Many of us out there use sponges for all kinds of cleaning that takes place in the kitchen. However not many realize that dishcloths and sponges may leave toxic mess behind. Luckily for us, scientists have discovered ways to reduce that harmful toxic “leftovers” in our kitchens. Although sponges are known to be perfect breeding grounds for bacteria, it’s not advisable to reach for antibacterial or antimicrobial soaps or other cleaning products.
These products are treated with triclosan (a common pesticide), which not only may contribute to the rise of some drug-resistant bacteria, it does not provide additional protection against the ever-present bacteria beyond that of plain soap. Moreover, when exposed to water treated with chlorine (most city water), triclosan can create carcinogen chloroform (a by-product of the disinfection of drinking water that causes cancer in humans). And to top it all, it’s appearing in places it shouldn’t be, such as breast milk, streams and rivers, where sunlight can convert it to cancer-causing dioxins (highly toxic environmental pollutants) that end up in fish and then subsequently in our food chain.
So what can you do to get rid of some of the bacteria without leaving the harmful toxins behind?
• Keep your sponges dry and wring well after each use.
• Disinfect sponges once a week. You can do that by soaking them in water with a few drops of hydrogen peroxide or bleach or boiling them in water for a few minutes.
• Don’t clean cutting boards used for meat with the sponge. Use a dishrag instead since it can be washed.
• Replace them often (about once a month). Since a lot of the sponges are made from non-renewable petroleum so choose biodegradable or plant-derived cellulose sponges. And if these are not available at your local store, simply use washable, reusable dish towels.
A few easy steps and you’ll be on your way to a cleaner and healthier kitchen!
