Before you grab that sponge to "clean" your dinner plates, consider this: a single kitchen sponge can harbour more than 362 different species of bacteria¹. Research shows that sponges can contain up to 54 billion bacterial cells per cubic centimeter². In fact, your sponge is likely the dirtiest object in your house, often housing more germs than a toilet seat. Because sponges are porous and stay damp, they are the perfect breeding ground for bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella. So, if your sponge smells, it’s not just wet - it’s alive. To keep your kitchen (and your household) safe, you need to do more than just rinse. You need to disinfect. Top 4 methods to disinfect your sponge To effectively counteract bacteria, you need heat or chemical intervention. Here are the most effective ways to sanitise your sponges: 1. The microwave (most effective) If you want to zap 99.9% of germs, the microwave is your best friend. The process: Ensure the sponge is completely soaking wet (a dry sponge is a fire hazard). Microwave on high for 1–2 minutes. Let it sit in the microwave for a few minutes to cool down before handling. The steam created is what kills the bacteria. 2. The dishwasher (most convenient) If you’re already running a load of dishes, toss your sponge in too. The process: Place the sponge in the top rack. Use a high-temperature cycle and the heated dry setting. The prolonged heat exposure effectively kills lingering pathogens. 3. White vinegar soak (the natural disinfectant) If you prefer a non-toxic, eco-friendly approach, white vinegar is an excellent mild disinfectant. The process: Submerge the sponge in a bowl of undiluted white vinegar for at least 5 minutes. The acetic acid helps break down grease and kill several types of household bacteria. Rinse thoroughly afterward. 4. Natural bleach or sodium percarbonate (best for bacteria) When you need a heavy-duty deep clean, a diluted bleach solution is the gold standard for sterilisation. The process: Mix 1 quart of water with 1/2 teaspoon of a sodium percarbonate solution. Soak the sponge for 1 minute. This is the most aggressive way to ensure your sponge is medically hygienic and free of odor-causing microbes. Essential maintenance tips Cleaning your sponge is only half the battle. To keep the bacteria count low between deep cleans, follow these rules: Dry dailyBacteria thrive in moisture. After every use, squeeze the sponge out thoroughly and prop it up in a well-ventilated spot (like a wire rack) to air dry. Replace frequentlyNo sponge lives forever. Even with regular disinfecting, you should replace your sponge every 2 to 3 weeks. If it starts to crumble or smells even after cleaning, toss it immediately.If you have a Seep sponge, it may last longer, and you can compost it after it has run its course. Swap utensilsConsider switching to a bamboo dish brush. Because they are non-porous and dry significantly faster, they harbour a fraction of the bacteria that traditional sponges do.   A clean kitchen starts with a hygienic sponge. Whether you choose the microwave or a white vinegar soak, consistent disinfection is the only way to ensure you aren't just spreading germs around your home.   Source: ¹ ² https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-017-06055-9

Spring has a funny way of making everything… visible. Dust, crumbs, that cupboard you’ve been gently ignoring. Which is why Spring Cleaning is a thing. But there's really no need to do it all in one go. We've created an easy, room-by-room checklist. A reset that feels good to start and even better to finish. Dip in, tick a few things off, and call it a win. You’ve got this. And if you’re reaching for cleaning essentials along the way, it helps when they really, truly work and are a better choice for your home and the planet too.  Kitchen Where life happens (and spills, splashes, and everything in between). Start here and you’ll see the difference straight away. Wipe cupboard doors and handlesClear out the fridge and give shelves a quick cleanTackle the hob and splashbackScrub the sink until it shinesMop the floor, especially those easy-to-miss corners For the tougher bits, a good sponge scourer does the heavy lifting. Seep’s sponge scourer is microplastic-free and made to handle stuck-on food without falling apart halfway through. No fuss, just a proper clean. Bathroom Fresh, simple, and quietly satisfying. You don’t need a full overhaul; a few small jobs go a long way. Clean the sink and tapsScrub the shower or bathWipe mirrors and glassFreshen up high-touch spots like flush handlesSwap in clean towels and bath mats A comfortable pair of gloves can make bathroom cleaning jobs much easier and quicker, as you don't have to worry about touching the dirty bits directly. Seep's rubber gloves are flexible, grippy, and comfortable enough to keep on until you’re done. Living room A little reset, a lot more calm. Less scrubbing and more decluttering, so the space works for you and your mind again. Dust surfaces, shelves, and skirting boardsVacuum the sofa, including under cushionsWipe down tables and remotesClear a few bits of clutterOpen the windows and let the air do its thing A hardworking cloth makes any wiping job a breeze. Seep’s sponge cloths are naturally absorbent and ready for repeat use. Just pop them in the wash when you’re done. Bedroom Fresh sheets, clear surfaces, better sleep. This one’s all about that just-cleaned feeling. Wash bedding and pillowcasesVacuum or rotate the mattressDust bedside tables and lampsClear out anything you no longer wearVacuum floors, especially under the bed A quick wipe with a damp cloth lifts dust in seconds. It’s a small job that makes the whole room feel lighter. Hallway The space that quietly does a lot. It’s the first thing you see when you walk in, so it’s worth a quick refresh. Shake out or wash doormatsWipe doors, handles, and bannistersClean light switchesTidy shoes, coats, and bagsSweep or mop the floor Pro tip: keep one cloth just for this room. Seep’s bamboo cloths come in different colours, so you can keep things simple and organised. A gentle finish Spring cleaning doesn’t need to be perfect. A few small resets here and there are more than enough. And when your cleaning essentials are designed to feel good in your hand, look lovely in your home, and skip the microplastics, it all feels lighter. That’s cleaning that sticks. Shop Seep’s spring cleaning essentials Ready to make those swaps? Shop the full range → Seep’s spring cleaning essentials