Can you remember the last time you changed your dishwashing sponge?
A Food Network star revealed exactly how often you should change your cleaning tool, and it might surprise you.
In your viral videoMairym Monti Carlo (@themonticarlo) explained why you’re probably not replacing your sponge regularly enough.
The Instagrammer revealed that you should change a new sponge every week.
Mairym said the longest you should keep your sponge is two weeks.
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She added that synthetic sponges can harm the environment as they take up to 1,000 years to decompose.
Instead, she recommended purchasing natural sponges, which decompose over five years.
The Food Network star also shared her simple trick for reducing waste and making your sponges last even longer.
“Double their health by cutting them in half,” Mairym said as she demonstrated the easy trick.
She also explained the cleaning method that can also prolong their lives.
According to the professional, long-lasting sponges should be cleaned “a few times a week”.
“Just add a quarter cup of bleach to four cups of cold water,” she told the audience.
“It has to be cold, hot water is bleach kryptonite, then leave the sponge to soak overnight.”
She also revealed that if your sponge is already starting to smell bad, bacteria is already present and the cleaning item should be discarded immediately.
The experts in Blue Earth broke down the science behind how bacteria form in sponges.
“German scientists studied kitchen sponges found in homes across Germany,” they explained.
Researchers found 362 different species of bacteria in sponges and 45 billion bacteria per square centimeter.
Blue Earth Specialists
“Researchers found 362 different species of bacteria in sponges and 45 billion bacteria per square centimeter.
“This means that part of your kitchen sponge could contain as much bacteria as the inside of a toilet bowl.”
The professionals added that the USDA recommends that you try to clean your sponges daily.
Instagram users shared their thoughts on the hack to keep bacteria at bay.
“I used to microwave the damp sponge for a few minutes to kill the bacteria,” one viewer wrote.
“I save my sponges for months, put them in the dishwasher to sanitize every week and I still haven’t died,” said another follower.
“I don’t buy sponges anymore, I use bamboo cloths that I regularly put in the washing machine,” commented a third person.
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story