I’m a cleaning pro and you should NEVER use a sponge to do your washing up – here’s what to use instead
IF YOU don't own a dishwasher you're left to wash your dishes by hand.
But what you use to wash them could make a huge difference to how clean they really are.
It's bad news if you normally use a to scrub your dirty dishes.
According to Trond Møretrø, a scientist at the Norwegian food research institute, no matter how clean your dishes and cutlery might look, chances are they're harbouring loads of bacteria.
This is because pathogens like salmonella love sponges because they're almost always damp.
Trond said a single sponge can have "a higher number of bacteria than there are people on Earth."
Read more on cleaning
While it's unlikely you'll get sick from this, it can mean that bacteria spreads more easily.
Even attempting to clean your sponge wont get rid of all the bacteria.
The only reliable way keep sponges clean is to replaces them daily, if not more often.
Which can not only cost a fortune in the long run but isn't great for the environment either.
Most read in Lifestyle
If you don't want to splash out on a dishwasher, there are some alternatives to the basic sponge.
The first thing to look for when shopping for a new utensil is how fast it dries.
plastic or silicone cleaning utensils are the best for this, according to the pros.
This is not only because they don't stay as damp, but also because there are less crevasses for dirt and bacteria to harbour.
If you're still concerned about bacteria, make sure to leave your cleaning utensils stood upright so they can dry quicker.
Then just soak in white vinegar and dish soap roughly every week to ensure they stay squeaky clean.
