I Never Use Sponges to Wash Dishes — This Alternative Is Way More Hygienic

To put it bluntly, I think sponges are disgusting. Always have and always will. Aside from the fact that they’re germ hotspots harboring millions of bacteria, I just can’t stand touching them with my bare hands (and gloves just feel like too much work). Plus it’s basically impossible to clean them effectively, and you have to be diligent about replacing them frequently (which feels extra-wasteful).

So, what am I using to wash dishes in my dishwasher-free apartment, you may be wondering? It’s simple, actually: a dish brush.

While I thought it was just a personal preference, there’s actually data to back up why dish brushes are superior to sponges. In a 2020 dishwashing study, researchers found that because brushes dry faster than sponges, all of the bacteria on the brushes died after a few days, while the bacteria grew in each sponge they tested, including Salmonella and other illness-causing strains. For this reason, brushes were recommended for being more hygienic. The report also suggests cleaning sponges and brushes with chlorine, boiling water, or a dishwasher regularly.

You should replace dish brushes every three to four months, while sponges should be replaced as often as weekly, but definitely monthly. Dish brushes are not only more sanitary, but they’re also more cost-effective because they last so much longer. 

Because my dad, who taught me to wash dishes, has the same affliction, I’ve been using dish and bottle brushes for as long as I can remember. I’ve tried dozens over the years, from sustainable bamboo to metal scrubbers to ones with replaceable heads. I discovered my very favorite when I was working on finding the best way to clean glass flower vases and ordered a pack of MR.SIGA Long Handle Bottle Brushes. 

The long, flexible, non-scratch nylon bristles are odor-resistant and designed to not hold onto bacteria. I love how they can scrub hard-to-reach stains and grime on all kinds of dishes with minimal effort thanks to the 12.9-inch handle, and they also have a comfy non-slip rubber grip for long dishwashing sessions. I’ve reordered them two or three times, but editors have tested and loved these other dish brushes that also do the trick. If you’re going to spend so much of your time on this pesky chore, you might as well make sure your tools are effective. But of course, if you just can’t let go of sponges, there are some odor- and bacteria-resistant ones pro cleaners suggest, like the Skura Style sponge that changes color when they’re ready to be replaced or the Odor Resist Scotch Brite sponge.