How to clean Clean Your Sponges
with Isopropyl Alcohol 70 %
History of the Sponge
Interestingly, a German scientist named Otto Bayer accidentally created the sponge in 1937. Unfortunately, the sponge was born from a defective batch of polyurethane foam.
These sponges had too many useless holes in the foam and would fall apart quickly. In addition, it wasn’t as firm and intact as of today’s sponges. Luckily they did have Isopropyl Alcohol 70% for keeping these sponges Bacteria free.
Sponges have also been traditionally used in surgery since the Middle Ages and are still used today in hospitals and surgical centers. Interestingly, it was also used as toilet paper, which isn’t a very appealing visual. In those days, they didn’t have Isopropyl Alcohol 70 % to keep the sponges free from harmful bacteria.
The Romans would insert a sponge on the end of a stick and use it to clean their bum after every bowel movement, they would then place it in a bucket with vinegar, and the whole family and friends would reuse the same sponge. Imagine all the tiny destructive microbes being passed from bum to bum. But, of course, they didn’t have Isopropyl alcohol 70 % back in those days.
Kitchen sponges have been around since the Du Pont company first developed them in the 1940s and then sold the company in the 50s to General Mills and then invented the cellulose sponges, which are the ones we use in the kitchen these days. However, since Isopropyl Alcohol 70 % was available in the ’40s, it wasn’t a popular sponge cleaning method.
Bacteria and Isopropyl Alcohol 70%
Most sponges, especially kitchen sponges, harbor a certain amount of bacteria, some of which are not harmful. However, due to their porous nature, they tend to absorb quickly. So, with that in mind, They will absorb the good and the bad. When you first buy your kitchen sponge, it usually comes wrapped in a specific package.
Once you open it, it becomes a magnet for airborne bacteria, usually normal and non-harmful. But once you start using it to clean your countertop, you will begin accumulating the bacteria onto the sponge and spreading it back and forth. So it’s essential to have Isopropyl Alcohol 70% available to clean your sponge immediately after each use. It’s also crucial how you aim to move your sponge throughout the cleaning process.
Unfortunately, most people mindlessly sponge back and forth without a thought and do not realize they are spreading bacteria.
Isopropyl Alcohol 70% Cost-effective
Because the sponge collects germs, paying attention to How you use your sponge is imperative. Remember that you could always toss the sponge after each use, but it’s not very cost-effective at the price of sponges. It’s best to keep Isopropyl Alcohol 70% on hand to clean your sponges as it’s cost-effective and the best way to keep your sponges healthy for extended periods.
You should also, Always wear gloves while using a sponge. And try not to touch your face using the sponge as the bacteria can readily travel through your nostrils and the pores of your skin. Some say tossing the sponge in the microwave removes the germs, but it doesn’t completely wipe out all the harmful microbes. The only solution is to use 70 % isopropyl alcohol.
70% isopropyl alcohol is best for use as a bactericidal on sponges. It’s the perfect strength to ward off those billion to trillion microbes in your sponges. Before your sponge gives off that grossly pungent aroma, you can soak it in 70 % ISO for a few minutes before each use.
You can take a dish and pour in the Isopropyl Alcohol 70% enough to soak the sponge for 5-10 minutes, then rinse off and use. Repeat the process after each use.
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