I buy Scotch Brite scouring pads in in a big block from Sam’s Club. We call them “scrubbies.” They work great and last for weeks! But they can get kinda stanky.
So, I throw them into the top rack of the dishwasher every once in a while!
I don’t use sponges, but this should work for them also!
Tina’s comment prompted a little research:
“The results showed that two minutes in the microwave at full power killed or inactivated more than 99% of all the living germs and the bacterial spores in the sponges and pads, including E. coli.
After an additional two minutes — a total of four — none of the bacterial spores survived.
Before you zap your sponges in the microwave, researchers offer the following advice:
* Microwave only sponges or plastic scrubbers that do not contain steel or other metals.
* Make sure the sponge or scrubber is wet, not dry.
* Two minutes should be enough to kill most disease-causing germs.
* Be careful in removing the sponge from the microwave because it will be hot and should not be handled immediately after zapping.Bitton recommends that people microwave their sponges according to how often they cook, with every other day being a good rule of thumb.”
Thanks for the idea Tina! (See Tina’s comment below for a link to the original article.)
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I just discovered these a few months ago when doing dishes at our church. What a money saver!! We’d been buying SOS pads instead. And we do our sponges in the microwave for a minute and then in the dishwasher. Kills germs AND cleans!
This is great. I don’t use sponges though. Just not in the habit. I do use a dish brush and I toss it in the dishwasher every day or two, or when it really needs a good cleaning.
I have been using a Scrub Bud from Amway, but alas I am no longer with them and they are too pricey anyway. Good, really wonderful great, but pricey. This went in the dishwasher too.
Thanks for the research. You have done an awesome job with teaching us with this tip.
Shari
Great idea with the sponges! Thanks for the tip!
I also read your devotional post on fear. I think everyone struggles with fear in some area of their lives. My son also developed a terrible fear of storms after a tornado destroyed many homes in our town. Sadly, several people lost their lives. This was some years ago, but his fear remains.
I recently posted on my blog about God’s provision for one of my worst fears – the fear of water! If you have a minute to read it, you might can identify.
http://mealplanningwithconnie.blogspot.com/2009/07/review-and-recipes-fish-suppers.html
Oh, I do hope your surgery went well!!
Many blessings!