Do you have smelly sponges? Don’t toss them out! Let me show you how to clean a smelly sponge easily!
A cleaning sponge is a small, porous block of material that is used to clean, polish, and scrub various surfaces. It may be used to clean dishes, bathtubs, sinks, countertops, and other surfaces.
Cleaning sponges are made from many different materials, including cellulose-based sponges such as kitchen sponges, and cellulose foam sponges such as bathroom sponges.
The common material for cleaning sponges is cellulose-based, but there are also synthetic cleaning sponges made from polyurethane or silicone rubber.
A stinky sponge is an unhealthy item to keep in your kitchen. It can also be difficult to get rid of the odor, especially if it has been lying in the sink for a few days. Fortunately, there are numerous methods for eliminating that unpleasant odor.
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Why do you need to clean a smelly sponge?
Sponges are a great option for cleaning your counters, but they can be a breeding ground for bacteria.
When you use a sponge that has been left in water for an extended period of time, it can become covered with mold and mildew.
These organisms can cause respiratory problems and even illness if you inhale them, so it’s important to make sure that your sponges stay clean.
A stinky sponge usually means that you aren’t washing it well enough or often enough.
If you find yourself using an old sponge for an extended period of time without giving it a thorough cleaning, then chances are good that mold and mildew have started growing on its surface.
How to clean a smelly sponge
1. Baking soda
Baking soda is an effective way to clean your home, and it can also help eliminate odors in sponges.
The mild abrasive material will absorb any lingering smells and soften up any caked-on food residue.
To clean the smelly sponge, fill a container with 500 ml of water and add 2 tablespoons of baking soda.
Mix them until the solution dissolves completely. Then, soak your dirty sponge in the mixture for 30 minutes.
Take your sponge out and rinse the sponge under warm water. Squeeze it to remove any residue and let it air dry on a dish rack or paper towel.
You can also use baking soda to neutralize the urine smell in bathroom!
2. Vinegar
Vinegar is a great way to kill off germs and odors in your sponge. Because vinegar is an acid, it breaks down the bacteria that make our sponges smell so bad!
You can use vinegar to clean a smelly sponge by mixing equal parts water and vinegar in a container. Then, soak your sponge in this mixture for one hour.
After that, wring out excess water and then rinse with more warm water before drying it on the countertop rack.
You can also use vinegar to clean plastic bathtub!
3. Bleach
Bleach is an excellent sanitizer and deodorizer. It’s also safe for sponges made from all types of sponge materials.
Because bleach can irritate your eyes and skin, you must wear rubber gloves or eye protection when working with it.
To get rid of a smelly sponge, mix 1/2 cup bleach with 2 liters of warm water and soak the sponge for about 20 minutes.
Then, rinse the sponge under running water and let it dry.
4. Lemon water
Lemon juice is a natural disinfectant, so it helps to kill any bacteria that might be lingering on your sponge. Plus, it leaves your sponge smelling fresh!
The acidity of the lemon will break down any bacteria that has built up in the sponge.
To clean your smelly sponge, place it in a bowl and pour hot water over it to help loosen any food particles that are stuck.
Then, squeeze the lemon over the sponge and soak it for 30 minutes.
Rinse out the sponge with cold water and dry it with a dish towel or paper towel.
5. Put it in the microwave for 2 minutes
If your sponge smells like mildew and you can’t get rid of it, microwaving the object will kill bacteria.
Put the smelly sponge in the microwave and set it up for 2 minutes.
The heat will kill off any bacteria and the steam will help loosen up any gunk that’s stuck on there.
How to keep your sponge clean and fresh
These easy tips will help you keep them clean, fresh, and odor free.
1. Store it in a dry place
Always store your sponge in a dry place, such as a kitchen drawer or a cupboard to keep it fresh and clean.
If you have more than one sponge, make sure that they are not touching each other directly.
Also, don’t leave them next to other damp items such as washing up liquid bottles or sponges that have previously been used to clean up food.
When you’re done with the sponge, place it in a dish rack to air dry. If you leave your sponge in the sink or on the countertop, it will get damp and mildewy.
2. Wash your sponge at least once a week
To keep your sponge clean and fresh, wash your sponge at least once a week.
Regularly cleaning your sponges will help prevent the spread of germs and bacteria.
3. Rinse under running water
Rinsing the sponge under running water makes it clean to use. Also, always squeeze out excess water and allow it to air-dry on a clean surface.
Conclusion
We use sponges for everything from scrubbing dishes to washing our hands and even applying makeup. Because we use them so often, they can get dirty quickly. That’s why we need to know how to clean a sponge properly.
- Baking soda
- Vinegar
- Bleach
- Lemon water
- Put it in the microwave for 2 minutes
If you like cleaning, you can also read my tips to clean dish rack with vinegar!
