Best Places to Spring Clean

Spring Cleaning

The days are getting longer, and the weather is getting warmer. Yes, it’s that time of year again. Spring is upon us, and that means so is spring cleaning.

However, don’t fear. Cleaning may not come top of mind for fun things to do, but a good spring cleaning session can actually reinvigorate you and your home. It’s a great opportunity to give your home an annual deep clean and address those problem areas that you keep putting off month after month.

As you approach this year’s spring cleaning, make sure to add these areas to your cleaning to-do list, and you’ll be sure to keep your home sparkling all year round.

GENERAL CLEANING

Carpets & Area Rugs: Spring cleaning is an opportune time to shampoo your carpets and area rugs. For spot cleaning, use a carpet-safe cleaning solution and a sponge.

Windows: Add a sparkle to your home by washing your windows. Window cleaner and a sponge should do the trick. Don’t forget to wash both the interior and exterior of the window.

Walls: Spot clean your walls using a sponge and a paint-friendly cleaning solution

Bedding: Wash all your bedding, including comforters, sheets and pillow cases.

Ceiling Fans: It’s natural for a dust to accumulate on your ceiling fans. Spring cleaning is a perfect time to bust out your latter and get your ceiling fans looking like new again.

Bathroom: Give the shower tiles and bath tub a deep cleaning. A bathroom cleaning solution and a sponge will help you address tougher spots.

GIVE YOUR KITCHEN SOME LOVE

Kitchen Cabinets: Use a sponge and a kitchen cleaner to wipe down kitchen cabinets.

Refrigerator: Wipe down the exterior and interior of the refrigerator. Take out shelves and wash in the sink.

Oven & Microwave: Give your microwave and oven a deep clean. This type of routine maintenance will help keep your appliances looking and working like their brand new.

THE ART OF DECLUTTERING

Closets: Go through closets and identify old clothes and items that you can donate.

Book Shelves: Look through shelves to see if you can part with any old books, DVDs or CDs.

Garage: Spring cleaning is a good time to declutter your garage by identifying anything that you can donate as well as organizing this space.

For more information on cleaning supplies and sponges, visit Spongeoutlet.

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Sponges Successful in the World of Makeup

Sponge Makeup

According to InStyle, women were typically spending $15,000 in a lifetime on beauty products as of 2013. The cost of products such as foundation, mascara, blush, and many other products, adds up. Understandably, women are always looking for creative ways to save money on beauty products, and household sponges are now playing a role in that.

A vlogger (a video blogger) named Lauren Blake Lucia, recently released a video on Instagram where she used a standard household scrubby sponge to apply her makeup.

A sponge, typically used to scrub a soiled countertop or tiled flooring, was used successfully as a makeup applicator. (We’re as surprised as you are!)

Many women purchase a product called a “beauty blender” to apply their liquid makeup. This product is essentially an egg-shaped sponge that women typically pay about $20.00 for. Lucia decided to see if a household sponge might work to apply liquid makeup how this beloved product does, and the sponge did a better job than expected.

Using a Sharpie, Lucia drew out an egg shape on the sponge and cut it out with scissors. Afterwards she dipped the sponge into water to expand and soften it, and started applying her makeup.

Lucia used the soft side of the sponge, not the scrubby side, to blend on liquid foundation and concealer. The results were surprising: the makeup went on just as it should and looked as if she used a designated makeup sponge or makeup brush when she was finished.

Maybe you’re thinking that this is a good way to waste a perfectly good sponge. However, if you are someone that spends a decent amount of money on beauty products, purchasing standard household sponges is actually a more affordable option, and it would be fun to try!

Plus, Lucia also revealed that you can use the scrubby side of the sponge as a lip exfoliator which can help prepare your lips for near perfect lipstick application.

We appreciate creativity and were genuinely impressed with Lucia’s results.

If you’re looking for a new “beauty product” or a reliable cleaning sponge visit Spongeoutlet.

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All About Microfiber Fabric

Microfiber Towel

Many people are unfamiliar with the amount of benefits that comes from microfiber fabric, and we are here to shed some light onto the underrated fabric.

Microfiber is great for cleaning in a variety of different ways, which is why Spongeoutlet is so proud to sell microfiber cloths.

Microfiber fabric is made up of synthetic fibers that vary in size.  Typically, microfiber fabric is made out of a synthetic material, such as polyester, but it is often made out of nylon or other polymers as well. Despite microfiber fabric being incredibly soft, they are extremely strong and durable.

Another major benefit to microfiber fabrics is that they are considered a “hygienic” cloth. Microfiber actually traps containments when cleaning such as bacteria or dust particles.  In fact, studies have shown that microfiber products trap 99 percent of surface bacteria versus conventional cleaning materials that only captured an average of 33 percent.

With microfiber being better at holding onto bacteria compared to many other fabrics, you actually need fewer chemicals when you are cleaning with that fabric. A simple solution of warm water and dish soap usually does the trick and can clean surfaces just as easily.

If you’re looking to clean your car, your home, or otherwise, microfiber should be your go-to product. Microfiber is soft, durable, light, and can be easily maintained. This fabric is ideal for cleaning a variety of surfaces such as wooden table tops, car dashboards, car exteriors, and so forth. Microfiber does not leave behind lint or dust, leaving any surface clean and clear of debris.

Spongeoutlet sells a variety of microfiber dying towels, ideal for using on smooth, delicate surfaces that are susceptible to scratches, dust, dirt or debris. When you need an impeccable polished clean, microfiber cloths are the optimal solution.

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Committing to a Clean Desk

Cleaning Desk

If you work in your own office, or even at your own desk space, you’re probably surrounded by office supplies such as pens, files, paper clips, and so forth.

Most of these items are covered in germs, and we often neglect them.

At the end of a long day, it can be easy to get up and leave work without cleaning up the space in front of you.

However, the common office items on your desk are probably dirtier than you think and deserve a little bit of attention.

 

Don’t have Forbidden Foods around.

We all eat at our desks on occasion, but it is important food of our desk as soon as we are done.

If you’re done drinking that cup of coffee, rinse out the mug. If you’re done eating the food in that bowl, get rid of it.

  • Food can not only stain desks and make for a messy work space, but it can also cause your desk to smell which will not sit well with your coworkers.

Use a little Elbow Grease

You might not want to wipe down your desk and disinfect it after an eight hour day of e-mails, meetings, phone calls, and otherwise, but wiping down your desk is the most effective way to keep it clean.

A damp paper towel is not enough.

  • Purchase a reliable eraser sponge, a good cleaning solution, clear your desk completely off, and wipe it down. This will help ensure that dust, grime, crumbs, and germs are eliminated.

Get rid of the Dreaded Dust

You’ve probably noticed that your desk, your keyboard, your computer, all get extremely dusty.

You want to protect your technology from dust settling in. You can easily wipe down a computer or laptop with a microfiber cloth. It won’t scratch the screen and it won’t leave behind small particles.

  • You also just dust the surface of your desk with a microfiber cloth as well to clear it of dust.

Clear the Clutter

If you want to clean up your desk space, consider “purging” a bit.

  • If you have 10 pens that don’t work, throw them out.
  • If you have pictures that have seen too many coffee stains, discard them.

We tend to keep things “just in case” but if you haven’t used that memo pad in four years, you probably don’t have a purpose for it.

Instead, consider giving it to someone else in the office that might need it.

Looking for sponges, microfiber clothes, floor cleaning pads, and otherwise to clean your office space? Visit Spongeoutlet.

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Keeping Your Bachelor Pad Clean

We get it: you work hard and play hard, and you don’t get to spend much quality time with your cleaning products.

However, following these simple hints can help you keep your bachelor pad clean.

Trust us: you’ll feel more comfortable, misplace things less frequently (where did you put that watch?) and guests will always be impressed be a well-kept apartment or home.

Less Is Often More

It would be easier to keep your place clean if you had less things to make it appear cluttered in the first place.

Set aside an afternoon to go through your belongings and get rid of some of things you longer have a purpose for. If you haven’t worn it or used it in over a year, donate it instead.

  • If it’s broken, toss it – even if you think you’ll one day repair the clock you bought at a garage sale, you probably won’t. Getting rid of things you don’t have a purpose for will make your pad appear cleaner.

Make Priorities

microfiberMany men are notorious for taking great care of their cars, as it should be. A car is a precious investment and something many of us love to show off.

However, we should take pride in our home as well. Taking care of a car is a priority, and cleaning your home should be too.

You’d never go on a drive with a mud-spattered windshield or stained seats, right? Don’t live in a home that isn’t taken care of either.

  • Make sure that you have sponges and cleaning supplies in stock so you can easily manage your home as needed. (Side note, our microfiber clothes are great for drying off cars!)

Form Cleaning Habits

When it comes to keeping things clean, small changes make a big difference. After you shave and brush your teeth, wipe down the sink. After dinner, do the dishes immediately.

Soon, doing these things will become second nature.

  • If you get into the habit of cleaning certain areas of your home, you’ll learn to do them mindlessly. We have a variety of cleaning supplies available that can help you accomplish your cleaning tasks daily, making it quick and easy tidy up.

Having the right products will help you keep your bachelor pad in top shape. Check out SpongeOutlet for the products that will help keep your apartment or home sparkling clean.

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Cleaning Up Illness at Home

portrait of a sick woman blowing her nose while sitting on the sofa

Getting sick is literally THE WORST, but getting sick twice or spreading your germs to other household members or loved ones is even worst. No matter if you’ve just kicked a cold or the flu to the curb, once relief is in sight, it’s key to spring into action, ensuring you get rid of the germs that caused yours and your loved one’s misery in the first place. Here are some easy tips to help you handle the icky business of cleaning up after being sick.

TOUR DE HOME: CLEANING EDITION

Make sure the cleaning supplies you are using is a disinfectant and kills whatever virus you are trying to evict from your home. The bathroom, kitchen, bedroom and living room are usually key areas to keep in mind during your cleaning session. Don’t forget to give extra attention to where you spent most of your time. Scrub down sinks, doorknobs, counters, light switches, and so forth with a scrubby sponge.

LOAD UP THE WASHER

After spending several days getting some quality time binge-watching your favorite TV shows while you were on bed rest, you came in contact with several items of clothes and linings that are in need of a good wash post-sickness. These items include clothing you wore, bedding, towels, face cloths, kitchen towels, etc. Wash in hot water, as long as the care instructions for those items allow.

TOUCHPOINTS & TECH

While you’re sick, it’s unavoidable to touch a lot of things. Even when practicing good hygiene and washing your hands often, you still run the risk of spreading germs. Be mindful of door knobs, faucets, handles and windows. Also, remember to give special attention to any technology you used to keep yourself occupied, like phones, remotes, computers and tablets. Clean items and wipe them dry with a microfiber drying towel, and throw the towel in the washer when you’re done.

THERE’S NOTHING LIKE FRESH AIR

Open your windows and get a good cross breeze going. The fresh air will help move some fresh air in your home, while pushing out any icky germs that may be lingering.
For more tips on keeping your home sparkling clean, visit Spongeoutlet.

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Don’t Just Clean With Your Sponge

fridge

A good thorough cleaning is not just about what cleaning products you are using; it is also about the physical items you are cleaning with.

Not all cleaning solutions do the job they claim to do, but when accompanied by a great sponge, you have a much better chance of a greater clean.

Sponges are one of the most versatile, and one of the most used, cleaning products in both commercial and residential spaces.

You can use a sponge on just about every type of surface and they are a “go-to” cleaning product for many people.

For instance, our eraser sponges can be used for a variety of cleaning jobs.

While we are pretty familiar with the amazing cleaning benefits of a sponge, you wouldn’t believe the creative uses people utilize sponges for. Below are some really unique uses for a sponge:

Keep Fridge Odor Free

To eliminate fridge odors, sprinkle a damp sponge with baking soda and place in the fridge.

  • The sponge will absorb the odors so that it will keep the fridge smelling fresh for quite some time.

Chinese Eraser Sponges – Beware!Clean Hard to Reach Objects

For cleaning the bottom of those narrow vases and salad dressing bottles that you can never seem to get clean, cut a rectangle from a sponge and tape it onto the end of a chopstick for those hard to reach places.

Keep Plants Hydrated

To keep your potted plant’s roots moist, (let’s be honest, we are all guilty of letting them go to long without water) cut a piece of sponge to fit tightly in the bottom of the pot.

  • The sponge will soak up the water to keep the plant’s roots from drying up.

Send Out “Thank You” Cards

If you have a lot of of thank you cards or invitations that need to be mailed out, you can save yourself the time and the taste of licking each one by sealing the envelope shut with a damp sponge instead.

Make Yard Work Comfortable

You can make the task of raking or shoveling by covering the handle of the tool, wherever you grip it, with a sponge. You can tape the sponge onto the handle with duct tape.

  • This will make the handle much more comfortable to hold onto.

Spongeoutlet has a variety of great sponges as well as other cleaning supplies available at great prices. Trust the versatility of a sponge for all of your cleaning needs.

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Washing Your Car in Winter Months

winter car wash - a man washes his car in winter

Washing your car in winter months is just as important as washing your car in summer months.

Most mechanics will tell you that as part of your car maintenance, regular washing is important, especially in winter months when salt and sand covers the roads.

Washing your car in the winter can help preserve your car long-term. Washing in the winter is critical because you are removing all of the debris that typically rusts and rots a vehicle quickly, like salt, snow, ice, and mud.

It might feel bizarre to wash your car in relatively cold temperatures, but as long as temperatures aren’t below freezing, it is a task that will do your vehicle a lot of good.

In fact, you should be washing your car once a week in winter months.

Road salt often can result in a car rusting out if the salt sits on the body of the car for too long.  Not only does rust look bad on a car, it also eats away at the body and the under carriage.

Simply rinsing your vehicle with water won’t do the trick of removing built up snow and salt and you’ll need to scrub your car with soap and water, and thoroughly dry it after doing so.

The supplies you use will have a big impact on how clean your vehicle gets.

Our microfiber towels are a great tool to use for drying your car off after washing, which is a vital step in washing your car in winter months.

Due to cold temperatures, you need to be sure your car is completely dried off so water doesn’t freeze onto your car.

Microfiber

The benefits of using a microfiber cloth to dry off your car include:

  1. Microfiber does not scratch.
  2. It does not leave behind any soap residue.
  3. There is no need for additional towels to be used.
  4. Microfiber locks in moisture, leaving your vehicle 100% dry.
  5. Microfiber also locks in dust and other debris that may not have been washed off.
  6. The finished product is shiny and looks polished.

If you are planning to wash the salt off of your car as a part of preventative car maintenance, take a look at Spongeoutlet’s microfiber towels to make the job easier.

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Clean Your Home to Maintain Your New Year’s Resolution

It is 2017 and many of us have made our new year’s resolutions that likely revolve around living a healthier lifestyle.

With health being the focus of the majority of resolutions made, many of us are doing our best to pay better attention to your physical and mental health and making changes to improve both.

Cleaning can positively impact your mental and physical health, and you might benefit by making a new year’s resolution about keeping your home cleaner.

Cleaning is not just a chore, it is a benefit to your overall health.

Diminish Stress and Depression

Both stress and depression negatively impact energy levels and mood. The stress hormone “cortisol” increases when stress increases.

To reduce this, researchers have indicated that chores and housekeeping duties on to-do lists will help combat the fluctuation of hormone levels.

  • Set aside a night when you’re not feeling well and dust those “neglected” items in your home with a microfiber cloth.

Form Healthier Eating Habits

The journal of Psychological Science has proven that a clean environment can encourage you to make better and healthier food choices.

Clutter is a natural stressor for the brain, which makes you more likely to eat unhealthy foods as a form of coping.

  • If your home is well-kept and organized, you’re more likely to prepare healthier food options.

Increases Productivity

A home that is dirty or cluttered can affect the ability of the mind to function at a high level.

If your home has a major “to-do” list, you’re not going to be able to concentrate on any other tasks.

  • De-cluttering has a positive effect on your ability to remain focused and finish other tasks at hand.

Improves Relationships

Living in a cluttered and messy home can create an atmosphere where emotions run high and people are easily irritated.

Some families are constantly arguing over who should be cleaning what instead of using that time at home to bond and spend time together.

  • Set up a daily routine of what needs to get done and who should be doing it so you can relax when it’s over. Stock up on eraser sponges so you can keep up with daily cleaning chores as a family.

Promotes Weight Loss

Cleaning can serve as a comprehensive workout.

You are bending, stretching, lifting and constantly moving when you’re cleaning.

  • If you aren’t a huge fan of working out or exercising, give your home a good scrub and you’ll be amazed at how physically tired you are at the end of it.

Spongeoutlet has all of the cleaning supplies you’ll need to make 2017 your healthiest year yet.

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Cleaning Your New Home

house cleaning products pile. household chore concept on white background

If you have ever moved, you likely remember the stress of finding a house, the process of bidding on that house, the panic when you won that bid, and the chaos that ensued when you started to prepare for the move.

Moving into a home is a process and your first step should be to clean your new house.

Clean Where People Touch

The house you purchased was likely lived in by another family, in which case people often touched every surface of it.

Make sure you are disinfecting and wiping down everything and pay special attention to the items that might have been touched frequently by other people.

  • Make sure you clean the buttons on the appliances, the door handles, the light switches, and railings for example.

Get an anti-bacterial spray to make sure that these surfaces are free of germs and leftover grime from the family before you.

Clean Where You Normally Wouldn’t

An empty house is an opportunity to clean where you normally wouldn’t.

You should wipe down walls, clean out dirt and grime behind your appliances, disinfect the cupboards, and clean out the attic.

Although we all eventually mean to complete these projects, we rarely do once we are settled.

Clean those hard to reach places when nothing is in your way and your home is empty.

Focus on Your Floors

Floors that appear clean and fresh can make your home feel much more put together overall. Make sure you clean your floors thoroughly before putting your furniture inside.

Floors are also walked on constantly and are much dirtier than we want to believe, after all, they are being used constantly.

  • If you have a ceramic tile floor in your kitchen, you should consider using our Melamine Floor Pads in your home to get them looking brand new and ready to host.

Start From the Very Top

Microfiber Dusting Wand When you start cleaning your new home, you are going to be cleaning virtually every inch of it.

When you start cleaning, start with your ceiling fans and light fixtures and work your way down each room.

When you are cleaning ceilings and light fixtures, dirt and dust is going to fall down below you.

You don’t want to clean the floors first and have them soiled by the rest of your cleaning.

Start cleaning from the top of the room so you can get to the end and finish with cleaning the floors.

If you follow these suggestions, cleaning your new home should be simple. The sooner it is cleaned, the sooner you can get settled. For more cleaning advice, visit Spongeoutlet’s blog.

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