Kitchen Sponge
The kitchen sponge is probably the dirtiest
item in your home, according to microbiologists and germ experts. As
you clean various surfaces and dishes with your sponge, its porous
surface collects food particles. Combined with the moisture of the
sponge, the result is the perfect environment for bacteria to grow. One
study published in 2017 in the journal Scientific Reports analyzed the
bacterial microbiomes in 14 kitchen sponges. The researchers found no
less than 362 bacterial species!
How to clean:
It’s been suggested that boiling or microwaving your kitchen sponges can
kill the bacteria lurking in them. However, researchers have concluded
that not only are these sanitation methods ineffective but in some
cases, they might even increase the number of bacteria in the sponge.
The best thing you could do is to simply replace your kitchen sponge
every two weeks. Alternatively, you may try to switch to a silicone
scrubber, which doesn't require such frequent replacement.