Lifestyle

You should be changing your kitchen sponges more often than you think

According to cleaning experts this is what you need to know about how often you should be changing your sponge as well as how to clean it.

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Photo: Stocksy/Guille Faingold
Published Apr 23, 2018

Written by 

Tamim Alnuweiri

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File it under life’s most frustrating truths: The items that you use to clean the rest of your home also need to be cleaned. When you stop and think about it, it’s kind of a no-duh because mops, vacuums, and kitchen sponges are the ones picking up all the dirt, grime, and grossness that accumulates.

“The thing you use to clean other items is more than often filled with germs itself,” explains Leanne Stapf, Vice President of Operations, The Cleaning Authority, who offers that kitchen sponges are notoriously guilty of harboring all types of bacteria including e. coli. This is, of course, in addition to the fact that damp environments (where kitchen sponges often live) are great places for bacteria to breed. To which I have only one response: No thanks.

Keep scrolling to find out how to keep your kitchen sink from looking like a science experiment.

You should be washing and replacing your sponges frequently

First things first: You should really be replacing your kitchen sponge anywhere from once a month to once every two weeks depending on how much you use it, according to Stapf. That means if your dinner plans usually consist of take out and paper plates you can squeeze some extra calendar days out of the rotation. She also says that by cleansing your sponge on a daily basis you can keep it from getting so germ-ridden so quickly.

So this is where the cleaning your cleaning items comes in. First, you can microwave your sponge which Stapf says is “by far one of the easiest and most popular methods to clean your sponge.” Start by soaking your sponge in water, wringing it out, then placing it in the microwave to nuke it. You don’t want to burn your sponge, so Stapf says to “keep an eye on it while it’s in the microwave to make sure that it’s not getting burnt.”

If you have a dishwasher, place it on the top rack and set it to the “heated dry” setting. Alternatively, soak your sponge in vinegar or bleach “filling a cup with vinegar and soaking the sponge for about five minutes,” Stapf says. “Or you can fill a cup with diluted bleach (1/2 cup of bleach for every gallon of water) and soak the sponge for five minutes.”

Is there a more economic and environmentally friendly option?

So let’s do some math, shall we? If you’re replacing a sponge every two weeks that means you’re going through 24 sponges a year (a lot). One option to help save the environment could be to opt for biodegradable sponges. Stapf also says you can cut back on how often you have to replace your sponge by opting for a microfiber sponge. It lasts longer (up to two months) since it dries quicker, giving the bacteria less time to grow. A win for your health and TBH your busy schedule too.

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LifestyleRelationships

How to Use AI In the Bedroom For a More Satisfying Sex Life

With AI doing all the grunt work for you, no more excuses for putting connection on the back burner.

Two people's legs touch under a table as they work on their laptops.
Stocksy / French Anderson Ltd
Published Feb 19, 2025

Written by 

Jaime Osnato

AI is officially making its way between the sheets. From spicing up foreplay to unlocking new fantasies, couples are tapping into tech to level up their love lives. So, if your bedroom routine could use a refresh, why not let a little artificial intelligence lend a hand? (Or, you know, suggest where hands should go.) Let’s dive into how AI can turn up the heat—and keep the connection strong—while keeping things safe and consensual. 

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How AI can enhance intimacy

AI isn’t just for writing emails or planning your grocery list—it can also help shake things up in the bedroom. Think of it as “your relationship coach, intimacy wingman, and communication guru all rolled into one,” says Kate Balestrieri, certified sex therapist and author of What Happened to My Sex Life: A Sex Therapist’s Guide to Reclaiming Lost Desire, Connection and Pleasure. Here’s how AI can take your love life to the next level:

Improve communication skills
Let’s be honest—talking about sex can be awkward. Balestrieri says AI can help break the ice by suggesting open-ended questions and conversation prompts to deepen intimacy, explore fantasies, and set boundaries. 

If your relationship has mismatched communication styles or differing desire levels (which is super common), AI can help bridge that gap by analyzing interaction patterns and flagging potential stressors before they impact your connection, adds Nico Velotta, relationship scientist and head of relationship research at Arya, an intimacy coaching app and subscription box.

Our erotic needs tend to fall into four categories, says Velotta. Romantics crave emotional connection; adventurers seek novelty; directors prioritize straightforward, frequent intimacy; and connectors thrive on sensual touch. AI can help translate needs between partners, making sure no one feels left out or misunderstood.

Boost confidence and reduce sexual anxiety
Sex can be vulnerable, and self-doubt is often a mood killer. Balestrieri says that AI-powered apps can offer personalized feedback to help you feel more self-assured—whether it’s improving body language, refining dirty talk, or learning new techniques. The result? More confidence, better chemistry, and way more fun.

If overthinking kills the mood, AI can be your chill pill. It can guide you through mindfulness exercises, breathing techniques, and even virtual scenarios to help you relax and stay present during intimacy. Less stress, more pleasure—sounds like a win.

Become more attuned to your partner
Ever wish you could just know what your partner needs in the moment? AI-powered devices that sync biometric data—like heart rate or arousal levels—can help you tune into each other’s rhythms, making it easier to connect physically and emotionally, Balestrieri says. For example, you and your partner can use wearables like the Oura ring to track biometrics and share each other’s data, so you know exactly when you're primed for pleasure. Think of it as a high-tech way to get on the same wavelength.

Help rebuild trust
Got trust issues? AI offers structured exercises designed to help couples reconnect. While it’s no substitute for therapy, AI-powered intimacy tools have been shown to help couples regain confidence in their relationship and deepen eroticism, Velotta says. The goal isn’t to replace human intuition but to improve it—helping partners recognize and act on opportunities for more connection. 

Reduce the mental load
Let’s face it: life is hectic, and the mental load of daily responsibilities can make intimacy feel like just another task on your to-do list. AI can help take some of that weight off by handling logistics—tracking schedules, suggesting ideal date nights, and even curating personalized intimacy experiences.

And intimacy isn’t just about sex. According to Arya’s intimacy study, one-third of people want more romance, sensuality, and quality time together—not just more action between the sheets. AI can help with the full spectrum of connection, from emotional bonding to physical play, all at a pace that works for both of you.

Ways to use AI in the bedroom

So, how do you put AI to work in the boudoir? Here are some fun, practical ways to spice things up:

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1. Shake up your routine
Are you bored of the same old moves? You’re not alone. According to an intimacy study conducted by Arya, 75% of couples feel more connected after trying something new together. AI can suggest personalized intimacy activities based on your erotic persona—whether you’re an adventurer looking to try something new or a romantic craving a deeper emotional connection.

Got mismatched libidos? Happens all the time. AI can offer personalized conversation starters and intimacy-building exercises to help bridge the gap. The best part? It can adapt to your comfort level, making exploration feel natural, not forced.

2.  Elevate foreplay
Who says foreplay has to start in the bedroom? Build anticipation with AI-powered sexting prompts, curated playlists, or daily flirty challenges. 

3. Upgrade your dirty talk
If you love the idea of dirty talk but freeze up when it’s time to deliver, AI can generate spicy lines tailored to your (and your partner’s) comfort level. For example, Slutbot is a no-judgment zone to level up your sexting and unleash your wildest fantasies.

4. Explore erotic fantasies together
AI platforms can help you co-create erotic stories, giving you a safe space to explore fantasies without pressure, Balestrieri says. You can even use AI-generated scripts to roleplay new scenarios together.

5. Get a sex-ed refresh
Let’s be honest: most of us didn’t get the best sex education. AI chatbots or apps can provide accurate, up-to-date info on anatomy, techniques, and pleasure—all from the comfort of your home. The online platform Beducated even gives you a personal AI sex-ed coach to answer all of your questions.

6. Debrief and strengthen your connection
After intimacy, AI can help you reflect on what worked (and what didn’t) through guided prompts to strengthen communication and deepen your connection (and pleasure) over time, Balestrieri says.

Using AI responsibly

When AI meets intimacy, things can get complicated. For one, privacy is non-negotiable. “Intimate details require maximum protection—period,” says Velotta. Stick to reputable apps with strong encryption and clear privacy policies to keep your data secure, adds Balestrieri.

Consent is just as crucial. Both partners must agree on usage, boundaries, and expectations—no exceptions, Velotta stresses. 

Bias is another red flag. “AI is only as good as the data it’s trained on,” says Balestrieri. Many systems exclude different identities, orientations, and preferences. If suggestions feel off, the platform may not be built with you in mind—so seek inclusive options. And while AI can offer ideas, it can’t predict real-life intimacy. Human connection is messy, Balestrieri says. Mood, miscommunication, or an off day can derail even the best AI-generated plan.

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Finally, beware of emotional dependence. AI can feel eerily “understanding,” but it’s not a real relationship. If AI is replacing human connection, step back and reassess, suggests Balestrieri. 

The bottom line

AI won’t replace human intuition, but it can enhance it—helping you and your partner communicate better, explore new dimensions of intimacy, and build a stronger bond. “It's about using AI strategically to enhance what makes relationships fundamentally human— understanding, growth, and connection,” Velotta says.

If you and your partner are on board, why not give it a try? Your future self (and partner) will thank you.

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Food

Food Trends Come and Go, But Kombucha Is Forever—Here’s Why, According to an RD

Here's what an RD has to say about the kombucha trend, why it's held such staying power, and what to look for when you're stocking up.

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Photo: W+G Creative
Published Feb 3, 2025

In Partnership With 

GT's Living Foods

Written by 

Well+Good Editors

There was the low-fat craze of the 1990s and 2000s. The ‘10s rolled in with celery juice, Impossible burgers, and truffle oil on everything—followed by whipped coffee, feta pasta, and the gazillion other viral #foodtok moments of the current decade. Try to keep up with the latest food trends, and you’re in for a quite a ride.

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There’s nothing wrong with opting into the (literal) flavor of the month—but when it comes to nutrition, it’s worth paying special attention to the foods and drinks that have lasted longer than a season. For registered dietitian Lauren Manaker, MS, RDN, LD, kombucha is high on that list of long-standing staples.

According to Google Trends, the kombucha trend entered the wellness mainstream around 2017—but Manaker notes that its history stretches back thousands of years, originating as a traditional fermented drink in East Asia. “What has given kombucha such remarkable staying power, compared to other fleeting food and beverage trends, lies in its unique combination of health benefits, historical significance, and overall appeal,” she says.

Back to the ’90s for a minute: That sacred, historical significance of kombucha is what inspired a California teenager named GT Dave to eschew the food trends of the day in favor of a—at the time—less popular way of supporting his and his family’s health. In 1995, Dave was gifted an heirloom Himalayan SCOBY (or symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast, the living culture used to ferment kombucha). He was intrigued by the healing effects he’d seen firsthand when his mother was sick, so he began crafting his own homemade kombucha. His at-home hobby turned into SYNERGY, The Real Kombucha, and a suite of other probiotic-rich, living foods.

This year, GT’s Living Foods celebrates 30 years of crafting kombucha the real way: traditionally fermented with heirloom cultures for billions of living probiotics. While other health trends have come and gone, it’s clear Dave was ahead of the curve all those years ago.

Here’s what Manaker has to say about why the kombucha trend is so much more than just a passing fad, the health benefits of the drink, and why it’s worthy of a forever spot in your daily wellness routine.

The health benefits of kombucha

The secret to foods that outlast all the fads? They strike the balance of nutritious, tasty, and generally low-effort. Done, done, and done: According to Manaker, the health benefits of kombucha are wide-ranging—and its delicious, tangy taste is the cherry (or guava, or pomelo, or strawberry) on top.

First and foremost, studies suggest that drinking kombucha may help boost your gut health, which has a major effect on your overall well-being. “Kombucha is a source of probiotics, which are beneficial microorganisms that support gut health by balancing the gut microbiome,” Manaker says. “A healthy gut microbiome is linked to improved digestion, immune health, and nutrient absorption.”

Some kombucha contains polyphenols and bioactive compounds, which Manaker says may help manage inflammation in the body, as well as antioxidants, which help combat oxidative stress by neutralizing harmful free radicals. “Data highlights that the consumption of antioxidant-rich beverages like kombucha can support overall cellular health and potentially reduce the risk of chronic diseases,” she says.

To reap its full benefits, Manaker recommends sipping kombucha daily. “Consistent consumption helps colonize the gut with the beneficial probiotics found in this fermented beverage, supporting a balanced and healthy microbiome over time,” she says—with the caveat that not all kombucha is created equal. Choose one that contains live probiotics and diverse strains (like SYNERGY, The Real Kombucha), she says, because these ingredients contribute more actively to gut health.

Why the kombucha trend has such staying power

From Manaker’s POV, the “kombucha trend” has withstood decades (correction, centuries) of changing food-and-beverage tides because it’s equal parts nutritious and delicious. “A growing awareness of gut health and its importance to overall well-being has kept kombucha in the spotlight,” she says. “Its natural probiotics and enzymes support a balanced microbiome, which in turn promotes digestion, immunity, and even potentially mental health.”

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And beyond its health benefits? “Kombucha’s distinct, tangy, and slightly effervescent flavor profile has helped it gain a loyal following as a delicious and refreshing alternative to sugary sodas or artificial drinks,” Manaker says.

What to look for in a quality kombucha

“When choosing a kombucha brand, it’s essential to prioritize quality, ingredients, and sourcing,” Manaker says. She looks for options that are raw, organic, unpasteurized (to help preserve the live probiotics and enzymes, she says), and grown by the traditional fermentation process. “Transparency about the ingredients and brewing process is another key factor,” she adds. “Opt for brands that list exactly what they use without hidden sugars or synthetic flavorings.”

GT’s SYNERGY checks every one of her kombucha boxes. She loves the small-batch brewing and weeks-long fermentation process, which separates GT’s from most other kombuchas on the market *and* boosts its nutritional value. “It’s clear [GT’s Living Foods] never cuts corners—each bottle is raw, unpasteurized, and free from artificial flavors, which only enhances the natural and refreshing experience. And since it is made with real tea, it naturally contains antioxidants to support my brain health.”

Manaker’s go-to for a little well-being boost is Pomelo Pink Lemonade, but you can’t go wrong with any of SYNERGY’s 23 fizzy flavors. Try them all and find your favorite—and then make kombucha a forever thing in your life.

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