Experts at Consumer Reports explain what should be washed versus what needs to be sanitized or disinfected. "Cleaning removes ...

Not cleaning your sponge is one of ... Sponges should be odorless, so any unpleasant smell is a sign to toss it. Plus, if it ...

For the most part, scrubbing with soap and water or using an all-purpose spray is enough to clean your home. But some jobs call for stronger products, like getting rid of germs after someone is sick.

To get more insight, we consulted experts Jessica Ek from the American Cleaning Institute and Marla Mock, president of Molly Maid, for some sponge sanitizing tips. When it comes to how often you ...

"Cleaning removes dirt and germs, which is often enough. Sanitizing reduces bacteria to safe levels, and disinfecting kills bacteria and viruses," said Jodhaira Rodriguez, Consumer Reports.