Martha Stewart changes this kitchen essential every single week – and I've just realized I should be doing it, too

The best advice has no expiry date, as Martha Stewart reminds us time and time again. Our most recent discovery comes in the shape of a column Martha penned in 2009, regarding an eternal kitchen essential: Dish towels. Or, more specifically, their short life span.

According to Martha, we should change these towels at least once a week, while sponges should be used for no more than two weeks, or sooner if they start to fall apart. Thankfully, these cleaning supplies are ultra-affordable, so if, like me, you've let them surpass their lifespan by a few days, it's time to rethink in the interest of better hygiene.

In a column for The Philadelphia Inquirer, Martha addressed the debate over dishcloths versus sponges and shared tips on how to prevent odors.

'It's not so much the tool that's the culprit in spreading germs in a kitchen - it's how you wield it. Dishcloths and sponges are equal-opportunity breeding grounds for bacteria, which thrive in the presence of food particles and in warm, moist environments,' Martha notes. Therefore, she says we should 'change dishcloths at least once a week, and replace sponges approximately every two weeks or as soon as they begin to fall apart.'

Thankfully, these dish towels are often sold in bulk. This multi-pack from Amazon has enough for 15 weeks, and they're versatile colorway complements any sink in the process.

As Martha notes, the reason for changing our dish towels extends beyond aesthetics and unpleasant odors. It's a matter of hygiene that could impact your whole kitchen, including your countertops, which makes this bacteria easily spreadable.

Millions of food-borne pathogens may be living in that one little cloth or sponge and can be spread easily from the cutting board to the countertop to other areas of the kitchen. Sponges can harbor more bacteria than dishcloths because they're thicker, dry more slowly, and have lots of holes that can trap small food particles,' Martha says.

Plus, even if you replace your cloth or sponge regularly, it's essential to keep on top of bacteria by washing and rinsing them properly. Of course, the proper way is the Martha way.

'Whether you use a cloth or a sponge, rinse it thoroughly under hot running water after each use and wring it well. Store it so that it dries quickly and remains dry. Don't fold a cloth or leave a sponge in the sink. Consider using paper towels to wipe up meat or eggs,' she says.

Below, you can shop more of my dishwashing favorites, including some subtly stylish towels to complete the process.