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I nuke my sponges in the microwave every time I use them. I think they hold up better in the microwave than they do in the dishwasher.

Just remember to dampen the sponge first - a nuked dry sponge can explode or catch fire.

I nuke mine in a bowl of water.

I've done both. The dishwasher method is easier to remember... just toss them in when you're running the dishes.

The microwave one seems more sanitary to me. Like above posters mentioned, don't forget to make sure the sponge is wet or damp!

I rarely use them any more, but I always used to just put them in the washing machine with the towels and stuff. I don't know why this isn't obvious to anyone else? I tried to think why; do people all assume they would fall apart? They do not. My mom's always done it, and so have I.

I microwave, but always wonder if it's making a difference... petri dish study, anyone?

I'm with SheHasMoxie, on both points. Actually I don't use them anymore. I've opted for cotton terry dishrags and cleaning cloths. No worry about spreading around the yuck, because once you are done doing the dishes or cleaning, you wash them. Mine have lasted for years, and haven't bought any sponges since then.

So good to know that you have to microwave them wet. I heard about this a couple years ago, set mine on fire and never tried again!

I have disinfected my sponges in the microwave oven. But I "recycle" my sponges by moving them from the kitchen sink to the cleaning basket. I cut one corner off the sponge---that means it's no longer suitable for using at the kitchen sink or on dishes, but can be used for cleaning tub/toilet, floors, etc. This method has worked out very well for me. That clipped corner is unmistakable.

i never use sponges anymore (they give me the heebie jeebies. i've read too much about bacteria, etc. and owned a cafe, where i learned that the health department bans them). i like to buy the nubbly "bar mops" that williams sonoma sells, then throw them in the washing machine at the end of the day.

I do what SunnyBlue does...once they're too grimey for the kitchen, they move to the household cleaning bucket.

one question though, can you micowave the sponges with the, blue or green 'scrubby' side?

I've moved away from sponges as well, but when I did use them I would boil them in a pot of water for 3-5 minutes to sterilize them. Just remember that they are full of HOT water when you are done and don't try to squeeze them with bare hands until they cool.

Thanks for the cut corner tip SunnyBlue, I always have this fear that I'll realise I've washed the dishes with a sponge that has been used 'elsewhere'.

Oh geez. I read about this on boingboing, and I thought COOL. So I nuked the old sponge in a bowl of water, and filled the kitchen with steaming sponge-stink! Now I use a plastic scrubber brush first, then go at the tough stuff with the green-scrubby side of the sponge. They do last longer that way. I'd love to try the washer idea, but after the sponge-stanked-kitchen episode, my dw would KILL me....

sunnyblue: genius about clipping the corner! I also rotate my sponges to the cleaning bucket but am always paranoid that they'll make it back to the sink (via my roommates)! such a simple solution, but I'd never thought about it.

we have a nylon sponge for scrubbing non-stick pans (since steel wool can't be used) and it gets full of food bits and gets gross really fast. does anyone have any suggestions for thoroughly cleaning them?

Er, is it safe? Will the sponge material, molten or gaseous, linger and settle into the subsequent microwaved dinners?