To keep that from happening, it helps to know where bacteria hide in the kitchen. These are great places for bacteria to grow.
People usually think that as the sponge dries there is no longer any danger from bacteria.
For commercial establishments, the FDA Food Code specifies that sponges not be used at all, due to the contamination risk. If used to dry dishes and utensils, the towel has the potential for introducing contamination. For that reason, the FDA Food Code specifies that dishes and utensils should be air dried after washing. Used paper towels. If paper towels are used as wiping cloths, they should be used once and then thrown away.