This Study Will Convince You To Cut Corners Off Sponges

It is almost common knowledge among homeowners that sponges are one of the most germ-ridden items in your cooking corner. This comes as no suprise, since it is a must-have for cleaning up spills, picking up food residue and scrubbing greasy pots, too. 

While popping it in the microwave will keep it clean enough to remain in regular rotation, this method only gets rid of 60% of the bacteria according to a study conducted by Springer Nature. If you ask us, that's not enough for something that we use multiple times a day.

IMAGE Doodle & Stitch

Don't worry, we also know that it will be very impractical, not to mention wasteful, to replace it after a single use or even once a week. To save older sponges, why not try a clever recycling hack instead?

IMAGE UncommonGoods

When you feel like your "good" sponge has become too gross for washing dishes and cookware—cut off one corner. This smooth edge will identify that particular sponge as a utility sponge. Store it at a decent distance from your new, squeaky-clean sponges and break it out when you need to scrub other "bad" things like the trash can, toilets or even muddy tires. 

Now, you can rest easy that your kitchenware is germ-free and you've squeezed expensive sponges for all it's worth!

SOURCE: Apartment Therapy — Why You Should Cut A Corner Off Your Sponge