What is the proper way to keep a dish sponge in between uses?

Question

In between dishwashings, is it more sanitary to let the sponge dry or place it in a little bit of water? Normally I allow mine to dry, although stinky, it makes me feel like I may be killing any nasty bacteria (not likely I know). Recently I met someone who leaves it in a small tupperware container with a bit of water in it so the sponge never dries. That seems gross and even more unsanitary to me.

Answer 1

Ring it dry.

Just throw it away. Its a sponge.

Answer 2

When you are finished with your dish sponge rinse with clean water put in the microwave oven, for 1 minutes.  This will kill all germs and bacteria.  Let the sponge cool off for about 1 minute before removing as it will be hot and sanitized.

Good Luck

Answer 3

There's not much sanitary about kitchen sponges and now that they're using some toxic chemicals to "make them better" you should really avoid them.

Take a look at this article:

http://www.thegreenguide.com/blog/tow/96...

Answer 4

definitely keep it dry!  water just fosters bacteria.  if you squeeze out the sponge after every use and let it completely dry each day, it should NOT smell.  

if you wash dishes several times a day and do not have a chance to let the sponge dry, i would suggest using a second sponge and take turns each day using one so that bacteria cannot live on it.  good luck!

Answer 5

usually I just keep it in a small container filled with vinegar