Sponges: The Love-Hate Relationship in Your Kitchen

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I don’t want to gross you out too much, but the amount of bacteria living in the average sponge is similar to that of… well, I’ll stop there. Let’s just say it’s one of the grossest items in your home.

We can’t live with them, and we can’t live without them.

You’d think we’d have figured out sponges by now. But nope. The questions just keep coming:

Where should I keep it?

Is it making my dishes cleaner… or dirtier?

Should I ditch it completely? (Tried that — nope, we need it.)

Should I throw it out every day? (That’s expensive.)

So much uncertainty for such a tiny thing! In this post, I’m answering the sponge questions you didn’t even know you had.

Question: Which sponge do I like best?

Answer: Scrub Mommy.

It’s my ride-or-die sponge. Durable, with two sides for different types of jobs. Easy to hold. Cleans like a champ. Absorbs well without getting waterlogged. Honestly? It lives up to the hype.

Question: Where should I keep my sponge?

Let’s break down the options:

• Option 1: In the sink in a holder – Nope. It stays wet, which basically turns it into a bacteria breeding ground.

• Option 2: Near the sink on the counter – Not for me. I can’t stand countertop clutter.

• Option 3: Tip-out sponge holder – Love this if you have it built into your kitchen. Just make sure it’s removable for easy cleaning. If it’s not removable? Pass.

• Option 4: Under the sink – Not perfect, but my go-to if you don’t have a tip-out. Use a small bin that can be washed often, or a removable holder mounted inside the cabinet door.

Pro Tip: Whatever you choose, always squeeze your sponge really well after using.

Question: How do I keep my sponge clean (and my dishes cleaner)?

1. Wash it weekly in the dishwasher or washing machine on the hot cycle.

2. Replace it regularly — when it’s smelly, falling apart, or just looks tired. (How often depends on how much you use it. I have two dishwashers, so mine last longer than if I hand-washed daily.)

3. Use separate sponges for dishes vs. cleaning other surfaces. Bonus tip: use a different brand or color so you never get them mixed up. (Trust me, that’s a mistake you’ll only make once. 🤢)

Sponges might be small, but apparently, they’re complicated.

If you’ve never thought too hard about yours… sorry for this disturbing mental image. 😆

– Shulamis

(Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post contains affiliate links. I only recommend products I personally use or would buy myself.)