Aside from the trashcan, the sponge is probably the other most bacteria-filled item in the kitchen. You can play bacteria crowd controller by throwing the sponge into the microwave for two minutes on high heat. Doing so will kill 99% of the bacteria that is colonizing on the sponge.

Here’s some advice:

• Only microwave sponges that are steel-free and metal-free
• The sponge should be wet and free of excess detergent. If there is too much detergent, it can get stinky.
• Heat the sponge for at least two minutes, reheat for another 2 if desired.
• Let the sponge cool down in the microwave after the heating.
• Never heat up a dry sponge!

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