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Housekeeping

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Why does my dishmatic start smelling bad after a week or so?

4 replies

LampLighter414 · 03/09/2022 10:06

Had this problem before so I stopped using it, however ran out of regular sponges last week and found the dishmatic ‘stick’ and a new sponge pad for it floating around in the cupboard under the sink.

It gets used lightly 2-3 times a day. I mainly put things in the dishwasher so it’s really only the occasional mug/glass, dish or chopping board and knife. All items are rinsed a little under the tap before being scrubbed with it so it doesn’t get too much food residue onto the dishmatic sponge.

Anyways after a week or so I notice the pad will always begin to have a musty/mouldy kind of smell. This is despite the packaging for the sponge refills saying they are treated with an antibacterial agent to prevent this exact type of thing.

Am I doing something wrong or are they just naff?

I did think maybe it’s because I store it sponge side down in the half bowl sink when not in use and so perhaps it doesn’t dry out so well between uses? I have tried this time to stand it sponge side up but seems to not have made a difference.

OP posts:
LampLighter414 · 03/09/2022 10:07

Oh and I have always used big standard washing liquid in the handle - fairy or Aldi brand.

OP posts:
Tralalalalalalalalalala · 03/09/2022 10:13

I've just checked what a dishmatic is. It's basically a sponge. That's only going to last a week approx. You've bought a posh sponge.
I buy cheap ones like this www.tesco.com/groceries/en-GB/products/255331102 cut them in half because I prefer them smaller; use up to a week (rinsing out after use) then donate them to my DH to wash his bike.

LampLighter414 · 03/09/2022 10:27

Tralalalalalalalalalala · 03/09/2022 10:13

I've just checked what a dishmatic is. It's basically a sponge. That's only going to last a week approx. You've bought a posh sponge.
I buy cheap ones like this www.tesco.com/groceries/en-GB/products/255331102 cut them in half because I prefer them smaller; use up to a week (rinsing out after use) then donate them to my DH to wash his bike.

Yeah basically. As I said I stopped using it a couple years ago and have only used it again this week as I ran out of regular sponges. Regular sponges seemed to hold up much better in terms of not smelling mouldy. Could get 2-3 weeks out of them

OP posts:
Chasingsquirrels · 03/09/2022 10:29

Probably because you squeeze the water out of normal sponges.
I shove mine (normal ones) in the washing machine every few days.

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