4 Ways to Clean a Kitchen Sponge—Plus, How to Know When It's Time to Replace It

Sponges are a workhorse in the kitchen—not only do they clean dirty dishes, but they're also responsible for wiping down countertops, sinks, and pots and pans. Over time, sponges accumulate bacteria, food debris, and other particles, making them no longer suitable for cleaning. To prevent a build-up of germs, it's important to clean your kitchen sponges regularly, which you can do in the dishwasher, microwave, or with everyday household cleaning supplies.

How Often to Clean a Kitchen Sponge

Kitchen sponges can become a breeding ground for bacteria if they're not cleaned regularly. "Make sure to rinse and wring them out thoroughly after every use and give them a deep clean every few days," says Kathy Cohoon, the director of franchise operations of Two Maids.

How Often to Replace a Kitchen Sponge

In addition to weekly cleaning, you should also replace your kitchen sponges at the first sign of damage or odor. "Since these cleaning tools touch dishes, sinks, and more you don’t want to contaminate your kitchen with a dirty sponge," says Cohoon.

Materials and Tools

The materials and tools you'll need depend on the cleaning method you choose.

Materials

• Vinegar
• Boiling water
• Dishwasher detergent

Tools

• Pot (for boiling water)
• Bowl
• Kitchen spoon
• Dishwasher
• Microwave-safe dish
• Microwave

How to Clean a Kitchen Sponge With Vinegar

Vinegar is a great household cleaning staple because it acts as a mild, natural disinfectant. "This makes it perfect for cleaning sponges, and the process is super easy," says Cohoon.

1. Fill a bowl with white vinegar.
2. Fully submerge your sponge and allow it to soak for 5 to 7 minutes.
3. Remove from the vinegar and fully rinse your sponge with hot water.
4. Wring well and allow to air dry.

How to Clean a Kitchen Sponge With Boiling Water

Letting your kitchen sponge soak in boiling water is an effective way to kill any germs lingering on it. To do so, try this method from Cohoon.

1. Pour 1 cup of water into a pot and bring to a boil.
2. Once the water is boiling, put the sponge in and use a kitchen spoon to push the sponge down so it is fully submerged.
3. Allow the sponge to boil for 5 to 7 minutes, then remove the water from heat.
4. Once the water and sponge are cool, remove the sponge from the water and wring dry.

How to Clean a Kitchen Sponge in the Dishwasher

If you prefer to clean your kitchen sponge daily, tossing it in the dishwasher with a load of dishes is an easy way to quickly disinfect it, says Jennifer Parnell, co-founder of Humble Suds, a line of non-toxic, sustainably packaged cleaning products. 

1. Place your sponge in the top rack of your dishwasher.
2. Add your detergent to the machine.
3. Run on the longest cycle with the highest heat dry setting.

How to Clean a Kitchen Sponge in the Microwave

Microwaving your kitchen sponge is a great time-saving way to sanitize it, says Cohoon. (Don't use this method on sponges with metallic scrub pads.)

1. Rinse your sponge with water and place it on a microwave-safe dish without wringing it out.
2. Microwave the sponge on high for about 90 seconds. Be careful, it will be hot.
3. Once the sponge cools, wring it out and let air dry.