'The results are pretty stomach-turning' – this is the one common kitchen cleaning tool scientists warn needs to be banished

Doing the washing up is no-one's favorite task, but you may be surprised to hear that your favorite kitchen cleaning hero, the humble sponge, is actually more of a villain.

Experts say it's doing more than cleaning your dishes, and none of it's good. Instead, your kitchen sponge is playing host to a whole load of thriving bacteria, and effectively spreading germs around your sink and onto your dishes.

Here, professional cleaners share why getting rid of yours for good is a cleaning tip they whole-heartedly endorse, and share what they recommend using instead.

Why your kitchen sponge needs to be banished

What makes a trusty old sponge quite so unhygienic?

Karina Toner, cleaning expert and operations manager at Spekless, warns, 'They seem like the ultimate kitchen cleaning tool, but I think we’ve all quietly understood that sponges are just not as clean as we think they are. In fact, they can be some of the dirtiest places in your home.

'Scientists have studied household sponges under the microscope, and the results are pretty stomach-turning. Some studies even found more bacteria per square inch on a sponge than on a toilet seat!'

As Karina explains, the main pitfall of a kitchen sponge is that it stays damp almost constantly, with tiny little holes that effortlessly trap food particles and moisture, providing the perfect environment for bacteria to grow and thrive. This means that, instead of washing dishes, you're just spreading germs around your sink, cookware, and tableware.

Erin Zanelli, professional cleaner and owner of Tranquil Home, agrees, adding, 'Sponges are known for their absorbency and scrub power, but they’re also a hotbed for bacterial growth, and sanitizing them doesn’t do much to help.

'Microwaving or boiling sponges for kitchen sponge cleaning can kill some bacteria, but it also creates more porous surfaces, making it easier for new bacteria to take hold.'

And, while you can negate some of these negative aspects of a cleaning sponge by replacing yours regularly, Carolina Kazimierski, co-owner and president of Sophia's Cleaning Service, highlights that people rarely do so regularly.

'I think many people just aren't aware of how many bacteria can be hiding out in your kitchen sponges!' she says. 'This is really why I have started to steer away from using sponges myself, and advocate for replacing them in your kitchen for things like washing dishes and the sink itself.

'Sponges realistically need to be tossed and replaced every week, if not more frequently, depending on use, and in my experienc,e most people, myself included, just are not doing that. So, when you're cleaning with your sponge, you're likely just spreading bacteria around.'

What to use instead

Luckily, there are plenty of reliable, bacteria-free options to use when cleaning the kitchen after use instead.

The most common is undoubtedly a dish brush, such as the Great Value Utility Brush available at Walmart, which wins hands down in the dish sponge vs dish brush debate.

'Brushes dry much faster than sponges, which makes it way harder for bacteria to set up camp,' says Karina. 'Plus, they’re easy to rinse clean after each use.

'A great option is the OXO Good Grips Dish Brush available at Amazon – it's sturdy, easy to hold, and the bristles are tough enough to scrub off gunk without scratching your plates or pans. Plus, the brush head is replaceable, so you’re not tossing the whole thing when it wears out.'

Alternatively, opt for silicone scrubbers, such as the Norpro Fish Silicone Dish Brush available at Amazon, which are non-porous and quick to dry, meaning they stay much cleaner for longer.

'They're also safe to toss in the dishwasher for a proper sanitizing cycle,' adds Erin. The long-lasting Geloo.Silicone Sponge available at Amazon doesn't absorb odors, resists mildew, and holds up better than any sponge,' she says. 'It's a reliable, low-effort essential for any kitchen.'

You can also use Swedish dish cloths, which Carolina recommends. 'I actually love Swedish dishcloths right now, as they are super effective cleaners for jobs like washing dishes or scrubbing sinks and counters,' she says.

'They are absorbent like sponges but they dry much faster, which means they're not just sitting there wet and mildewy on your sink between uses.

'Additionally, lots of them can be sanitized and cleaned in the washing machine. In my experience, they tend to be a bit more convenient and less "gross" overall than sponges.' They're also made of natural materials like cellulose and cotton, Erin points out, so they're conveniently compostable when worn out.

Of course, you can use microfiber cloths to do the dishes, too.

'When you’re cleaning your sink or wiping down counters, a microfiber cloth is your best friend,' recommends Karina. 'They’re super absorbent, machine washable, and dry quickly. I really like the MR.SIGA Microfiber Cleaning Cloths available at Amazon – they come in packs of 12, so you can rotate them out easily and always have a fresh one on hand.'

Just make sure you know how to wash a microfiber cloth properly before reusing.

What to shop

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Meet our experts

Carolina Kazimierski

Since it's founding in 1984, family-owned Sophia's Cleaning Service has become a well-known and well-trustedcleaning company in Illinois.

Karina Toner

As an expert in both commercial and residential cleaning, if Karina agrees that your cleaning sponge needs to be banished, it's definitely time to make the swap.

Erin Zanelli

Tranquil Home is an eco-friendly house cleaning service located in San Diego, which champions the use of non-toxic products.

FAQs

How often should you throw away your kitchen sponge

If you're not ready to let go just yet, at least make sure you're throwing away and replacing your kitchen sponge every two to four weeks. There are cleaning rules you can actually break, but this certainly isn't one of them.

'Whatever you choose, make sure you’re cleaning those cleaning supplies regularly too,' advises Karina. 'Even the best brush or cloth needs a little TLC! A quick run through the dishwasher or washing machine once a week will keep things from getting funky.'