Bacteria in Sponges?

Sponges get a bad rap...bacteria grows in them...etc..So if you can wash you hands with antibacterial soap and be free of bacteria...wouldn't the same principle apply to squirting soap on the the sponge and sudsing it up? Why the big deal about having a sponge on your sink? I think this country is getting too "germaphobic".

Bacteria in Sponges?
I think you're right about the germaphobic part. I would stress the microwave after using it to clean up after meat.
Reply:the best way to clean a sponge is to get it wet and microwave it till it is giving off steam.


also antibacterial soap is bad, regular soap works just as well and does not develop drug resistant versions that can kill you.
Reply:Yes, we are too germaphobic. However, if you're wiping up anything that might transfer serious illness (raw meat, etc.), better safe than sorry.





As far as hands, it's probably healthier to not use anti-bacterial soap. Our bodies use the small amounts of germs to create antibodies, and regular soap works just fine.
Reply:the reason everyone in this country seems to be getting sicker these days is because they rely on antibacterial hand gels and anti microbial soaps. when you use these products everyday all it does is make the germs become immune and therefore the bacteria gets worse. i dont believe in antimicrobial this and antibacterial that. good old fashion soap and water to wash your hands is fine. as for the sponge... nuke it in the microwave for a few seconds when you are done to dry it out quickly will make it last longer and not smell. and just so you know...my sponge lays in the sink when i'm not using it, and i am just fine.
Reply:I just toss mine about once a month. They can get pretty gross! You know, now a days, we have more helpful knowledge because modern science makes it so and i think we should pay attention especially in this instance.
Reply:Microwave it, this kills 99.9% of all bacteria and germs.
Reply:Let it air dry after every use. I would frequently replace them. Sponges are cheap you can buy for less than 3 dlrs so why not stock them up.
Reply:bacteria in sponges (and mold) is nasty


put in top of dishwasher or throw away...they are cheap


better yet...use paper towels


antibacterial soap...kills (?) germs but does not get the hands clean...just use it on the hands of a 5 yr old straight from the playground...the dirt just gets rubbed around!


drop antibacterial soap on a waxed floor and it will burn off the wax/polish...why would you want to use floor wax stripper on your hands?


no this country is not too germaphobic...better safe than sorry and why take the risk when it is too easy to be clean?


clean is good!
Reply:yes they are... what in the hell did people way back when do about germs? nothing!!! haha! who cares about germs on your sponge? just change em out once in a while!
Reply:I also think you have to "eat a speck of dirt in your life" as my Grandmother would say. We have become way to stressed out over cleaning. I've switched to Norwex, cleaning without chemicals, I'm happier, less stressed, spend less money and have all but eliminated the dirty sponges, who by the way don't want to be clean. The microfiber cloth, note: one cloth, is part silver, an antimicrobial, it doesn't get smelly, cleans everything and keeps me and my environment happy. Don't get me wrong, germs will hurt you and smell up your green space but there is a better way than becoming germaphobic. So toss the sponge, go microfiber, be happy.