Microwave for Disinfecting

Image ~ Pixabay

Using the microwave to get water to the boiling point will disinfect a number of common-use things. Of course you can't go bat-crap-crazy and microwave anything with metal, anything that is not approved for microwave use, or anything that leaches chemicals (such as many plastics).

Here are a couple of things to put into the microwave for 30 seconds to one minute almost daily:

1. Your dish sponge. Or a dish cloth if you use one. Anything that stays wet breeds bacteria... and then we use it and spread those bacteria around. The microwave will kill them fast and easily: you need to soak your sponge or dish rag in water and put it (almost dripping wet) into the microwave and set it for about 1 minute. The more wet the better. Let it sit a while before you pick it up or you can burn yourself.  Being 'super smart-lazy', I like to do this at night... and leave the sponge to air-dry completely before the next use.... helps keep it even cleaner.
2. Your facecloths are the same as a sponge, and need the same disinfecting treatment. Unless you use a fresh facecloth each time, you are rubbing on yesterday's dirt and germs. Your microwave will help stop it now. Soak it well in water and put it in for about 1 minute (it depends on the microwave for how long it takes)

Don't believe me? Here's the same sponge info from an RN. The truth is that I haven't been doing this with my dish sponge as often as I should. I should do my dish sponge every 3rd day. (So I was right: creating this blog is helping me as much as it's helping you!)

Hey - while you're at it, give yourself a Lazy treat: soak a clean facecloth in lemon-water (or lavender water - remind me to tell you how to make this), and microwave it for 30-45 seconds. Let cool to 'comfortably hot' and then lie back and put it on your face for 3-5 minutes. Breathe deeply. You deserve it!