4 Ways to Save Gross Sponges

Easy DIY Sponge Holder

Did you know that binder clips can also be turned into savvy sponge savers in your kitchen? Instead of placing a used sponge on the rim of your sink, where it’ll cultivate yucky mildew and mold build-up, set the sponge between the upright prongs of a binder clip so it stands straight up.

Salt Water Revival

There’s no need to throw out your stinky, old sponges—saltwater can make them like new again! Just fill a bowl with cold water, then add 3 tablespoons of salt and stir to dissolve. Then add the sponge and let sit overnight. The salt will kill off the bacteria and your sponge will be as good as new tomorrow!

Run Sponges Through the Dishwasher

As we told you in our post about dishwasher hacks, running kitchen sponges and brushes through the dishwasher is an easy way to keep them clean on a regular basis! Just squeeze out any dishwashing liquid that’s in the sponge, then add it to the utensil compartment of your dishwasher with a load of dishes once a week. This will ward off any bacteria and mildew that may be forming in the sponge before it starts!

Quick Sponge Disinfectant

Here’s another easy way to quickly kill the dangerous bacteria that make a home in your kitchen sponge. Wring it out, then microwave on high for 30–60 seconds. (Don’t nuke a dry sponge, or it might ignite!) The mild radiation from the microwave kills the bacteria and makes your sponge safe again.

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