posted
Some of you might have noticed the big "news" yesterday that a study found that microwaving sponges is the simplest and most effective way to sanitize them. This was a big yawner to those of us who read "household tips" sites and articles like this one:
quote:WASHINGTON - Reports about a study that found microwave ovens can be used to sterilize kitchen sponges sent people hurrying to test the idea this week — with sometimes disastrous results.
and...
quote: One reader wrote to tell MSNBC.com, "When I tried it, my sponge caught on fire. It had been in the microwave for less than two minutes on full power. There were flames and when I poured water on the sponge it was totally charred. I just wanted to let you know that the article might need to have a warning about this danger!"
Aaron Hoover, a press officer at the University of Florida, said several other news organizations received similar complaints, although no one had complained directly to the university.
“We figured, 'Wow, we better let people know right away that the sponge should be wet,”’ Hoover said in a telephone interview.
Perhaps the next time that a University wants to give helpful household tips to the public they should go read Heloise to get an idea of how it's done.
quote:Originally posted by Storm Saxon: Does it work on kids' hands?
But you have to get the microwave door fully shut. Can't see that happening unless you stuff the entire kid into the microwave.
Notice: I do NOT encourage this. So don't jump my back for thinking that I did or ever would do this.
Posts: 2208 | Registered: Feb 2004
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The only reason I beat you is that I didn't take time to type a disclaimer, since people here know me.
You can interpret that any way you want.
Storm,
I don't know recommended time for using steam and boiling water, but if you keep it up long enough, you might have a soup stock that Hannibal Lecter would envy.
Posts: 4344 | Registered: Mar 2003
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posted
The dishwasher gets it clean but does not sterilize it. The microwave does.
Personally, I'm ok with thorough handwashing, wringing, and putting 'em in airy hanging baskets to dry. Oh, and of course replacing them every few weeks.
Posts: 32919 | Registered: Mar 2003
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quote: Personally, I'm ok with thorough handwashing, wringing, and putting 'em in airy hanging baskets to dry. Oh, and of course replacing them every few weeks.
Just for the sake of clarity, you are talking about sponges, right?
Not your kids(!?).
Posts: 4344 | Registered: Mar 2003
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posted
It's something similar that we do to help clean the microwave. We spray it with water first, give a brief zap, then wipe. It makes things come off a lot easier. Posts: 1236 | Registered: Mar 2002
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quote: Personally, I'm ok with thorough handwashing, wringing, and putting 'em in airy hanging baskets to dry. Oh, and of course replacing them every few weeks.
Just for the sake of clarity, you are talking about sponges, right?
posted
Now, see. This is why I don't put anything in the microwave except food--and even that I try to avoid, since very few foods can survive a trip through the microwave with their flavor intact.
So how do I clean my sponges? Well, I use 'em till they get nasty, then I throw 'em away. Sponges are cheap, and I don't use all that many dishes anyway, as compared to someone who, you know, can cook.
Posts: 1814 | Registered: Jul 2004
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posted
Huh. I'm surprised that people actually replace sponges every few weeks. I've had my current two for about, oh, 4 months. After using them, they dry on the counter by the sink. It's Kansas in January, and inside a heated house, the relative humidity is incredibly low. My sponges dry quickly.
Oh, and about the sponge "system". I dedicate one for the food preparation surfaces, and use one for everywhere else. Except for the bathroom, where old sponges go to die.
In another month or so, that counter sponge is going to get demoted, and then I'll have another raddy sponge for the bathroom. Or maybe window cleaning.
Posts: 1813 | Registered: Apr 2001
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::notes absence of anything resembling "innocence" in Rivka's whistling::
::Currently contemplating Tstorm's grand science experiment in regard to importing kitchen bacterial flora and fauna into the bathroom::
Posts: 4344 | Registered: Mar 2003
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posted
Huh. My roommate put a sopping wet one in the microwave, and it burnt. There were no flames,(I think, I wasn't home.) but it melted to the glass tray in the microwave.
Posts: 368 | Registered: Dec 2005
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I think for the sponge thing to work the technique is intended for natural or cellulose sponges not the synthetic foam ones.
Posts: 527 | Registered: Aug 2004
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posted
It is a common misconception that a microwave will not operate with the door open.
Note: A microwave will operate if the Door LATCH is closed, regardless of whether or not the door is closed, or whether the window in the door is in place.
Posts: 300 | Registered: Dec 2002
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posted
But if the door is open, wont all those nasty waves of micro's escape and start cooking everything from the inside out. I mean, I'd hate be be drying my kids that are hanging up near the microwave, and find out I've cooked them without seasoning by accident.
Posts: 11895 | Registered: Apr 2002
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quote:Originally posted by Scott R: Microwaving a child???!!!
Have you gone insane?
GRILLING them is the proper way to prepare...oh.
Oh, crap.
Nah. Chop 'em into medallions, and saute with onions and peppers. Garnish with bunny ears and serve with a side of smoked baby seal.
Posts: 1321 | Registered: Sep 1999
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posted
"One day when she had nothing to do (sing rickety-tickety-tin) One day when she had nothing to do She chopped her baby brother in two Served him up as an Irish stew And invited the neighbors in, -bors in Invited the neighbors in"
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