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DIY Cleaning Methods for Kitchen sponges

Reviewed by Zac Kieffer

Updated: September 15, 2025

Discover easy DIY cleaning methods for kitchen sponges. Keep your sponges fresh, germ-free, and long-lasting with these simple, effective tips and tricks.

DIY Cleaning Methods for Kitchen sponges

Microwave Heating

Dampen the kitchen sponge with water and place it in the microwave. Heat on high for 1–2 minutes. Allow the sponge to cool before removing. This method kills most bacteria and deodorizes the sponge effectively.

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Microwaving Kitchen Sponges: What Actually Happens

Microwaving a damp kitchen sponge can help reduce some of the buildup from everyday use. The heat and steam can loosen food particles and some grime, making the sponge feel fresher for a short time.

Always make sure the sponge is thoroughly wet before microwaving. A dry sponge can catch fire in the microwave. Squeeze it under running water until it’s fully saturated, then wring out just enough so it’s not dripping everywhere.

Place the wet sponge in the center of the microwave on a microwave-safe plate. This helps contain any drips and keeps things tidy.

Heat the sponge for about one minute on high. This is usually enough to generate steam and heat throughout the sponge. Let it cool before handling—sponges get surprisingly hot and can burn your hands.

After microwaving, rinse the sponge under cool water and squeeze out any loosened debris. This helps remove some of the gunk that the steam has lifted.

Check the sponge for wear and tear. If it’s falling apart, smells bad, or looks discolored, it’s time to replace it. No amount of microwaving will bring a worn-out sponge back to life.

Never microwave sponges with metal scrub pads or metallic threads. Metal and microwaves are a bad mix and can cause sparks or damage your appliance.

Microwaving is a quick refresh, not a deep clean. For a more thorough clean, consider running your sponge through the dishwasher on the top rack, or simply replacing it regularly.

Incomplete Germ Elimination

Microwave heating may not eliminate all germs in kitchen sponges, especially if the sponge is unevenly heated or not microwaved long enough, leaving harmful bacteria behind and increasing the risk of cross-contamination.

Vinegar Soak

Soak the kitchen sponge in a bowl filled with equal parts white vinegar and warm water. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. This natural method helps disinfect the sponge and remove odors.

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How to Do a Vinegar Soak for Kitchen Sponges

Gather your supplies: You’ll need white distilled vinegar, a clean bowl or container, and your kitchen sponge. Make sure the container is big enough for the sponge to be fully submerged.

Prep the sponge: Rinse your sponge under warm water to remove any loose food bits or debris. Squeeze out as much water as you can before soaking.

Pour the vinegar: Add enough white distilled vinegar to your bowl or container to completely cover the sponge. Full coverage is key—if part of the sponge is sticking out, it won’t get the same treatment.

Soak time: Let the sponge sit in the vinegar for at least 5 minutes. Some folks leave it for up to 20 minutes, but 5–10 minutes is usually enough for a basic clean. Don’t leave it overnight—that can break down the sponge faster.

Rinse thoroughly: After soaking, squeeze out the vinegar and rinse the sponge under running water. This helps remove any lingering vinegar smell and any loosened grime.

Dry it out: Squeeze out as much water as possible and let the sponge air dry in a well-ventilated spot. Standing it upright or placing it on a rack helps it dry faster and stay fresher longer.

Repeat as needed: You can do a vinegar soak a couple of times a week, depending on how much you use your sponge. If your sponge still looks or smells funky after soaking, it’s probably time to swap it out for a new one.

What’s happening here? Vinegar is a common household liquid that helps loosen grime and freshen up your sponge. It’s not a disinfectant, but it can help with general cleaning and odor control.

Pro tip: If you’re sensitive to the smell of vinegar, rinse the sponge with a little dish soap after soaking to help cut the scent.

Residual Odor Issues

Vinegar may not fully eliminate all odors from kitchen sponges, leaving behind a residual smell. This can happen if bacteria or food particles remain after soaking, making the sponge still unpleasant to use.

Bleach Solution Soak

Mix 3/4 cup bleach with 1 gallon of water in a container. Soak the kitchen sponge in the solution for 5 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with water. This method disinfects and removes bacteria, keeping your sponge clean and fresh.

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How to Soak Kitchen Sponges in a Bleach Solution

Gather your supplies: You’ll need household bleach (the regular, unscented kind), a clean container or bowl, water, and your kitchen sponge. Make sure the area is well-ventilated—bleach fumes are not your friend.

Mix the bleach solution: Combine 3/4 cup of bleach with 1 gallon of water in your container. This is a common dilution for general cleaning. Always add bleach to water, not the other way around, to avoid splashing.

Submerge the sponge: Drop your sponge into the solution, making sure it’s fully covered. If it floats, press it down with a utensil (not your hands—bleach can be rough on skin).

Let it soak: Leave the sponge in the solution for 5 minutes. This gives the bleach time to work on the surface grime and anything else hanging out in the nooks and crannies.

Rinse thoroughly: After soaking, squeeze out the bleach solution and rinse the sponge under running water for at least 30 seconds. This helps remove any leftover bleach and residue.

Dry completely: Set the sponge in a spot where it can air dry fully. A dry sponge is less likely to develop unpleasant odors or become a breeding ground for unwanted guests.

Handle with care: Wear gloves if you have sensitive skin, and never mix bleach with other cleaners, especially anything containing ammonia. The fumes can be hazardous.

Sponge Material Degradation

Bleach can weaken sponge fibers over time, causing them to break down, lose structure, and become less effective at cleaning, leading to faster wear and the need for more frequent replacement.

Bring a pot of water to a boil. Submerge the kitchen sponge in the boiling water for 5 minutes to kill bacteria and remove odors. Carefully remove the sponge with tongs and let it cool before use. This simple method sanitizes and refreshes your sponge without chemicals.

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Boiling Water Soak for Kitchen Sponges: What Actually Happens

Boiling water can help loosen grime and food particles that get trapped in the nooks and crannies of your kitchen sponge. When you soak a sponge in boiling water, the heat helps break down some of the gunk that’s built up from daily dish duty.

To do it, bring a pot of water to a rolling boil (that’s when the bubbles are big and steady, not just a few little fizzies). Drop your sponge in with tongs—don’t use your hands, unless you’re into the whole “ouch” thing. Let it soak for about 5 minutes. This gives the hot water time to work its way through the sponge’s layers.

After soaking, use tongs to remove the sponge and let it cool down before wringing it out. You’ll probably notice it looks a bit fresher and smells less like last night’s dinner.

This method is simple and doesn’t require any fancy products—just water and a heat source. It’s a quick way to give your sponge a refresh between deeper cleans or before tossing it in the laundry (if your sponge is machine-washable—check the label or packaging).

Keep in mind, boiling water mainly helps with visible grime and some odors. It’s a handy trick for a quick spruce-up, especially if you’re not ready to part with your sponge just yet.

Hidden Bacterial Growth

Boiling water may not reach all areas or maintain high enough temperatures long enough to kill all bacteria in kitchen sponges, allowing hidden bacterial growth to persist and potentially spread germs during use.

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