Can You Sanitize a Sponge With Bleach?

Bleach as a Disinfectant

• Bleach is a common disinfectant in laboratories, hospitals and the home. It is capable of killing various pathogens that could potentially make you sick. This includes various bacteria, fungi, salmonella, influenza A, streptococcus and several more. Many of these may be common in a kitchen environment. Germs and bacteria grow on uneaten food and could contaminate your sponges, which is why you should regularly disinfect them.

Sanitizing Sponges

• Sponges should be soaked in a solution of 3/4 cup of bleach and 1 gallon of water. Too much bleach could eat away at the sponge too quickly, as well as cause skin irritation if you accidentally touch it. Wring the sponges out under cold water after they have soaked, then let them air-dry on your sink.

Dishwashing

• Sometimes your sponge will become encrusted with food particles and stains. Bleach is a disinfectant but not a great cleaner, so you'll have to wash out this soil some other way. Put your sponge in the dishwasher after each use. This will prevent bacteria from building up colonies between sanitizing. Put the sponge in the utensil caddie on the bottom of your dishwasher so it doesn't get tossed around.

Precautions

• Always wear protective rubber gloves when dealing with bleach, and roll up your sleeves. Bleach may irritate your skin and stain your clothing. Make sure to thoroughly remove as much bleach as possible from the sponge after sanitizing it, as any remaining bleach will eat away at the sponge and shorten its life span.