it dries well.

Where to store sponges properly

Usually, sponges are stored in the same place where they are used - near the kitchen sink. But this is where they can create a breeding ground for bacteria. To store your sponge properly, wring it out well after use. The less moisture that remains in its porous structure, the better.

Simply placing the sponge on the countertop or on the bottom of the sink is a mistake. It will not dry well. Also, do not store it in cabinets and drawers. Air access will be limited there.

The ideal option for a sponge is a hanging basket that is mounted on a wall, open shelf or on the edge of the sink. This way, the tool will dry evenly from all sides and will not become a breeding ground for germs.

How to disinfect kitchen sponges

To avoid worrying about sponges smelling, you should disinfect them from time to time. You can do this, for example, with a solution of chlorine bleach. Dissolve a quarter cup of the product in a litre of water and put the sponge in it for 5 minutes. Then wring it out and hang it up to dry. Ideally, somewhere in an open sunny area. Ultraviolet light will provide additional disinfection.

You can also soak the sponge in boiling water for 5 minutes. Boiling water also kills many bacteria.

Another effective way to kill germs on sponges is to heat them in the microwave. Simply place the wet sponge in the appliance's chamber and switch it on for 1-2 minutes at maximum power. The instrument should be treated in this way 2-3 times a week.

Earlier, OBOZREVATEL told how to clean the dirtiest things in the kitchen.

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