When should you get rid of your kitchen sponge?

As a general rule of thumb, you should replace your sponges every two to four weeks. Of course, this may vary depending on how often you use them and how well you take care of them. If you notice that your sponges are starting to smell or fall apart before the two-week mark, it's probably time to change them out.

If you're not sure whether or not it's time to replace your sponge, err on the side of caution and get a new one. After all, they're relatively inexpensive and easy to find. Plus, it's better to be safe than sorry when it comes to cleanliness.

We asked Jeri Fritz of Highland Park Housekeeping how she knows when to replace sponges for her teams. According to Jeri, here are a few signs that it's time to say goodbye to your sponge.

"Usually, you can tell if a sponge is ready to be replaced just by looking at it," Jeri says. "Stains that come from washing dishes or cleaning up messes should wash out relatively easily. If a sponge is keeping stains even after being throughly rinsed, it's ready to be changed out with a fresh one.

• The sponge has developed a sour smell

"Even if a sponge looks fine, you can tell it's old by the smell," Jeri says. "The smell can often be more obvious than the stains."

Like all other fabrics that stay wet for an extended period of time, sponges can develop mold and mildew. If you start to sense a seriously sour smell from your sponge, immediately throw it away and replace it. It will keep your kitchen smelling fresh—and it avoids guests eating from forks scrubbed with a moldy sponge.

• The sponge is falling apart or disintegrating

If you're a clean freak who uses a lot of elbow grease, your sponge might start falling apart before it shows any other signs of aging. Wear and tear on a sponge just makes it less effective, so replace your sponges before they whittle down into nothing.

If you're reading this article and wondering whether or not you've ever replaced your sponge, that's a sign it's probably time to do so.

"Every two weeks to a month is plenty," Jeri says. "It just depends on how often you use your sponge and what you use it for. If you cook a lot and scrub pots and pans often, you'll probably have to replace your sponge sooner than somebody who usually opts for takeout."

Before you start dragging your feet on the way to the sponge store, consider this: sponge shopping can be fun. Sponges come in so many shapes, colors, and even characters, so pick one that you'll be excited to use. It's also a good idea to buy at least two sponges at a time so you can keep a back up sponge under your sink. That way, when you notice one of the signs described above, you're ready to replace your musty sponge with a fresh one.

How to make your sponge last longer

• Keep your sponge in a well-ventilated area. Do not leave your sponge in the bottom of your sink or stuffed tightly into a cleaning caddy. Sponges, like all fabrics, need air to ventilate, or they will grow mildew and mold, even after just a few uses. Consider purchasing an inexpensive sponge holder that attaches to the side of your sink and helps your sponge dry quickly after use.
• Make sure to always choose the appropriate sponge for the job. If you're scrubbing a crusty cookie sheet, opt for a scrubber sponge instead of a soft sponge. This will prevent you from overusing the sponge and running it down too soon.

READ: 8 cleaning hacks that will save you money

How to kill germs and bacteria in the kitchen

We spend a lot of time in the kitchen, cooking and socialising after a long day at work. It is therefore important that you keep it clean and bacteria-free. Here’s how… 

Clean inside appliances 

We take our appliances for granted, and while we regularly clean the outside of the washing machine, dishwasher and fridge, how many of us can honestly say that the inside is just as spotless and germ-free?

Almost 60% of household refrigerators have mould or fungus growing in the seal around the doors. This is a simple clean-up job that will only take about 10 minutes tops.

Simply use white vinegar and hot water to scrub around the door seal. You can even use an old toothbrush to get into those tight areas.

To ensure your dishwasher is germ- and fungus-free, do a monthly rinse with a cup of white vinegar. This not only washes away fungus and mould spores, but also helps reduce build-up caused by hard water and mineral deposits. 

Clean your coffee maker 

There are many people that believe that running coffee through your coffee maker will disinfect it. Not true - nothing in coffee acts as a disinfectant. 

To ensure your coffee maker is safe for use, clean it every two to three months with vinegar and water. This process will keep mould and bacteria at bay.

Microwave your kitchen sponge 

Kitchen sponges are packed with germs. To kill up to 99.95% of these, zap your sponge in the microwave. Place your sponge in a bowl of lemon juice and run the microwave for 60 seconds.

Dirty dishcloths and dish towels 

As you continue to clean your countertops and dry dishes with the dishcloths and dish towels, consider that these harbour bacteria and should be washed after every use.

By using these cloths more than once, you’re actually spreading bacteria. It's best to start with a fresh towel each time you do the dishes.

Soak these cloths in household bleach and clean water to kill off germs and bacteria.

Clean a greasy extractor fan 

Did you know that the filters inside an extractor fan need to be cleaned on a regular basis? Soak these in hot, soapy water at least once a month.

With a bit of light scrubbing and a wipe down, they’ll be good as new.

Source (Home-dzine, TheSpruce)