how can I stop my sponge (dishes) from getting so moldy so soon?
When you are done using the sponge rinse with clean water, squeeze out as much moisture as possible and put it up to dry. If you don't have one already you can get a little rack thing like this and put it in the corner of your sink or above it , that will keep the sponge from sitting in the dripping water and let it dry out faster. The moisture is what helps the bacteria and mold grow.
http://www.target.com/p/sponge-holder-with-suction-cups/-/A-10997178?ref=tgt_adv_XSG10001&AFID=Google_PLA_df&LNM=%7C10997178&CPNG=Kitchen&kpid=10997178&LID=PA&ci_src=17588969&ci_sku=10997178
You can also microwave the sponges for a minute or two every few days, that kills off like 99.99& of the germs and mold. Here are some instructions. I would microwave it for like 20 seconds at a time so you don't accidentally set it on fire (some microwaves get super hot? mine doesn't but i had one that did) and you have to get the sponge wet first. You can do that with plastic and sponge-material sponges, but obviously you cant microwave metal ones.
http://www.wikihow.com/Clean-a-Sponge
You can also run it through the dishwasher.
Here is a link on how well the microwave and dishwasher work compared to other methods- they kill like all but .000001% of all the nasties
http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/2007/070423.htm
http://www.target.com/p/sponge-holder-with-suction-cups/-/A-10997178?ref=tgt_adv_XSG10001&AFID=Google_PLA_df&LNM=%7C10997178&CPNG=Kitchen&kpid=10997178&LID=PA&ci_src=17588969&ci_sku=10997178
You can also microwave the sponges for a minute or two every few days, that kills off like 99.99& of the germs and mold. Here are some instructions. I would microwave it for like 20 seconds at a time so you don't accidentally set it on fire (some microwaves get super hot? mine doesn't but i had one that did) and you have to get the sponge wet first. You can do that with plastic and sponge-material sponges, but obviously you cant microwave metal ones.
http://www.wikihow.com/Clean-a-Sponge
You can also run it through the dishwasher.
Here is a link on how well the microwave and dishwasher work compared to other methods- they kill like all but .000001% of all the nasties
http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/2007/070423.htm