Can You Put A Sponge In The Dishwasher?

The kitchen accessory sponge is used all day and left in the wet. They have all the residuals stuck to them after every washing session.

Squeezing the sponge and leaving them to dry does not make it clean for the next use.

If you’re like me, you’ve probably wondered at some point if you can put a sponge in the dishwasher. I mean, it’s a dishwasher, so it should be able to handle a sponge, right?

Can You Put A Sponge In The Dishwasher?

Yes, you can put a sponge in the dishwasher. Manually cleaning a sponge takes time and is not as effective as cleaning it in a dishwasher. A dishwasher will give the sponge a thorough clean and make the sponge germ free.

How to clean a sponge in the dishwasher?

The first step is to get rid of the residuals stuck on the sponge. You need to also wash away the leftover liquid detergent trapped in it after several washing sessions.

You can do this by placing the sponge under running water. Next, you twist the sponge to remove excess water and get ready for the next step.

Next, place the sponge on the top compartment of the dishwasher. Start a long cycle to clean the sponge in the best manner. 

The top shelf will allow the sponge to get the optimal amount of heat; keeping the fibers of the sponge intact for use.

The hot wash cycle will kill the breeding germs and make it all hygienic and fresh for washing more dishes.

Always leave it to dry after the wash cycle before using it again. Dry sponges do not allow bacteria to grow and compromise the cleaning experience.

Are there other effective ways to clean a sponge?

Clean a sponge in a microwave

Studies have shown that cleaning sponges in the microwave are one of the best ways to ensure the sponge is properly sanitized.

The heat of the microwave frees the sponge from all kinds of bacteria and sanitizes it effectively.

You need to run the sponge under water and then wring it. Next, you place the damp sponge on the flat top of the microwave. You turn the oven on for 2 minutes and let it heat.

Next, you leave it to dry before the next dishwashing session.

Clean a sponge using a bleach solution

Bleach is the ultimate solution to destroy bacterial growth. 

You can use a bleach solution to give your sponge a good cleaning. The ratio to make a bleach solution is 3/4th bleach for 1-gallon water.

You prepare the solution and soak the sponge in it for about 5 minutes. Make sure you do not soak it in for too long. 

Next, wash it and rinse it with lots of water and leave it to dry before the next use.

Clean a sponge in a vinegar solution

If the other methods seem too daunting, you can always use a vinegar solution to clean your kitchen sponge.

You need to soak the sponge in the vinegar solution for about 5 minutes, rinse it with water and let it dry.

This is comparatively less effective in killing off all the germs. However, it is still a very good cleaning process to keep your sponge clean.

FAQ on can you put a sponge in the dishwasher

Final Thought

Now that it is settled that you can put a sponge in the dishwasher to clean it in the best way, start with this cleaning process today.

Kitchen sponges go through the rough and tough of cleaning the dirtiest of utensils all day long. So take care of the sponge that keeps your dishes germ free and clean.

Remember to replace them regularly despite how often you clean them. Keep your kitchen sponge clean and fresh all day, every day.