Last but not least, the bright yellow color and smiley face make this sponge fun to use (especially for kids). Priced between three to four dollars each, this sponge has received a lot of attention. The other sponges we tested all had residue or food particles left behind, even after being rinsed for several minutes at full force. Silicone sponges aren't a perfect alternative to the standard foam or cellulose kitchen sponge — but they do have a lot of benefits. Courtesy of Ty Mecham & Rocky Luten, Credit: When deciding which sponges made the cut, it was important for us to consider which surfaces, if any, can be scratched. Wash these anti-microbial and anti-fungal options by hand with warm water and dish soap after each use and compost them when they're past the point of no return. Why you shouldn’t use a sponge The ideal way … 18 Fall Centerpieces That Will Elevate Your Table, The Perfect Thanksgiving Dinner Menu for Your Smaller Celebration, Quick, Easy, and Delicious Pasta Recipes Ideal for Weeknight Dinners, 16 of Our Best Fall Harvest Decorating Ideas for Your Home, The Best Front Porch Decorating Ideas for Every Month of the Year, How to Disinfect Your Kitchen and Your Food During the Coronavirus Outbreak, According to Experts, Your Guide to the Most Popular Fall Perennials, How to Wash Your Hands Properly, According to a Doctor, How to Plan a Beautiful, Meaningful Micro Wedding So That You Can Celebrate Your Postponed Nuptials Right Now, Six Ways to Take Care of Your Mental Health While You Work from Home, less likely to facilitate bacteria growth. Shop Now: Kuhn Rikon Silicone Scrubber, $6, williams-sonoma.com. Disinfect washing-up brushes and sponges regularly These cost about two dollars each when purchased in a value pack and are able to be washed and reused, so it’s an economic and environmentally friendly choice. A strict hygiene routine is even more important if you live in a hot, humid climate where bacteria multiply at an even faster rate. It only takes a matter of seconds to change textures. What types of surfaces. Not great. © Copyright 2020 Meredith Corporation. Removes tough, baked-on, and heavy duty messes 50 percent faster than other sponges. The study was carried out by researchers from Justus-Liebig University Giessen, Furtwangen University and the German Research Centre for Environmental Health, all in Germany. It’s no fun to switch back and forth between different types of sponges when you’re trying to clean a kitchen. With the Scrunge, you can go from one task to the next, because it rinses thoroughly clean no matter what kind of job it has just tackled. We found that in addition to the size and shape of a sponge, firmness and scrubbing power played a role in how comfortable the sponge is to use. It may not look as fresh as one right out the box, but it was still effective and fairly sturdy after a week’s use on a variety of surfaces. The best sanitizing agent is chlorine bleach. This may not be the sponge you want to use to soak up a large liquid mess, but we appreciated how quickly it dries out, making it a less hospitable environment for bacteria. A sponge is a daily cleaning tool, so if it fits awkwardly in your hand or requires a great amount of effort to scrub off food particles, you’re not going to be inclined to use it. vegetable. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. These sponges are often used when painting to create a textured look and are great for clean up, because they rinse out well and stand the test of time. All Rights Reserved. Yes, your kitchen sponge is dirty and disgusting. Remember that sponges can’t do everything. Because of this, choosing between dishcloths and sponges is really a matter of personal preference– but I do have to say, there are way cuter dishcloths than there are sponges. Hosting fewer guests this holiday season due to the coronavirus pandemic? It’s nice to know that you’re not harming the planet when you purchase a sustainably harvested natural sponge. Odor indicates the presence of bacteria, so if it starts to have a smell, make sure to toss it out immediately. The sponges are reported to be up to 20 percent more durable, and they are odor resistant up to two months, so there are no foul smells. In a test of drying time, we completely soaked and wrung out a sponge and left it out on the sink to dry. Kitchen Surfaces. When a sponge has been around since 1958, you know that countless numbers of consumers have tried, approved and continue to buy this classic product. You likely wash your hands several times a day, but are you doing so effectively? Made from wood pulp and highly porous, cellulose sponges hold water and soap for easy cleaning. The Scrunge Scrub Sponge rated high in our rinsability test, thoroughly removing the egg, cheese and other food particles. Or soy bacon, if that's how you roll. These sponges are recommended for projects like washing windows and cars, because they are soft and highly absorbent. The Scrub Daddy was the clear winner here, because it fits perfectly in the palm of your hand and can be gripped in two different ways, easing the burden on your hand and wrist since you can change positions. A kitchen sponge can be used to wash dishes or clean up messes. Martha Stewart is part of the Meredith Home Group. We found it to be quite versatile and was equally effective at removing lasagne residue from pans and insects from a car window. As it turns out, germ experts say the average kitchen sponge really is one of the dirtiest items in the home. In the bathroom, we scrubbed with cold water, letting the firm texture take off the soap scum easily. When you’re cleaning up liquid messes, absorbency becomes a critical factor of a useful sponge. MIRACLE MARKET SILICONE SPONGES WITH 100% MONEY-BACK GUARANTEE: 3 PIECES DURABLE, NON-POROUS, AND HYGIENIC SILICONE KITCHEN SCRUBBERS IN RED, YELLOW, AND GREEN + HAPPY PANCAKES E-Book ABOUT: - These hygienic silicone sponges stay fresh and clean unlike ordinary sponges and wash clothes that get stinky and dirty over time - Non-water absorbent, these tough … The quick-drying, eco-friendly, easy-to-use, and, ultimately, far more hygienic cleaning tool of choice for your dinnerware. Join our newsletter to get notified of the best products available for your home. When you think of the types of foods that you cook in a nonstick pan, including egg and cheese, you know that you need a scrubber that is delicate and won’t scratch while still able to remove baked-on debris. The scrubber part doesn’t trap food particles, even pesky egg and cheese residue don’t stick to this sponge. They're eco-friendly, easy to clean, and don't take on odors like regular kitchen scrubbers do. Knowing the type of sponge that works best for your particular cleaning project will save you time and energy. Another solution: Adopt the growing trend of using better-for-you sponges in your own kitchen. So, it's important not only to wash your hands, but also to clean kitchen surfaces and sponges to prevent the spread of bacteria. This can be more difficult as the water must be heated to a boil in order to kill bacteria. The thickness of the cellulose sponge makes it more absorbent than some of the other brands, yet it still fits comfortably in the palm of your hand. A sponge dotted with flecks of food sitting out on the sink is unsightly and unhygienic. Get inspired to make your porch your new favorite living space with these ideas designed to add a refined look to any outdoor space. Absorbency is also important in holding soapy water for more cleaning power without scrubbing. Natural sea sponges grow on the ocean’s floors and are 100-percent natural and earth-friendly. So, what should you do? It was funded by the Institute of Applied Research (IAF) of Furtwangen University and published in the peer-reviewed journal Nature Scientific Reports on an open-access basis, so it can be read free of charge online. It also has some very creative uses that you wouldn’t expect with a traditional sponge; for instance, you can use it as a loofah in the shower or remove paint from your fingernails and hands. The next most-absorbent sponge, Lysol Multi-Purpose Scrubber, held almost half a cup. Another cool feature to the Scrub Daddy is you can use it dry to make light work of removing older, set-in stains. During our research phase, we read through blogs and articles to determine the qualities people look for in a sponge in order to narrow the list down to our eight finalists. Your kitchen sponge: A world of disease. If that's not enough to make you want to toss that grimy sponge, consider previous research that suggests your kitchen sponge is even dirtier than your toilet seat. Once the dry sponge is covered with dirt or dust, you slice that part of the sponge off for a fresh sponge to clean with. It's important to keep your kitchen sponges clean, hygienic & free from germs and bacteria – find out how to clean dishcloths & sponges with this useful guide! Courtesy of Grove Collaborative, Credit: Kitchen sponges are the No. After all, the more pressure and length of time it takes to get something clean, the harder it is on your hand, wrist and arm. In the same vein, the scrubbing power and relatively thin shape of the Scotch-Brite Heavy Duty Scrub Sponge earned it an honorable mention in the ergonomic comfort test. Then try our go-to menu. Bacteria thrive on the food particles and residue left behind on a sponge. Last but not least, comfort is a valuable consideration. It also rinses clean, so you don’t have to worry about food particles going in the washing machine. They can even be used in the shower as a personal care product. Gravity caused the top half to dry quickly, but water pooled in the bottom half and took the same amount of time to dry as when we left it on a flat surface. The Dobie Cleaning Pad, which held the same amount of liquid, was a close second at approximately nine hours. Before I first got my silicone sponge, I was pretty excited. That’s about the same amount found in an average human stool sample. It has exceptional scouring power without being as abrasive as steel wool. To limit bacterial growth, thoroughly rinse and wring sponges out after use—and keep them in an open dish where air can circulate so that they dry thoroughly. Butternut squash might be fall's most versatile (and beloved!) It was also harder to clean smaller items like the insides of glasses. Shop Now: Andrée Jardin Copper Sponge, $30 for 3, food52.com. The sponge should be submerged in a bowl of water and then placed in the microwave. Updated October 30, 2018. Most often, sponges are used to remove caked-on food from dishes, pans and utensils, but in determining the best sponge, we found that it needs to be useful in a wide variety of functions. Some of the surfaces we studied were: Teflon-coated or other nonstick cookware is easy to damage with an abrasive sponge, and it’s not a good idea to eat food cooked in a nonstick pan that has been scratched. Clinowu Cleaning Sponge, Hygienic Kitchen Sponge for a Clean House, Ideal as Washing-Up Sponge or Cleaning Sponge, Multi Functional, Environmentally Friendly, BPA Free Brand: Wunderfabrik 3.1 out of … Cleaning your sponge on a regular basis will help reduce the risk of growing and spreading bacteria, but you should also replace it frequently. It’s been around for years. Courtesy of Kitchiny, Credit: © 2020 Your Best Digs - All rights reserved. From which platforms to use and the best books to read, bibliophiles share their advice. We did some fact-finding legwork on what to look for in a sponge, and more importantly, how to keep it clean in an environment laden with food and moisture (the kitchen sink). Unlike synthetic sponges (often made from polyurethane foam) or even cellulose sponges (which can have a polyester filling and/or nylon scrubbing pads), The Natural Sea Sponge is 100-percent biodegradable, free from toxins and hypo-allergenic. However, it made much of the fact that some of th… Start by carving out a designated work area in your space. For this test, we tackled both a load of dirty dishes and a tough bathroom job that required scrubbing a tub in circular motions. Shop Now: Full Circle Wool Sponges, $12, housework.store. When we needed to bust out the big guns, the Scotch-Brite Heavy Duty was our answer. Once we narrowed down the field, we put our eight finalists through a series of household tests to find out how much water they would hold, how fast they dried and whether or not they would scratch a frying pan with nonstick coating. In addition to our specific tests, we put each of the sponges through two months of daily use to see how well they would hold up in the kitchen, bathroom and during other cleaning projects around the house. Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. Since it soaks up almost half a cup of liquid, this is the sponge to grab if you spill a glass of water. If your kitchen hygiene there, you can turn the kitchen into a real spinner in a short time. In fact, one of the ways you can tell that this sponge is more hygienic than other sponges is its refreshing lack of odor. And don't forget to replace them every two weeks. The Scrub Daddy, holding three tablespoons of water, dried in eight hours. Each sponge should last at least two months before becoming less effective. Obviously, this makes versatility an extremely important factor when choosing a sponge. Courtesy of Ekobo, 11 Better-for-You Sponges for a More Sanitary Clean. The smile part of the sponge accommodates the curve of dishes and is especially convenient for cleaning spoons. In the end, the least amount of effort and ability to complete the job quickly made the Scrub Daddy our pick for most ergonomic. It held a cup of water in our test and made a fine lather with liquid soap. In general, avoid cleaning countertops with sponges. We wanted to make sure that our sponge finalists wouldn’t dull the surface while removing debris. W e tested our top eight products for scrubbing ability, versatility, ergonomics, rinsability, absorbency, longevity and scratch-free cleaning and found that the Scrub Daddy – Flex-Texture Scrubber is the best sponge. When used wet, it soaks up a spill and doesn’t leave any liquid on your counter or floor. There’s also the “hair” on top of the sponge, which we found to be more effective than a bottle brush at getting into awkward corners like drinking glasses and coffee mugs. It becomes problematic when the body is confronted with (too many) pathogenic germs. Courtesy of Ty Mecham / Food52, Credit: In this test, we added one tablespoon of water at a time to each sponge until it reached its capacity. Organisms can become lodged in between the sponge, and in this moist environment with plenty of food, new bacteria can grow at the rate of once every 20 minutes. The O-Cedar sponge stands up to the tough jobs like boiler pans and stovetops while gliding along a nonstick frying pan. The Dobie Cleaning Pad is like two sponges in one: a soap-holding sponge wrapped in nylon netting. Shop Now: Kitchiny Silicone Bottle Brush, $9, greencitizen.com. Shop Now: Skura Style Antimicrobial Sponge, $15 for 4, store.177milkstreet.com. Shop Now: Public Goods Walnut Scrubber Sponge, $3, publicgoods.com. This is especially important with kitchen sponges. Courtesy of Anthropologie, Credit: Make a disinfecting solution with one part bleach to nine parts water (about 14 ounces of bleach to about 14 cups of water) and soak the sponge for 30 seconds or longer. In our testing, the Dobie Cleaning Pad did not scratch Teflon nonstick, stainless steel, glass, plastic or tile surfaces. We do extensive research and hands-on testing, so you can trust the products we recommend. Compared to other sponges, the Dobie Cleaning Pad is thin and easy to hold. Here's a flexible and durable food-grade silicone sponge with soft bristles to gently scrub dishes (even nonstick pots and pans!) It removed the food and oil quickly, too, so you weren’t putting extra pressure on the pan as you cleaned. According to a 2017 study published in the journal Scientific Reports, samples taken from kitchen sponges harbored 362 different kinds of bacteria in incredibly large quantities of up to 45 billion per square centimeter. Shop our selects, and you'll wish you made the swap sooner. Do make sure to test this sponge in a hidden area because it is tough enough to damage some finishes and you won’t want to use it on stainless steel appliances. Credit: One side is microfiber and when used dry, works like a microfiber cloth and naturally attracts dust. Scrub Daddy fits perfectly in the kitchen-sink drain, so you can prevent carrot peels or hard-boiled egg shells from going down the drain. With gentle but serious stain removal capacity and the widest variety of uses, Scrub Daddy performed the best in the two most important areas: scrubbing ability and versatility. At three-fourths of an inch thick, this sponge is thinner than the other dual-sided cellulose sponges we tested and comfortable to hold. this website. Follow these simple hygiene tips to help keep your kitchen hygienic. The ergonomic shape is designed to clean both sides of kitchen utensils at once, and the eye holes give you a good grip, similar to a bowling ball. Not something you want to think about it when you’re using that same sponge on a later load of dishes. It's heat-resistant up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit, so you can dip it in boiling water or toss it in your dishwasher to give it a thorough clean. In fact, this sponge is the only product endorsed by DuPont for use on Teflon nonstick coatings. These two-sided sponges combine the benefits of cellulose and scrubber for tough jobs like cleaning an oven or BBQ grill. It can also be thrown in the washing machine or dishwasher. Courtesy of Jinen Store, Credit: Here are 10 ways to get started: Zap away bugs. While the size and soft texture of this sponge made it a little unwieldy for doing dishes, we were impressed with its versatility. Make a disinfecting solution by mixing one part bleach with nine parts water and drop the sponge in the mixture from 10 to 30 seconds (or longer). Poor cleaning and personal hygiene habits/practices can cause food contamination, food poisoning, and spread of infection. All of our reviews are unsponsored, so we earn money by using affiliate links. At less than a dollar per sponge, these are handy to keep around for all of your tough cleaning jobs and cheap enough to toss out after really nasty cleaning projects, or if they begin to harbor any odors. Does it scratch surfaces? Martha Stewart may receive compensation when you click through and purchase from links contained on Top tips for keeping your kitchen utensils hygienically clean. There are not many sponges that are both scratch-free and can be used to clean a BBQ grill. How to Clean Dishcloths & Sponges. The Lysol Multi-Purpose Scrubber, Natural Sea Sponge and TVTimedirect Microfiber Magic Sponge performed well in this test, too. Like a nightclub, regular cleaning may help but many sponge owners don't seem to be cleaning their sponges adequately. We found that the Scrub Daddy was the most versatile, able to wash dishes, remove soap scum from a bathtub and scour the insects off of a tire wheel and car exterior without scratching the paint. Courtesy of Housework, Credit: Some reviews suggest that the Scrub Daddy fell apart quickly, but we did not find this to be true in our testing. It has a long-reach handle and soft, flexible bristles to scrub narrow nooks and crannies. Here is the low-down, including pros and cons, of the different types of sponges. First, we whipped up a meal of scrambled eggs and cheese, undoubtedly a messy affair. Different brands use different colors to indicate abrasiveness level, so check the package to find the level of softness that works for your cleaning job. It has a special coating that glides over surfaces, giving it a slippery feeling, especially when used with dish soap. Another reason why using a dishwasher is more hygienic is the issue of the kitchen sponge. For the best results, clean your sponges a few times a week; otherwise you’ll have an increased risk of bacteria growth, not to mention a bad odour around the sink. These are the most common types of cleaning sponge; they’re inexpensive and absorbent. Like a cross between a kitchen rag and a sponge, this highly absorbent cloth is suitable for a wide-range of cleaning tasks, including washing dishes, cleaning countertops, and even scrubbing the bathroom. Geloo Silicone Sponge Dish Sponges, Silicone Sponge Dish Washing Kitchen Gadgets Brush Accessories, Kitchen Sponge Double Sided Cleaning Sponges (3 Pack) 3.9 out of 5 stars 3,018 $8.59 $ 8 . Even after you wash it and rinse it. For hard-to-clean items like reusable water bottles, baby bottles, and bud vases, try this silicone brush. Many of the products we chose are made from environmentally friendly materials, which means they're better for the planet as much as they are for your home. Your best bet in these cases is paper towels or disinfectant wipes. Found in multipacks for around a dollar a sponge, the Lysol Multi-Purpose Scrub Sponge is great for everyday use, because it’s durable, rinses clean and contains an antimicrobial agent built into the fibers that inhibits the growth of odor-causing bacteria. They are also commonly used to clean soot after a fire. Your Best Digs saves you time and money with reviews of the products you need. We looked at subreddits, like /r/advice/, and watched YouTube reviews to gather consumer input. After sanitizing with either method, wring the sponge out, and allow it to dry to prevent any new bacteria from growing. The Mail Online carried a reasonably accurate report of the research. During our research, we found that consumers are concerned about sponge abrasiveness. When you need a comforting meal but don't have a lot of time, whip up one of these fast pasta recipes. There are easily 50 ways to use a Scrub Daddy sponge that make it more valuable than a traditional sponge. Easily the most innovative and effective sponge to come out in a generation, the Scrub Daddy is a worthwhile and versatile addition to your kitchen. The Scrub Daddy smile is more than just a pretty face — it’s actually part of the design. Your kitchen sponge is always in soap and water, but that doesn't make it clean. Courtesy of Kuhn Rikon, Credit: This series is not only great for people who love to cook at home, but it also helps maintain increased levels of household hygiene needed amidst the ongoing Covid-19 outbreak. Explore the best in fall perennials and start planning your autumn garden's layout. The Scotch-Brite Scrub Dots Non-Scratch Sponge and the Scotch-Brite Scrub Dots Heavy Duty Sponge are part of a new series of odourless antibacterial scrub sponges launched by 3M. You can even use a Scrub Daddy sponge in a potted plant for an aerating effect and good drainage. At two dollars a sponge, the Scrunge Scrub Sponge gives you a lot of bang for your buck. If it’s a little too large for your job, you can cut it in half without damaging the sponge. Many homeowners find the idea of using the same grubby sponge unappealing, and there's evidently a good reason why. Use the scrubby side, which is coated with special fibers, for tougher caked-on spots; use the soft side to gently wipe away food and grime. This tough-as-nails silicone sponge is antimicrobial and infused with peach fragrance to keep odors at bay and infuse your cleaning routine with a fresh scent, sans harmful chemical alternatives. They’ve also been used for more than 2,000 years, for a variety of purposes, so you know you aren’t falling for the latest fad. Thus, despite its lesser rating for absorbency, the Scrub Daddy has high value, being extraordinarily versatile and ultra hygienic. Introduction: A kitchen sponge is an age-old kitchen tool that has been existing for generations after generations. You can also rest easy knowing this sponge is fume and chemical free. For extreme jobs, the Scotch-Brite is a top-notch performer. Additionally, these particles break down a cellulose sponge and can create odors, so you’ll have to toss it. Because these alternatives have fewer crevices and are made of quick-drying materials like silicon, bamboo, and bristles, they're less likely to facilitate bacteria growth. All can be made in 45 minutes or less. We found that the key metrics to use when determining the value and efficiency of a sponge include: Different types of sponges are needed for different types of jobs. But fear not, there is hope for a more hygienic kitchen without abandoning the sponge as a cleaning tool. At the end of two months, we found that it had held up to everyday use and fit even better into small spaces. All of the sponges passed our scratch test. A double-sided sponge with a high-tech microfiber cloth on one side for a soft, lint-free clean; a scrubber to cut through grease and baked on messes on the other. For more of an idea of how to clean your dishcloths and sponges, watch this short video: Cleaning a kitchen sponge. We tested each of the sponges on a frying pan with a nonstick coating. We tested our top eight products for scrubbing ability, versatility, ergonomics, rinsability, absorbency, longevity and scratch-free cleaning and found that the Scrub Daddy – Flex-Texture Scrubber is the best sponge. Scrub Daddy is our choice for best sponge due to its versatility, scrubbing power and hygienic properties. Drying time is important, because a sponge that stays damp for hours can breed bacteria, especially if there are food particles trapped inside. A 2017 study found that the kitchen sponge you’re using may contain as many as 45 billion bacteria per square centimeter. Wet sponge lying on the counter is the favorite habitat for bacteria to grow rapidly and produces smell, mildew, and mold. We earn a commission when you purchase items through our links. It’s also a little more aesthetically appealing to leave at your sink than a traditional sponge. In the kitchen, it fits into small spaces and has thorough coverage. Share The scrubber is non-scratch and passed our nonstick coating test, but you’ll want to test the scrub part on your surface in a hidden area as some dulling of finish can happen. To clean, toss it in the dishwasher—it's heat-resistant up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. If you watch Shark Tank, you may be aware that the Scrub Daddy Original “boasts the most revenue of any business to appear on Shark Tank since the show first aired in 2009”. Even while completely dry, it can easily be manipulated and fits into the palm of your hand. We found that it lives up to the hype. Unlike most sponges which are made from plant cellulose, these are made with a fast-drying polyurethane foam and treated with an antimicrobial agent that discourages the growth of odor-causing bacteria. But since kitchen sponge tends to absorb way too much soap liquid and gets very soggy, one might want to try some alternatives to a kitchen sponge. The same time frame applies to dishcloths. From writing to reading, Bethany is happiest immersed in the world made possible by letters on page--book or web. and surfaces without scratching. The less strain on your hand and wrists, the better. Kitchen hygiene: In the dishwasher, in the refrigerator, in the sponge: various germs are hidden everywhere in the kitchen. Then we scoured the pan with one of the sponges to remove all the dried-on bits of egg and cheese to see if it would scratch the nonstick coating in the process. There are three effective ways to do this: Welcome guests to your home this autumn with rustic gourd garlands, decorated pumpkins, and wreaths and centerpieces made from foraged materials.

hygienic kitchen sponge

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