Does Microwaving a Sponge Make it Sanitized?

[Bentley Green]

Hopefully, this one isn't already posted. Take this short quiz, please.

But I heard about this, and want to know what any of you think about it. That if you put a damp sponge in the microwave for a short period, will doing this kill any bateria, germs and pathogens that may be posing a health hazard and unsanitary conditions in the kitchen?

How many of you think you can answer the question correctly? You might have heard it before.

I say yes. What you you think?

[Pluff Mudder]

Microwaving Sponges Might Not Kill Germs

Good Housekeeping Research Institute Says Recent Study May Not Be Reliable

(CBS) A recent study published in The Journal Of Environmental Health found that microwave ovens can kill 99 percent of the germs harbored by kitchen sponges. But Sharon Franke, kitchen technology and appliances director at Good Housekeeping Research Institute is skeptical.

"We don't recommend that people do it," she told The Early Show co-anchor Harry Smith. "They take the risk that their sponge will not be sanitized. It's a false security."

Microwaving Sponges Might Not Kill Germs, Good Housekeeping Research Institute Says Recent Study May Not Be Reliable - CBS News

[Sukie]

I put my sponge in the dishwasher. I would think that would kill the germs.

[Bentley Green]

Are there any more of you out there who think or don't think that doing this practice would sanitize your sponge?

When I think enough of you have answered right or wrong or if you don't know, I will tell you if it's true or false.

[BerryBaby]

Mine goes in the dishwasher and I replace it with a new sponge about once every three weeks.

[Bentley Green]

I've been using both Lysol Kitchen Spray and Clorox Anywhere.

Both are said to kill germs and bacteria just as good. But the question still remains; Does doing THIS make the sponge germ-free and clean?

Some have said that sprays don't penetrate the sponge all that good. So the question also still remains; Does putting your sponge in the microwave sanitize it?

[BerryBaby]

Doesn't Pluff's response answer the question?

[Bentley Green]

That still remains a question to be considered.

I'm trying to get enough members to say what they think before I let everyone know if the practice holds any water or not.

[Food Network Fan]

I don't use sponges. I use small mesh scrubbers that are plastic ... don't hold water and clean easy in the dishwasher, a soap dispensing brush with antibacterial easy to clean nylon bristles and paper towels.

[Pluff Mudder]

Originally Posted by BerryBaby

Doesn't Pluff's response answer the question?

I guess not.

I don't use a sponge. Use a natural bristle scrub brush that made for cleaning dishes. When it starts to get worn, I use the old one to scrub the sink and get a new one for the dishes.