[kisaacs]

My DH sent me this article that I thought you all would enjoyn. For cleaning in the kitchen, you can count me among the people who love their scrubby sponge. I use it for everything - wiping counters, cleaning dishes, cleaning off the stovetop, you name it. I love it's convenience and how easily it works. What I don't love is the idea of all the bacteria it harbors, but it's never been enough for for me to switch cleaning methods.

But now, all I have to do is toss it in the microwave and "poof", no more bacteria. You can't get much simpler than that!

BBC NEWS | Health | Microwave ovens sterilise sponges

Kristen

[gwen]

Thanks for sharing the article, Kristen!

Count me among the kitchen germ-a-phobes! It's wierd because I'm not overly cleaning compulsive anywhere but the kitchen area. I think I dropped alot of my illusions about having a Martha Stewart - perfectly kept house after I realized that with three kids there were many other priorities *other* than making sure my house remains perpetually spotless.

I use a sponge (which I microwave daily) for dishes and a microfiber cloth for the counters. My sponge is almost always in use so I don't think I've even put it in the microwave dry. Before I learned about the microwaving part I would bleach my sponges every day. The microwaving is so easy. Toss the sponge in and then I wipe the microwave out (cause it's usually a little damp inside from the moisture of the wet sponge.)

[GardenOfDarwin]

I've also heard of people keeping it in the top rack of the dishwasher (too much for me, since I use it all the time, and at the sink that's NOT next to the dishwasher. But anyway, I run it through the dishwasher from time to time, and in between, either be sure it's full of soap when wet or completely dry (overnight). I suppose the micro thing would be easy enough and would keep the advantium clean to boot! Thanks Kristen!

Susan

[kelly]

I've been microwaving my sponges for years and they have grown to the size of a house with all the nuclear energy....sorry. That's a 50's movie plot. About ants.

But I really have nuked 'em. Just don't burn yourself on them when you get 'em out again.

[GardenOfDarwin]

From CNN today:

"But several experimenters evidently left out the crucial step of wetting the sponge.

"Just wanted you to know that your article on microwaving sponges and scrubbers aroused my interest. However, when I put my sponge/scrubber into the microwave, it caught fire, smoked up the house, ruined my microwave, and pissed me off," one correspondent wrote in an e-mail to Reuters.

"First, the sponge is worthless afterwards so you have to throw it out instead of using it. And second your entire house stinks like a burning tire for several hours, even with windows/doors open," complained another."

Hahahahahahaha!

"The university issued the following advisory: "To guard against the risk of fire, people who wish to sterilize their sponges at home must ensure the sponge is completely wet. Two minutes of microwaving is sufficient for most sterilization. Sponges should also have no metallic content. Last, people should be careful when removing the sponge from the microwave as it will be hot."

Reminds me of "Warning: Coffee is HOT" Really???

Susan