The humble kitchen scrubber is one of the most frequently used tools in any household. As you scrub dirty dishes after a hearty meal or clean countertops after meal prep, your reliable scrubber works tirelessly. But have you ever stopped to wonder: how often should you change it? The answer might just shock you.
The hidden truth about kitchen scrubbers Kitchen scrubbers—sponges, brushes, or pads—are exposed to a wide array of food particles, oils, and bacteria every day. While they help you clean, they also accumulate grime and bacteria with each use. According to research, kitchen scrubbers can harbour more bacteria than any other item in your home, including the bathroom! They provide the perfect environment for bacteria like E.
coli, Salmonella, and Staphylococcus to thrive, due to the combination of moisture, warmth, and food particles. In fact, one study from the Journal of Applied Microbiology found that a kitchen sponge can harbour over 362 different species of bacteria. That's more than your toilet seat! How often should you change it? Here’s the surprising truth: your kitchen scrubber should ideally be replaced every 1 to 2 weeks.
Yes, you read that correctly—what you may have thought was a tool that lasts for months is actually a breeding ground for bacteria after just a short period of use. The frequency of replacement depends on how often and intensively you use it. If you're using your scrubber daily to tackle heavy-duty cleaning tasks, weekly replacement.