Hints From Heloise

Dear Heloise: When should I discard my kitchen/bathroom sponges? Is there a “shelf life”? It seems like they just don’t last very long. Katie, Columbus Ohio

It sure seems that way sometimes, doesn’t it? Our sources say that a new sponge will last indefinitely. But once you start using it, expect to get about 300 uses out of it. A good rule of thumb to follow: If the sponge starts to crumble, discard it.

If used constantly for tough cleaning jobs, expect a sponge to last two to four weeks, but if only used occasionally, say, to wipe the counter, it should last as long as eight weeks.

To get the most use out of a sponge, always rinse well after each use. It is also recommended to clip it to the top shelf of the dishwasher with a plastic clothespin and run it through the full wash and rinse cycles with the dishes two to three times a week. - Heloise