There's something very satisfying about working in a clean and organised kitchen, and by now, much has been said about how to keep it that way. But have you ever wondered what happens to those cloths and sponges used for cleaning? They are often left ignored somewhere in the corner of your house, resulting in a foul odour. Nothing is more disgusting than reaching out for a cleaning cloth only to find it stinky. This can instantly put anyone off. So, what can you do? We suggest that instead of tossing them out after every use, it's better to clean the sponges and cloths frequently to keep them fresh and hygienic. And as always, we've got your back. We've listed some interesting hacks that will help you keep those dishwashing sponges and kitchen cloths clean and hygienic.
Also Read: 9 Genius Ways To Keep Your Kitchen Clean
Photo Credit: Pexel
Why Do Kitchen Cloths And Sponges Smell Bad?
The main reason for the foul odor is the abundance of bacteria in the sponge. According to experts, food particles stuck to the sponge or cloths lead to the growth of bacteria, making them smelly and unhygienic. A study published in the journal Scientific Reports found around 362 different species of bacteria in a dishwashing sponge, with densities of bacteria reaching up to 45 billion per square centimeter in certain areas.
How To Clean Kitchen Cloths And Dishwashing Sponges?
No, a simple water and soap concoction won't do the job well! According to experts, soap and water don't kill germs - they only wash them away, meaning the germs can start growing on the cloths and sponges again after a while. Hence, you need something stronger to clean these items properly.
Also Read: Spruce It Up: 5 Easy Hacks To Clean Kitchen With Lemon Juice
Photo Credit: Pexel
Here Are 5 Easy Ways To Clean Cloths And Sponges Properly:
1. Boil In Hot Water:
Boiling the sponges and dishwashing cloths in hot water, along with some detergent, helps kill germs and eliminate the foul odour.
2. Microwave The Sponge:
Place the damp sponges in a preheated oven and microwave them for at least two minutes. Once done, let them cool off before taking them out. Always remember not to put dry cloths in the microwave oven to avoid the risk of ignition.
3. Soak In Salt And Vinegar Mix:
Soak the sponge and cloth overnight in a mixture of hot water, vinegar, and salt. The next morning, rinse them well, squeeze out the water, and let them soak in the sunlight.
4. Bleach It:
Bleaching is considered one of the most effective ways to clean kitchen cloths. Dunk the cloths and sponges in a mix of bleach and water. Soak them for at least five to seven minutes and rinse thoroughly. Then, dry them well in the sunlight or in a dishwasher.
5. Use Disinfectants:
To make the process easier, get hold of some disinfectant from a nearby store and sprinkle it on the kitchen sponge and cloth. This will not only kill the germs but also add a refreshing aroma to them.
Try out these hacks to keep your kitchen clean and odor-free. Make sure to repeat the cleaning process once a week and replace the sponges and cloths every two months. And most importantly, don't forget to let us know which of the above tips you followed to clean your kitchen cloths and sponges!