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Nutrition and daily life

Sponges and kitchen towels: a hidden source of germs

A damp kitchen sponge is one of the most bacteria-laden items in the home. Towels get dirty quickly too. This section explains how to use them and when to change them.

Last updated: ~1 min read
A dry sponge and clean cloths.
Figure 1.A fresh sponge — Sponges and kitchen towels: a hidden source of germs

01Short answer

Squeeze out the sponge after each use and keep it somewhere dry; replace it weekly or more often. Wipe up raw meat juices with a single-use paper towel, not a sponge. Change kitchen towels daily and wash them hot. Keep separate towels for hands and for dishes. Boiling or microwaving a sponge cuts bacteria temporarily, but frequent replacement is more reliable. Throw away a sponge that smells at once.

02Simple explanation

Keep sponges dry.

Replace often.

Raw meat juice: paper towel.

Towels: daily.

03Scientific explanation

Studies: very dense bacterial colonies have been found in kitchen sponges; bacteria return quickly after disinfection, so replacing them works better.

WHO: foodborne illness is more severe in people with weakened immunity; the five keys are keep clean, separate, cook thoroughly, keep food at safe temperatures, and use safe water and raw materials.

04What happens in the body?

Brushes

Dish brushes dry faster than sponges and are more hygienic.

A soaked sponge in shadow.
Figure 2.A soggy sponge — Sponges and kitchen towels: a hidden source of germs

Paper towels

During neutropenia they are safer for drying hands.

Towels on two hooks.
Figure 3.Separate towels — Sponges and kitchen towels: a hidden source of germs

Neutropenia

When neutrophils are low, even ordinary germs can cause serious infection, which is why the rules are stricter.

General rules

This section is part of the general food-safety rules in “Handwashing: the simplest protection” and “Eggs and dairy: safe choices” and “Food safety: four simple rules”.

05Safety: four steps

Check, swap the risky, prepare properly, use in time.

Check — Date and condition.1CheckDate and condition.
Swap — A safe choice.2SwapA safe choice.
Prepare — Clean and thorough.3PrepareClean and thorough.
In time — No delay.4In timeNo delay.
CleanHands and surfaces.
CookGerms die.
ColdGrowth slows.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
BrushesDish brushes dry faster than sponges and are more hygienic.
Paper towelsDuring neutropenia they are safer for drying hands.
NeutropeniaWhen neutrophils are low, even ordinary germs can cause serious infection, which is why the rules are stricter.
General rulesThis section is part of the general food-safety rules in “Handwashing: the simplest protection” and “Eggs and dairy: safe choices” and “Food safety: four simple rules”.

07Key terms

Bacterial colony
A cluster of multiplying bacteria.
Single-use towel
Paper used once and thrown away.
Foodborne infection
An infection spread through food or water.
Neutropenia
Low neutrophils.

08Key points

  • Keep dry.
  • Replace often.
  • Separate towels.
  • When in doubt, throw it out.
  • Call if you have a fever.

09Frequently asked questions

Can I soak the sponge in bleach?

It helps, but replacing it is simpler and more reliable.

Are cloth towels bad?

No, if changed daily.

Are these rules for ever?

No. They are usually relaxed as blood counts recover; your team will say.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Can I soak the sponge in bleach?

  2. Are cloth towels bad?

  3. Are these rules for ever?

My questions

12Sources

  1. World Health Organization. Five Keys to Safer Food manual
  2. World Health Organization. Food safety fact sheet
  3. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Safe Food Handling
  4. National Cancer Institute. Eating Hints: Before, During, and After Cancer Treatment
  5. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Eating Well During Your Cancer Treatment
  6. Macmillan Cancer Support. Eating problems and cancer
  7. Clinical Nutrition, 2017. ESPEN guidelines on nutrition in cancer patients
  8. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 2020. Management of Cancer Cachexia: ASCO Guideline
  9. FoodSafety.gov (U.S. HHS). 4 Steps to Food Safety
  10. FoodSafety.gov (U.S. HHS). Cold Food Storage Chart
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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