How often do you replace your sponges?

newmom1987

Sat, Dec 06 2014, 7:09 pm

I keep my sponges in those suction-cup baskets, so they should be drying, but they still get that icky sponge smell within days. It's driving me crazy.
How often are you supposed to replace sponges? Is there a way to make them last longer?

ra_mom

Sat, Dec 06 2014, 7:17 pm

I hate sponges. I use disposable products and pull out my cleaning brushes and rags when needed.

amother

Sat, Dec 06 2014, 7:42 pm

I have washable ones. they are great! they come in pink blue and yellow. I get them in my jewish supermarket, so I think they are a jewish brand. when they dont seem "fresh" I just throw the in a load and dryer too! one of my best discoveries:) it called the miracle sponge

granolamom

Sat, Dec 06 2014, 7:57 pm

I use cotton dishcloths. I'll use on for a day and throw it in the wash. unless its used for something that came in contact with raw meat, then it goes right in the laundry. It took me a while to get used to dishcloths but now the thought of dirty sponges really makes me queasy.

imasinger

Sat, Dec 06 2014, 8:14 pm

You can throw sponges in dishwashers or in washing machines.

I wash them when they need, and toss them when they start to fall apart.

mommyla

Sat, Dec 06 2014, 8:26 pm

Sprinkle them with baking soda to get rid of the smell. Also, you can put some lemon juice on them and microwave them for 30 seconds (as long as there's no metal in them!).

amother

Sat, Dec 06 2014, 9:19 pm

amother wrote:

is this it? http://www.amazon.com/Ultra-Mi.....onges
doesn't say that they can go in the washing machine

amother

Sat, Dec 06 2014, 9:59 pm

amother wrote:

is this it? http://www.amazon.com/Ultra-Mi.....onges
doesn't say that they can go in the washing machine

yup! look again says machine washable and dryer safe..

mandr

Sat, Dec 06 2014, 10:11 pm

Sponges are unsafe way before they smell yucky.

Sponges need to be cleaned every day you use them. You can microwave it for a minute or put it in the dishwasher with a drying cycle. Or disinfect with a solution of 1/4-1/2 tsp concentrated bleach to 1 qt warm water, and soak for a minute.

See http://homefoodsafety.org/wash.....afety

Learning

Sat, Dec 06 2014, 10:46 pm

amother wrote:

is this it? http://www.amazon.com/Ultra-Mi.....onges
doesn't say that they can go in the washing machine

I just ordered these sponges on Amazon. Thanks for the link.

frummy613

Sat, Dec 06 2014, 11:34 pm

wow this is fascinating to me!

dr. pepper

Sat, Dec 06 2014, 11:49 pm

Rosh Chodesh I throw out the old and use new ones.

2gether

Sun, Dec 07 2014, 8:39 am

newmom1987 wrote:

I keep my sponges in those suction-cup baskets, so they should be drying?... Is there a way to make them last longer?

the trick to keep them fresh is to squeeze out the water after each use.

Smile1234

Sun, Dec 07 2014, 8:47 am

2gether wrote:

the trick to keep them fresh is to squeeze out the water after each use.

Not only the water, but all the soap and water. Rinse and squeeze rinse and squeeze a few times till it comes out clean. It really makes a difference. My sponges use to start smelling after very short until we started doing this...

Sara255

Sun, Dec 07 2014, 11:24 am

I replace every Friday.
I also have a Scrub Daddy which you can use for 2-3 months if you clean it properly. It's really good.

Ruchel

Sun, Dec 07 2014, 2:29 pm

OMG some people replace every month??

coconutbutter

Sun, Dec 07 2014, 2:47 pm

I was also always trying to come up with new ways to keep my sponges fresh but they were always smelly so I started using only scotch brite scouring pads.

ectomorph

Sun, Dec 07 2014, 2:55 pm

My mother told me to replace them every month.

I must confess that I am lucky if they get replaced once every 6 months.