The Easiest Ways to Extend the Life of Your Sponges
Let me start by saying that sponges are generally bad. Sometimes they smell. Sometimes they are not up to the task. But love them or hate them, they are a necessary part of keeping the kitchen clean. If you feel like you’ve been spending more money on sponges lately, you’re not alone. According to the Consumer Price Index from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, prices for household cleaning products have risen by an average of 10.1% over the past year . With that in mind, here are three tips on how to get the most out of your sponge.
cut your lips in half
There is no mass conspiracy here. Cutting your sponges in half doesn’t release the secret chemical that makes your dishes cleaner, or open a portal to a multiverse where sponges don’t get dirty. It really is as simple as it sounds; cut your sponges in half so you now have two sponges. But why? Well, I’ve never seen a task with a regular sized sponge that a smaller sponge couldn’t do. By cutting them in half, you will get a completely clean sponge twice as often for the same price. And having two sponges at once, you will always have one ready to go .
Use this layered usage system
What do you do when a sponge has outlived its usefulness in the kitchen sink but think it might still have life in it for other cleaning tasks? Reddit user u/disitinerant caught my attention with what I can only call “tiered usage”. spongy system. They explain;
When I remove the sponge from the counter, I cut off a corner to show that it is no longer suitable for counters. They can be used for the floor or sink in the bathroom or anywhere. When I put them away, I cut another corner and use them for toilets. Saves paper towels.
This system is a great way to get the most out of your sponges, respect the environment, and ensure that no sponge is ever used in a situation where it should no longer be used.
Use less dishwashing detergent
According to Wirecutter , it’s entirely possible that you’re using too much dishwashing detergent. They recommend using just one teaspoon of product at a time to create a healthy layer of lather on the surface of your dishes. This will allow you to squeeze the soap out of the sponge more easily, which in turn will extend the life of the sponge.