http://www.care2.com/greenliving/safer-sponges.html
Wipe Out: Buying Safer Sponges
posted by Annie B. Bond Jun 3, 2008 12:00 pm
By Annie B. Bond
Talk about an unwanted gift with purchase: Almost every sponge now sold in U.S. supermarkets is impregnated with a synthetic disinfectant—usually triclosan— that has been registered as a pesticide with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Not only should we be concerned about washing our dishes and counter tops with triclosan, but common disinfectants may contribute to drug resistant bacteria just like antibiotics.
Here’s what you can do:
- Buy only pure cellulose sponges by avoiding sponges in packages that use language such as “kills odors.”
- If your sponges exude the distinctive disinfectant smell, throw them out and search for a source of sponges made of pure cellulose.
- Sterilize sponges by boiling them in a pan of water for three to five minutes, or place them in a dish washing machine and wash with a load of dishes.
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39 comments
add your comment »To: RAFFAELLA P. Nov 21, 2008 1:25 PM
Try adding a few drops of your favorite essential oil to your steamer. Most of them have anti-bacterial/anti-microbial properties and they would make your area smell nice too.
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why is this inappropriate?
Steam is great to wash things! But disinfectants are chemicals and can be very harmful to your pet, causing allergies and many other health issues. I try to use the healthier options: I use Arm & Hammer laundry detergent but use only white vinegar in my rinse cycle which is a great all natural disinfectant, leave my clothes soft and clean. I also use white vinegar to clean practically everything in my home from my hardwood floors to my counters, etc. Plus it is cheap! =) Shaklee makes many all natural products which are quite effective as well - can be ordered online. I think you will like the white vinegar as well - mix it with water. Smell disappears quickly! Doesn't linger in the clothes either. Hugs! from this cat mom.
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I have a question,not a comment...I always use steam to wash almost averything,but,since I have 3 dogs, I always add disinfectants in my washmashine.How could I avoid them? are they really too bad?do they work actually?
raffaella,italy
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The link below to the Natural Bath & Body shop didn't work right, after typing in the address, was able to find a bunch of natural sea sponges, and at great prices as well. Try this link to get to the Sponge Store: Natural Sea Sponges
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After reading your article, I did the same, ridding our household of all synthetic sponges. Did some shopping and found a larger selection and better pricing at www.naturalbathandbodyshop.com . They are located in Tarpon Springs, Fl where the sponges are actually harvested and processed. Friendly, helpful customer service and same day shipping as well. www.naturalbathandbodyshop.com
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I would like to offer a "natural" solution to the sponge dilema, not just to promote my product, but for green reasons. Natural sponges are hypo-allergenic, do not retain odors and bacteria, do not mat up, fall apart, and wind up in the local landfill, and last for many months if not years when cared for properly. Also , they are of a fiborous nature, very absorbant, not made from petroleum like the synthetics. Well , seeing is believing, so you might try one. www.apalachspongecompany.com
why is this inappropriate?
I have serious doubts that placing a sponge in the dishwasher with your dishes is a sanitary thing to do. It would be impossible for the dishwasher to completely impregnate the sponge with soap and water and then completely rinse it out. There would always be lingering germs. The sponge would be dripping on your dishes. Bad idea.
A better idea is to use cloths. They are washable and sanitizable in the clothes washing machine. You can buy them in bundles of a dozen for as little as one dollar. When they become too ragged or soiled to use as a kitchen wipe, use them a few more times in your "Swiffer" mop. After that I launder them and cut them into strips to use as biodegradable plant ties.
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Shaklee has organic cleaners and sponges and wipes they all work extremely well.
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why is this inappropriate?
Shaklee has organic cleaners and sponges and wipes they all work extremely well.
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why is this inappropriate?
My last two posts were re: the question on Trader Joe's popup sponges posted earlier. (I apologize for the duplicate post as my computer froze, I wasn't sure it went thru.)
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