Did you know that your kitchen sink is a warm wet breading ground for bacteria? An average kitchen sponge can house E. coli, salmonella, and a whole host of bacteria that we don’t really want to keep around in abundance. Here are a few kitchen sponge alternatives, and some reasons why you may want to consider using them
To keep bacteria at bay, it is suggested you replace your dish sponge once a month. However, the average kitchen sponge is made out of non-renewable plastics – adding up to a lot of extra waste in our landfill. You can prolong its life by washing it after each use, and running it through the dishwasher each time you run a cycle. However, it is best to bin it as soon as it develops a smell.
So What Kitchen Sponge Alternatives are There?
Natural Fiber Pot Brush
A pot brush can be used to replace scrubbing sponges. Brushes should be well rinsed and allowed to dry thoroughly between uses. Not for non-stick coated pots.
Copper Scrubber
A copper scrubber is naturally antimicrobial and is gentle enough to use on most ceramics, metals, and glass. It should last a long time with a good rinse between uses. Not for non-stick coated pots.
Swedish Dishcloth
The cloths are made out of renewable materials and can be composted at the end of their useful life. They are much thinner than sponges, so they wash out more thoroughly and dry quickly. They can also be machine washed and hung to dry, or washed in the dishwasher. Each cloth lasts about 6-9 months.
Bamboo Wok Brush
A bamboo wok brush, also known as a cleaning whisk, is one of the most effective ways to clean out cast iron pots and pans. Allow to dry between uses, and it should last a long time. Made from bamboo, a fast growing renewable resources, these can be composted at the end of their lifetime.
An Old Rag
The greenest option is using something you already have that has reached the end of its useful life. A collection of old baby facecloths that make fantastic cleaning cloths – they are small enough to get into tight spots, and dry quickly. They go in the wash at the end of each day, so they are always dry, clean, and ready to go.
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