Smart Home: Turning a Stinky Sponge into a Clean Sponge

Smart Home

by Caroline ~ Smarty Pants Mama | on August 23rd, 2010 | 6 comments

There is nothing that makes me gag more than the smell of a stinky sponge. Okay, maybe there are a few other items or situations I’m not remembering, but a stinky sponge is up there. I hate the smell you get just being near it and especially the smell of your hands after using it.

We know as Smart Mamas that a traditional sponge should be changed every 2 weeks. But as it recently happened to me, the smell can appear in just days. I’m too cheap to throw away a 3 day old sponge. I’m sure you are too!

What is the smell?

According to every site I have read, a stinky sponge is the result of a bacteria ridden object, typically fostered through a wet environment. Can’t not keep a sponge wet, can you?

How does a Smart Mama get rid of the smell?

I placed the wet sponge in a microwave safe dish and microwaved it for 20 seconds. Sponge was odor free (and hot!) On the next “smelly occasion” I placed it on the top shelf of my dishwasher and washed it with the dirty plates. Sponge came out odor free!

Another favorite I came across online says, to soak the sponge in half a cup of white vinegar for a few hours, rinse it thoroughly, then allow to dry. The acidity of the vinegar will kill a huge portion of the germ population and reduce the odor of the sponge.

How do you get rid of the smell?

Fellow readers shared suggestions on conquering the stinky sponge smell. Take a look at some GREAT suggestions!

@MommyMixUp of MommyMixUp.com: always soak my sponges in diluted Fabuloso (can be found at Target or WalMart in the cleaning products section)
@Guavalicious of TheGuavaliciousLife.com: Soak it in white vinegar then rinse with hot water, squeeze out and throw in the microwave for a minute. AND To keep odor away you can also throw it in the dishwasher whenever you run a load.
@SugarSnapKids of SugarSnapConsignment.com: Try microwaving it (wet it first) for 2 mins
@MommyK8 of MommyKate.blogspot.com: Bleach it or nuke it for 30 secs. Be careful with the latter, HOT SPONGE!
@MommyhoodMemos of MommyhoodMemos.com: Try soaking it in lemon juice? Works for fishy smelling hands at least…
@Marjo_Elaine : Throw your kitchen sponge in the dishwasher when you run it next. Comes out clean and almost like new.
@MommieKate of FaithForMoms.blogspot.com: Throw it in dishwasher for a spin
@CleaningQuickie of Quickie.com: You can actually put Quickie’s microfiber sponges in the dishwasher to sanitize them.

Ahhhh…..The clean, non-stinky sponge!

Do you have a different way of cleaning the stink sponge? Would love to add it to the list! Please share your stinky sponge remedy!

Learn THREE other ways to keep your home organized and clean on Monday mornings!

Author Description

Caroline ~ Smarty Pants Mama

Caroline is a 30-something Hispanic mom based in South Florida. She dedicates her day to her beautiful little girls and her wonderful husband Tom (@SmartyPantsDada) and her extra time to her Smarty Pants Mama network.

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Comments (6)

Danielle aka that_Danielle Monday - 23 / 08 / 2010 Reply

They told me at the Quickie booth at BlogHer that you need to nuke it for 4 minutes to kill bacteria.
- admin Monday - 23 / 08 / 2010 Reply
  
  Wow, 4 minutes! You really need to be careful with the heat of the sponge after that! Thanks for the tip!
Pop Monday - 23 / 08 / 2010 Reply

Microwaving works every time for me! Pop recently posted..I Love You- Dad
Pop Monday - 23 / 08 / 2010 Reply

Oh, and I nuke it for 5. Make sure you use plenty of water and the sponges are insanely hot afterward. Pop recently posted..I Love You- Dad
Harriet Friday - 27 / 08 / 2010 Reply

I hadn't thought of just microwaving a sponge to get rid of the jerms and smell, the white vinegar tip sounds good too, I'll have to try that out! Harriet recently posted..Sell Your Mobile