A sponge is like the back row in study hall -- it attracts all the bad elements. So here’s what you should do with it:
Toss it, suggest YOU docs Mehmet Oz, MD, and Michael Roizen, MD. Instead, buy 10 cheap dishcloths and 2 buckets. Put the clean cloths in one bucket and the dirty cloths in the other bucket along with some diluted bleach. Wash all the cloths once a week.
More Sanitary Solutions
Sponges actually grow bacteria. But if you simply can’t part with your sponges, run them through the dishwasher once a week. You can also microwave damp sponges for a minute to kill germs. But use extreme caution: Wet the sponge thoroughly, and use tongs to take it out of the microwave. (Find out why your faucet beats hand wipes.)
Keeping a Safer Kitchen
Here are a few more simple steps for keeping yourself safe from common illness-causing bacteria:
RealAge Benefit: Washing your hands frequently and using safe food-handling practices can make your RealAge 0.4 years younger.
Take the RealAge Test
Toss it, suggest YOU docs Mehmet Oz, MD, and Michael Roizen, MD. Instead, buy 10 cheap dishcloths and 2 buckets. Put the clean cloths in one bucket and the dirty cloths in the other bucket along with some diluted bleach. Wash all the cloths once a week.
More Sanitary Solutions
Sponges actually grow bacteria. But if you simply can’t part with your sponges, run them through the dishwasher once a week. You can also microwave damp sponges for a minute to kill germs. But use extreme caution: Wet the sponge thoroughly, and use tongs to take it out of the microwave. (Find out why your faucet beats hand wipes.)
Keeping a Safer Kitchen
Here are a few more simple steps for keeping yourself safe from common illness-causing bacteria:
- Get a meat thermometer. Then, observe these "safe" temperatures.
- Add extra cilantro. Seems this pungent green may strike down bacteria.
- Toss the "3-second rule." If it hits the floor, it’s not fit to eat. Here’s why.
RealAge Benefit: Washing your hands frequently and using safe food-handling practices can make your RealAge 0.4 years younger.
Take the RealAge Test
