A common kitchen item could be more unsanitary than your toilet, according to cleaning expert Beca, who shared a simple method to disinfect sponges using bleach. Many people overlook cleaning their sponges, which can harbour bacteria despite being soaked in soapy water.
Beca, who posts cleaning tips on Instagram, explained that sponges used for scrubbing dishes, wiping surfaces, and cleaning appliances can accumulate invisible germs. She recommends sanitising them weekly, or immediately after contact with raw meat or toilet cleaning.
To sanitise, first clean your sink and rinse the sponges. Fill the sink with one gallon (about 3.8 litres) of room temperature water and add 3/4 cup (approximately 177ml) of bleach. Submerge the sponges, squeezing them to absorb the solution. Let them soak for two and a half minutes, flip, then soak for another two and a half minutes. Drain, rinse thoroughly, and air dry.
Viewers expressed surprise at the need to sanitise sponges, with one admitting: 'I'm 26 years old and just learnt today that you're supposed to sanitise your sponges.' Beca advises replacing sponges every one to two weeks and always squeezing them dry to prevent mould.
