Don’t Microwave Those Sponges Quite Yet!

During the week several blogs as well as CNN and Reuters posted a recent study by the University of Florida showing microwaving a common household sponge kills germs and bacteria. Soon after the postings complaints started to be reported to news organizations of microwave mishaps with dirty sponges.

On Reuters one upset commenter wrote:

"Just wanted you to know that your article on microwaving sponges and scrubbers aroused my interest. However, when I put my sponge/scrubber into the microwave, it caught fire, smoked up the house, ruined my microwave, and pissed me off”

"First, the sponge is worthless afterwards so you have to throw it out instead of using it. And second your entire house stinks like a burning tire for several hours, even with windows/doors open," complained another.

Although the University of Florida has not received any complaints directly they caution the public:

"To guard against the risk of fire, people who wish to sterilize their sponges at home must ensure the sponge is completely wet. Two minutes of microwaving is sufficient for most sterilization. Sponges should also have no metallic content. Last, people should be careful when removing the sponge from the microwave as it will be hot."

Of course you could just simply toss the sponge in the trash and not be a cheap bastard…