According to research from NSF International — the go-to global organization for establishing public health standards and certifications — the sink sponge is a veritable Noah’s ark in the diversity of microorganisms it contains.
For starters, the average sponge supports mold and yeast. While mold comes with its own bad reputation, yeast also can be problematic, especially for people who are otherwise seriously ill or immunocompromised. A damp sponge is the perfect habitat for bacteria, too, which may include E. coli, salmonella and campylobacter, all pathogens that can cause fever and stomach upset. You can zap a wet sponge in the microwave for a few minutes or run it through the dishwasher to disinfect it. But even with those precautions, you should toss it after a week. (And never microwave a dry sponge, which could catch fire.)
In cahoots with your sponge are your dish towels, which soak up all kinds of grime while you’re wiping up messes and drying your hands. Cronin recommends a “once and done” rule: Grab a new one after each use. If that feels excessive, at least make a point to grab a fresh one daily.
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