Abaddon wrote:

2 minutes in the microwave sterilizes sponges, scrub pads: study
Last Updated: Tuesday, January 23, 2007 | 4:11 PM ET
CBC News
Putting kitchen sponges and scrub pads in the microwave for two minutes can kill bacteria and viruses, eliminating the threat of food-borne illnesses, U.S. researchers say.
%22People often put their sponges and scrubbers in the dishwasher, but if they really want to decontaminate them and not just clean them, they should use the microwave,%22 lead researcher Gabriel Bitton, a University of Florida professor of environmental engineering, said in a release.

I found this kinda cool, I usually just throw out my old sponges...

Interesting... i occasionally soak my sponges in a bit of distilled white vinegar, which I believe is fairly effective against most bacteria, though I'm less sure about virii. I use vinegar to clean and disinfect my wood chopping block as well, though I suppose the facts that i don't use it for meat and don't allow it to stay moist are more relevant to it's safety.

Anyway, i suppose a microwaving might not be a bad idea from time to time...

Abaddon wrote:

2 minutes in the microwave sterilizes sponges, scrub pads: study
Last Updated: Tuesday, January 23, 2007 | 4:11 PM ET
CBC News
Putting kitchen sponges and scrub pads in the microwave for two minutes can kill bacteria and viruses, eliminating the threat of food-borne illnesses, U.S. researchers say.
"People often put their sponges and scrubbers in the dishwasher, but if they really want to decontaminate them and not just clean them, they should use the microwave," lead researcher Gabriel Bitton, a University of Florida professor of environmental engineering, said in a release.

I found this kinda cool, I usually just throw out my old sponges...

Better living through irradiation.

Abaddon wrote:
2 minutes in the microwave sterilizes sponges, scrub pads: study

Perhaps not such a good idea...Click Here