NSF International tested 30 different household items and found that the sponge/dishrag was the germiest item in the home. According to Dr. Charles Gerba of the University of Arizona, objects commonly cleaned with these dirty sponges, such as coffee mugs, tend to have high levels of bacteria. When cleaning a sponge, try microwaving it for thirty seconds daily. Replace your sponge every two weeks (or sooner). You also can put the sponge in the dishwasher. If you use a dish rag, wash it regularly in hot water with chlorine bleach.
