Cleaning sponges and brushes: washing, drying and replacing

Why sponges and brushes deserve attention

Rinse cleaning sponges and brushes, separate uses and let them dry openly. Smells and damage are warning signs; a clean appearance is not proof of hygiene.

A kitchen sponge or dish brush touches food scraps, grease and water, and is then often left wet in the sink. Moisture and leftover residue are the main reasons sponges start to smell and feel slimy over time.

You do not need complicated rituals to deal with this. A handful of basics are what matter: rinse out residue thoroughly, let the tool dry properly, clean it occasionally and replace it in good time. Following these habits makes your cleaning more hygienic and helps your tools last longer.

After every use: rinse and squeeze

Rinse sponges and brushes under running water after use until no food or soap residue is visible. Then squeeze the sponge firmly so that as little water as possible stays inside.

Tap brushes against the edge of the sink and pick out hair, fibres or crumbs caught between the bristles. A quick look is enough to see whether anything has become stuck.

• Rinse under running water.
• Squeeze the sponge out firmly.
• Remove debris from between the bristles.

Drying is the most important step

A sponge lying in a puddle on the edge of the sink barely dries. A holder, small rack or tray that lets air reach every side works much better. Stand brushes with the bristles facing up or hang them so the water can run off.

Avoid putting wet tools into closed containers or drawers. If you alternate between two sponges, each one has enough time to dry completely between uses.

A more thorough clean now and then

Many plastic dish brushes can go in the dishwasher according to the manufacturer; check the information on the packaging. Wooden brushes and natural bristles usually cannot. Wash them by hand with warm water and a little washing-up liquid, then let them dry well.

For sponges, follow the manufacturer's guidance as well: some sponge cloths are washable and others are not. Only ever use one product at a time for cleaning and never mix different cleaning agents, not even in small amounts.

Rinsing and washing are cleaning steps, not a guarantee of disinfection. Extra disinfectants are usually unnecessary in an ordinary household; follow any specific medical hygiene instructions.

• Check whether the dishwasher or washing machine is allowed.
• Clean wood and natural bristles by hand only.
• Never mix cleaning products.

Separate tools for separate areas

Use different sponges and brushes for dishes, kitchen surfaces, the bathroom and the toilet. Different colours make it easy to keep them apart. The toilet brush belongs to the toilet only and should be allowed to drip dry before it goes back into its holder.

Rinse out the toilet brush holder from time to time too. Standing water in the holder is a common cause of unpleasant smells in the bathroom.

Sponge, brush or cloth: care and replacement

Replace kitchen sponges regularly, especially after heavily soiling tasks. Do not wait for an odour: germs are not visible. Replace a smelly, slimy or crumbling sponge. Damaged brush bristles clean less effectively; washable cloths and brushes that dry well are often more practical.

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