19 Sep How to Clean and Disinfect Dishwashing Scotch Pads and Sponges?

Sponges and scotch pads, one of your kitchen’s most helpful cleaning tools, need regular cleaning. Although they play a crucial role in keeping your dishes sparkling, they also harbour many germs and bacteria. Scotch pads and sponges that are dry on the outside but remain thoroughly moist inside are the perfect places for these particles to grow. Learning how to disinfect dishwasher scotch pads prevents the unwanted spread of germs and increases their useful life. In the following, we will learn about some easy and safe methods.

Scotch pad and sponge washing guide

you can use different methods to wash the dishwasher scotch pad, each of which has its advantages and disadvantages. The first to third methods are suitable for daily washing of dishwasher scotch pad, and if they are used regularly, along with monthly replacement of dishwasher scotch pad, there will be no need to use bleach. Note that after washing the dishes, never leave the scotch pads in the dirty parts of the sink or kitchen counter. If you have a specific place to put them, wash those parts well and keep them clean every time after washing to prevent the accumulation of microbial particles.

Put the dishwashing scotch pad or sponge in the dishwasher.

Sometimes the simplest possible solution to a problem can be the best solution. It doesn’t matter what kind of scotch pad or sponge you use. After washing the sink and the dishes you have washed by hand, it’s enough to wash and dry the dishwasher scotch pad or sponge well. Then put it in the dishwasher before using it again. It’s better to put a sponge or scotch pad inside the dishwasher almost every time you use it. After a dishwasher cycle is completed, your scotch pad or sponge is thoroughly cleaned and ready to be used again in the kitchen. To clean the scotch pad or sponge, the water temperature must reach 70°C (155°F).

The microwave will clean your sponge and scotch pad.

You may not have a dishwasher in your kitchen. This is where having a microwave comes in handy. Cleaning the microwave dishwasher scotch pad or sponge is quick and efficient. Before placing them in the microwave, remove food and other debris from their surface and wet them with water. The moisture content of the sponge or scotch pad should be such that it’s saturated with water but not dripping. Then put it in the microwave for one to two minutes. Since the sponge and scotch pad may burn, don’t take your eyes off it; if necessary, remove it from the microwave before the specified time. You should also wait until they are scorched before using them again.

Get help from vinegar.

If you’re looking for a natural solution to disinfecting your dishwashing sponge or scotch pad, dip it in vinegar. In this method, it’s better to use vinegar whose acid concentration is higher than regular white vinegar. Fill a bowl with vinegar. If something sticks to the surface of them, remove it. Then wash the sponge or scotch pad well and wring it out. Now put it in a bowl of vinegar and let them soak entirely for five minutes. Repeat the sponge or scotch pad and take the water at this stage. It’s better than the vinegar you use here is spicy and non-edible vinegar because its acid concentration should be higher than usual. Since during the final rinsing of the sponge and scotch pad, the vinegar on their surface may irritate the skin of your hands, it’s better to use gloves during the rinsing process.

Use bleach to disinfect the dishwasher, scotch pad, and sponge.

Bleach is one of the best countertop options for sanitizing scotch pads and sponges. In addition to bacteria, they can also destroy viruses and moulds. First, dissolve three-quarters of a glass of bleach in 3 litres of water. Then put the sponge in the solution and wait for 5 minutes. After removing the sponge and scotch pads from the solution container, wash them thoroughly with warm water.

Note: Vinegar and bleach both smell bad, so use a proper ventilation system. If you prefer to avoid these solutions and at the same time there are no household appliances such as a microwave oven or a dishwasher in your kitchen, don’t worry. We have another solution for you.

Go for boiling water.

Disinfecting the dishwasher Scotch pad is as simple as that. Even if you can’t use more effective methods such as a microwave, boil two glasses of water in a pot and put the scotch pad or dishwashing sponge in the boiling water for five minutes. After the container has completely cooled, remove the sponge from it and remove the excess water. After using any of these methods, allow your scotch pad or sponge to air dry completely before using it again.

We recommend washing the sponges after each use and storing them in a dry place between each use. But even a clean kitchen sponge can become a breeding ground for harmful bacteria. Even worse, sponges can have moisture inside even when they look dry and clean on the outside.

Disinfecting the dishwasher sponge or Scotch pads

For disinfecting, you can use one of the following three methods:

Method 1

Moisten the dishwashing Scotch pads and place them in the microwave for at least 2 minutes.

Method 2

Place the dishwasher Scotch pads in the dishwasher and set it to a cycle with a minimum temperature of 68 degrees Celsius and a final hot and dry process.

Method 3

Immerse your dishwasher in a bleach solution (3.4 cups of bleach per 5 litres of water) for at least 5 minutes, then rinse it thoroughly. After using any of these methods, allow the dishwashing scotch pad to dry completely before using it again. Ideally, place it on a surface that allows air to flow on both sides of the scotch pad.

Tips for keeping dishwasher Scotch pads clean

The kitchen sink is one of the dirtiest places in the house, and the scotch pads that wash dishes in the sink are no exception. By observing the following tips, you can extend the life of your dishwasher and prevent the accumulation of harmful bacteria on this essential washing tool.

How often should we disinfect scotch pads or dishwashing sponges?

Disinfecting the dishwasher with Scotch pads should be done daily. Since scotch pads need to be dried after disinfection, it’s better to simultaneously have several sponges or scotch pads in the kitchen. You don’t have to worry about washing your dishes with a dirty device during the day!

How can you keep the sponge as clean as possible?

It’s impossible to prevent the sponge from getting dirty during the washing process, but there are ways that you can increase the cleanliness standard of your scotch pads and dishwashing sponge. Daily disinfection of scotch pads is one of these ways. Other than that, pay attention that after finishing the dishes, never leave the scotch pads in a part of the sink or kitchen counter that is dirty. If you have a specific place to put them, every time you finish working with the sponges or scotch pads, wash the parts and keep them clean to prevent the accumulation of microbial particles. The bottom of the sink isn’t a good place to store them. Also, after washing the sponges and scotch pads, allow them to dry completely and use them again.

Don’t use sponges or scotch pads for a long time.

Have you ever noticed the foul smell of your dishwasher scotch pads? This bad smell is caused by creating a colony of bacteria and pathogenic agents on the surface of the sponge or scotch pads. In the best case, if you disinfect the dishwasher with Scotch pads daily, you can use them for two weeks. Microfiber sponges can also be used in the kitchen for up to a month if washed continuously.

Don’t use cotton cloths or dish towels instead of sponges.

Some people may prefer using cloth for washing instead of using sponges. But this isn’t healthy. Because the fabric doesn’t dry as quickly as the sponge, the possibility of the growth of microbial particles will be higher in them. They also must be washed and disinfected a lot more to stay clean, often left behind. Using cloth not only requires continuous washing but also sometimes requires daily replacement.

To wrap up

Scotch pad and sponge are significantly contaminated due to washing dishes and must be disinfected. You should use proper methods to wash scotch and dishwashing sponge. If you don’t have the opportunity or patience to wash your clothes, you can count on the specialized NeatEx team. With the most advanced tools and the latest knowledge, we will deliver your clothes of the best quality as soon as possible. Don’t damage your valuable clothes with improper washing. NeatEx washes your clothes in the best way and ensures you have clean and tidy clothes.