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.

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