Cleaning Your Sponges

You should clean your sponge weekly (more often if they reek) to keep germs away, and be sure to toss them when they show signs of wear. But is your cleaning method eliminating enough germs?

The Good Housekeeping Research Institute worked with EMSL Analytical testing lab in Westmont, N.J., to find out the best way. Consumers used sponges for a week in their kitchens, and the lab tainted others with three common pathogens: salmonella, E. coli and pseudomonas.

Six cleaning methods were tested — the dishwasher, microwave and washing machine; bleach, ammonia and vinegar soaks — to see which removed the most bacteria.

And the best germ killer is ...

The bleach solution killed 99.9 percent of the three bacteria strains from all test sponges (scrub and regular cellulose), a benchmark based on the EPA's requirement for sanitization of non-food-contact surfaces. Mix 3/4 cup of bleach in 1 gallon of water, and soak the sponge for five minutes.

The microwave and the dishwasher were the next most effective, zapping 99.9 percent of germs from the home-used sponges and from the lab-treated scrub sponges.

However, on the lab-treated cellulose sponges, microwaving just missed the mark for E. coli (99.83 percent reduced). The dishwasher didn't quite get all the salmonella or E. coli (99.88 percent and 99.86 percent reduced, respectively).

A five-minute soak in full-strength vinegar averaged 99.6 percent bacteria elimination; in full-strength ammonia, 97.0 percent. The washing machine proved least effective, killing on average 93.0 percent of bacteria.

Make Sure Your Food is Fully Cooked

A food thermometer lets you gauge when your meal's ready (and keeps you from overcooking it). Good Housekeeping Research Institute tested 22 units for accuracy and ease of use. These rose to the top.

Program a desired temperature into the Taylor Gourmet Digital Cooking Thermometer with Probe and Timer ($25). It tracks the food's progress, showing internal temp on the base, which sits on a counter or attaches with magnets to the oven door. The unit beeps when the set temp is reached. It also works as an instant-read thermometer and a timer.

The ultimate basic, the Oxo Good Grips Instant Read Thermometer ($12) shows a food's temperature on a standard dial, and it doesn't require batteries as the digital models do. Though accurate, it can take as long as 20 seconds to come up to temperature.

The Oxo Good Grips Digital Instant Read Thermometer ($20) has just two buttons, making it a cinch to use: Just push "on," insert into your food of choice, and check the digital screen. You get an accurate readout within 12 seconds.

ON ANOTHER MATTER ...

If you suffer from back pain, you may be wondering if at-home remedies are worth the money. The Good Housekeeping Research Institute assembled a panel of back-pain sufferers to test-drive four soothers. What they found: Tiger Balm earned top scores for immediate and longer-term relief. With ThermaCare, testers liked that they didn't have to wait for the heat to activate with this warm-when-you-open-it wrap (a plus when you're in pain). For the Backnobber II, practice may be key with this acupressure gadget. Panelists who kept at it were rewarded with fewer knots and less tension.

Recalls Alert

The following products and vehicles were recalled by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Unless otherwise indicated, discontinue use of the products immediately and return them to the store where purchased for a refund. For more information about the products, call the manufacturer or CPSC's toll-free hotline, 800-638-2772. Only some cars or trucks recalled are affected. Contact a dealer for your model to see if it is included in the recall. The dealer will tell you what to do.

PRODUCT/VEHICLE PROBLEM

Trudeau Garlic Duo Slicers, sold for about $20 at department and retail stores nationwide.The slicer blades can break during use, posing a laceration hazard to users. Consumers should stop using the Garlic Duo and contact Trudeau for a free replacement and gift. For more information, call Trudeau Corporation at 888-887-8332.

2009-'10 Nissan Altima, Maxima

The upper front strut insulators may have been manufactured out of specification, possibly causing the strut insulator to crack. Strut rod may come out of its mounting position, affecting vehicle stability and increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will replace free of charge. For more information, call Nissan at 800-647-7261.