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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Paying Tribute to Cleaning for a Reason

Lady Cleaning

During the holiday season and throughout the year, it is important to recognize people doing good things and give them credit for their selfless efforts.

This December, Spongeoutlet would like to acknowledge an organization that we are a supporter of: Cleaning For A Reason.

Cleaning For A Reason is a nonprofit organization in the United States and Canada.

This organization has one mission: “To give the gift of free house cleaning to women undergoing treatment for any type of cancer.”

Cleaning For A Reason cleans the homes of women that are battling with cancer for absolutely no cost.

The organization has recruited over 1,200 maid services that donate free housecleaning services to women being affected by cancer.

The point of the organization is to take away at least one burden from women that are facing so many.

President and Founder, Debbie Sardone, began Cleaning For A Reason many years ago when she had an interaction with a woman that she could not forget.

At the time, Debbie was the owner of Buckets and Bows Maid Service. She was on the phone with a prospective client who told Debbie that she could no longer afford hiring a maid service because of her cancer treatment. The women hung up the phone and Debbie knew in her heart that she had to help the women in this situation.

In 2005, Debbie shared her heart-wrenching story at a national cleaning conference and gained the interest and support she needed to develop Cleaning For A Reason.

The nonprofit organization has provided maid services throughout the years that are now valued at six million dollars.

2,300 women have had their homes cleaned through Cleaning For A Reason and the organization has continued to expand.

If you are inspired by this story, we encourage you to donate to Cleaning For A Reason.When you donate, your name will appear on the organization’s website and they will send a card to the patient or their family that a donation was received. The organization will never release the monetary amount of the donation.

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Cleaning Your Home During Winter Months

Winter Cleaning

If you live in a section of the United States where winter weather is nasty and the days are often dark, you understand that committing to household chores in winter can be difficult.

We are all guilty of crawling under the covers in the winter months when we should be cleaning our home.

It is important to clean our home throughout the winter months.

Below are some suggestions on what areas of your home deserve special attention as the season settles in.

Clean the Kitchen

We make more homemade meals as temperatures decline which means our kitchen is typically dirtier in winter months.

If you haven’t looked up at your kitchen ceiling lately, you are in for a surprise when you do.

magic erasers used in office kitchens

Our kitchen ceiling and our kitchen walls are soiled daily by moisture, fumes, and smoke.

Using your favorite Spongeoutlet’s eraser sponge along with some warm water mixed with dish soap, you should scrub the ceiling gently using very little water so it does not drip.

If you notice any streak marks as you clean, stop immediately.

Dust Regularly

Dusting can be a tedious chore but it can make a big difference when it comes to the overall appearance of our home and can help improve our home’s air quality.

Homes get especially dusty in the winter months because the air inside is much warmer and drier than usual from heaters and fireplaces. Dusting your home on a regular basis will make ensure that dust levels never get out of hand. Make sure you also dust hard to reach places including ceiling fans, moldings, and light fixtures.

You can use a Spongeoutlet’s microfiber cloth to clean off dust from any surface.

  • The cloths will not scratch surfaces and they will hold onto the dust as you go.

Vacuum Furniture

We tend to disregard our furniture when we are cleaning our homes and often clean around it. However, many of us do snack when sitting on our sofa.

We need to be periodically cleaning our furniture. You should make sure to vacuum under the cushions and get out any crumbs or other surprises.

  • You should also be flipping the furniture upside down, easily done with two people, in order to get under the furniture where a lot of crumbs reside.

Winterize Entrances

For many states, the winter means that snow, water, and mud are being constantly tracked into your home.

Designate a “winter doorway” where you can put down a thick mat outside where people can wipe their feet before entering. You should also have a chair or bench available for sitting allowing guests to take their boots off right away.

  • Place a rubber mat alongside it where boots can sit to dry.

By practicing some of these cleaning habits, your house will be better maintained throughout the winter months, making less work for you when spring finally arrives.

Visit Spongeoutlet for reliable sponges and microfiber cloths to get your home in shape for winter.

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Stuff Loved Ones Stockings with Sponges this Holiday Season

If you’re struggling to think of the perfect holiday gift for your loved ones, struggle no more.

We are confident that nothing says “season’s greetings” like a gift bag full of sponges.

Eraser Sponges are Used on a Daily Basis

Everyone uses eraser sponges to clean dishes, microwaves, counter tops, and many other surfaces. People all have a constant need for sponge erasers because we use them daily.

From a tough scrubby sponge for hard to clean dishes to an eraser sponge to get our stovetop spotless, people use sponges multiple times a day. People have to purchase sponges to meet their needs. If sponges are gifted to them, they can leave buying them off of their “to-do list.”

  • Sponges are a practical gift that people will use. If you know someone that has just about everything, we bet they could still use a sponge. Problem solved.

Sponge Erasers Need to Be Replaced on Occasion

Many people do not replace their sponge eraser as frequently as they should. Eraser sponges get worn out and when they do, they don’t perform as well. Sponges eventually get dirt and although they can be sanitized, they should eventually be replaced.

  • Many people don’t replace their melamine sponges as often as they should.

They might recognize the need for a replacement but if they don’t have one at home and can’t get to the store, they likely keep using the old one.

If they are given magic eraser sponges as a gift, their replacements will be right at home and they can replace their old sponge for a new sponge as needed.

  • Although sponges do need to be replaced, they will still last longer than a box of ribbon candy would.

Magic Sponge Erasers are a Creative Gift

Most people don’t want another snowflake ornament, another tin of cutout cookies, or a bag of peppermint candies. The large majority of people would never go to a holiday gift exchange and expect to get sponges.

Have you ever arrived at a holiday party to realize that you bought the generic gift as three other people in the room did? If you arrive at a gift exchange with eraser cleaning sponges, you do not risk someone having the same gift as you.

  • You don’t have to worry about giving loved ones a gift that they have already gotten.
  • They won’t need to fight crowds at the store to exchange the gift you gave them because they won’t already have it.
  • You will really be doing them a favor, those crowds can be brutal.

Melamine Eraser Sponges Transport Easily

If you typically travel to your destination during the holiday season, you understand the struggle of packing the trunk of a car with breakable gifts. You likely drive for hours taking each turn with tremendous caution.

  • If you fly during the holiday season, you probably dread packing a suitcase full of gifts that won’t go over the airlines weight restrictions.

Sponges are lightweight and extremely easy to transport by car or plane. They cannot break while traveling if you hit a speed bump and they can easily be shoved into the crevices of a suitcase.

In case of emergency, they can also stand up to blustery blizzards.

Visit Spongeoutlet to get your holiday shopping done today. (Ribbons and wrapping paper not included)

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Cleaning Your Boat for Winter Storage

Store Boat for Winter

Our surrounding bodies of water will soon be bodies of ice.

Boat owners are starting to prepare their boats for winter storage and we have some hints to offer on how to do this properly.

It is vital that your boat is stored appropriately in order to keep it secure and well-maintained. Boats are expensive investments and they must be cleaned properly before they are stored for the winter.

Boats are exposed to all different kinds of elements. Salt, seaweed, algae, and barnacles are just a few things most boats come into contact on a regular basis.

All of these different elements soil the boat, even in the places that you can’t see.

In order to preserve your boat in the winter, all of these elements need to be cleaned completely off of your boat.

Thoroughly Rinse the Boat to Start Cleaning

Make sure that you spray down your entire boat with water first. A power washer can sometimes work better than a standard hose because it provides more pressure to clear out nooks and crannies. Make sure are rinsing all aspects of the boat including the topside, bottom, and deck.

  • You should also make a point to clean all of the hardware and trim.
  • You should also be purchasing proper boat cleaner and bilge in order to get further treat the boat.
  • Open any seacocks to drain remaining water out.

Use Proper Boat Cleaner

If your boat has a decent amount of salt residue, let the water sit and dissolve the salt a bit. After it dissolves, rinse it with water again.

  • Rinse the boat from the top down to ensure you are rinsing the salt off of the boat instead of just around the boat.
  • Be sure to purchase proper boat cleaner in order to treat the boat properly.

Scrub The Boat Body with Eraser Sponges

In order to clean the boat, you’ll need a tough companion to get the job donEraser Sponge Uses e.

Sponge Outlet’s eraser sponges can easily pick-up dirt and grime from every section of your boat.

  • Before you start scrubbing, we recommend resting the eraser sponge on an inconspicuous section of the boat.
  • We recommend doing this as a precaution so you are certain that the strength of the sponge will not harm the boat.

Consider Waxing the Boat

After you have your boat completely washed, you should really consider waxing the boat as well.

  • Waxing your boat will seal and protect your clean boat from any winter weather that it might face.
  • Wax can protect your boat from temperature changes and preserve shine.

Before you store your boat, make sure the boat is completely dry to avoid mold and mildew from settling in. If possible, open any seacocks to drain remaining water out of the boat.

Cleaning and waxing your boat before storing for winter months will prevent dirt and corrosion from getting comfortable.

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Tis the Season for More Dishes

Thanksgiving Meal

As the holiday season approaches, many of us picture the notorious dishes that pile up at family gatherings.

We often start cooking more frequently in fall and winter months.

We are also typically hosting larger groups of people than normal.

Some of our dishes cannot safely be put into a dish washer, but if you know how to properly wash those dishes, they won’t be as intimidating sitting in the sink.

Wear Protective Gloves

Hot water can take a toll on our hands, especially in winter months when our skin is already prone to dryness. Dish water can often leave our hands brittle and irritated.

Dish washing gloves are usually thick which means they can also protect your hands from loose knives in the sink. The gloves, typically made of rubber, will also help you hold onto slippery dishes when you’re struggling to hang onto Grandma’s valuable china.

Turn Up the Temperature

Hot water can make a huge difference when it comes to washing dishes. It can be hard to dip your hands into hot water, but that’s what the gloves are for!

  • Fill your sink with several drops of dishwashing liquid and fill the tub with the hottest water you can tolerate.
  • The hotter water you can use, the less likely you will be to have spots and streaks on your dishes.

Hot water will make cleaner dishes. Hot water can also help to break down food and grease on dishes, making it easier to scrub them clean.

Choose the Right Sponge

You need a sponge that is reliable, strong, and tough when you are trying to conqExtraStrengthEraseruer a lot of dishes at once.

Our Extra Strength Eraser sponges are fifty percent stronger than our standard sponges. We suggest using these on dishes that are heavily soiled.

For instance, burnt baking sheets are an ideal job for our extra strength eraser sponge.

We also sell Microfiber drying towels which offers an impeccable polished clean when drying dishes. The clothes will never scratch a dish or leave lingering fibers.

Rinse Dishes Clean ASAP

If you are hand washing a lot of dishes throughout the day, you will likely reach a point where you’d prefer to just visit with your company and that’s ok to do.

The dessert dishes can wait. If you serve an apple pie, most dishes will be sticky and have some sort of food residue on them.

  • If this happens and you don’t feel up to washing them right away, just make sure you rinse them with hot water and soak them with a few drops of dish soap to make them an easier clean tomorrow.

The holiday season should be a time of great joy. Don’t rain on your Macy’s Day Parade by obsessing over the amount of dishes that are accruing.

Sponge Outlet has products that can cut the time it will take you to wash those dreadful dishes, giving you more time to enjoy the celebrations around you.

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How To Clean a Microwave Using Our Eraser Sponge

Using a microwave has become a convenience many people are enjoy using in daily cooking.

Sometimes, at the end of a long day, it’s such a luxury to be able to heat something up in the microwave instead of preparing a meal for yourself.

However, microwaves are not our cleanest household item.

Many of us let food splatter and we are guilty of saying we will “get to it later” but find ourselves never going back.

Microwaves are notorious for containing germs, especially if the microwave is rarely cleaned. Germs multiply most easily in warm settings, making the microwave the perfect spot for them to settle down.

A dirty microwave can result in food poisoning, cross contamination, and a variety of viruses.

We should be cleaning our microwave after each time we use it but most of us don’t.

Eraser Sponge Blog logoOur eraser sponges are the perfect tool to use to clean out a dirty microwave. You’ll need a few other supplies as well, but our eraser sponge will get you started.

Using our eraser sponge, scrub out any food splatters from walls, rotating tray, and door.

This will help get all of the tough spots cleared out first.

Some food may be hard to remove but the eraser sponge can handle tough grit, grime, and dirt.

(All of which are in a household microwave!)

After you clean the microwave with our eraser sponge, you should steam clean the appliance.

  • Using a microwave-safe bowl, vinegar, water, and a sponge, you can get your microwave looking brand new. Pour an equal amount of water and vinegar into a bowl, usually half a cup of each works well.
  • Put a toothpick into the solution before you start. You’ll notice that bubbles form on the toothpick allowing it to boil without exploding.
  • Leave the bowl in your microwave for about 5 to 10 minutes depending on how dirty it is. When the minutes are over, let the microwave stand with the door closed for several minutes allowing steam to penetrate the microwave.
  • Be sure to have oven mitts on hand in order to take the bowl out which will be extremely hot.
  • After you remove the bowl, stick the eraser sponge into the bowl when the solution is still hot and scrub the rest of your microwave.
  • Make sure you wipe down corners, windows, walls, and the outside of the microwave as well.

Our eraser sponges are also disposable so once it cools down, it can be thrown out. Visit Spongeoutlet.com for more of our cleaning products, and enjoy your “new” microwave!

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Ways To Naturally Clean Windows

Today, there is no reason to clean you windows with harsh sprays and chemicals.

Your home can be filled with crystal-clear windows without also filling your house with the strong long-last odors that strong cleaners often leave behind.

 

Here are two great ways to clean the windows in your home:

       1. A Microfiber Cloth.

A lint-free damp microfiber cloth is chemical-free, easy to use, and very inexpensive. It is also reusable, and it’s easy to clean the microfiber cloth itself. All you have to do to clean the cloth is wet it and then wring it out.

Using a microfiber cloth instead of paper towels is also better for the environment and your wallet. Like a chamois cloth, a microfiber cloth cleans so well on its own, with the help of just a little water, no cleaners are necessary.

Microfiber cloths not only clean your windows, but they also dust and polish them, to help give them a brilliant shine, naturally.

Most microfiber and chamois cloths can be used for more than just cleaning your windows. Additional cleaning uses include: counters, stovetops, tubs, sinks and showers

       2. A Chamois Cloth

A chamois, which is pronounced sham-wa, is the perfect choice for dusty, but not dirty, windows. All you need to is dampen the chamois with just a little water and voila, your window will wipe the dust off effortlessly, without any harsh chemical left from sprays or cleaners.

A chamois is a synthetic cloth best known for its use of drying cars.

Many people do not realize that is also perfect for cleaning the windows in your house, office or car. After cleaning your windows with a chamois, soak the cloth for a few minutes in warm water and soap, then rinse it clean and hang it to dry in your home, away from sunlight.

It is not machine-washable.

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How to Properly Wash and Dry Microfiber Towels

Do you own a business where you are constantly using microfiber towels?

If so, you have probably learned these towels can be pretty tricky to wash and dry for extended use.

The last thing any business owner likes to do is make an investment in a product and not have it last as long as you hoped.

Once you get over the hurdle of learning which size, thickness and style towel is perfect for each duty, the maintenance part should be easier, right?

Sometimes it is not as easy as we thought.

With our insight knowledge we have manufacturing microfiber towels, we can give you the tips you need to easily wash and dry.

  • When you need to wash your microfiber towels, you should start by washing them in either cold or warm water, nothing exceeding 105 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • You should wash your towels with liquid detergent and never add fabric softener. Most importantly, microfiber towels should be washed separately from other towels, fabrics and materials.
    • The lint from other towels will clog the wedge shaped filaments and make it impossible to separate or get rid of, rendering your towel useless.
  • Once your towel is washed, it is important to take the same care in drying.
    • These towels should be air dried.
    • If this is not practical for your facility and you have to use a dryer to keep up with production, you should cool the drier completely before putting in a new load of towels.
  • If it is not cooled, the temperature could get too hot and cause the towels to melt.

If possible, do not dry the towels in the drier Microfiber Towelsall the way, pull them out when they are still just a tad damp; they are actually the most absorbent in this state.

Beyond just simple instructions for washing and drying, you should also try to avoid cross contamination of towels, try to keep towels that perform the same duties together.

Select color options to code jobs they will be used on. Then wash and dry accordingly.

If you need to order a new set of towels for your company click here to go to our microfiber towels page.

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Some of the Most Forgotten Places to Clean

cleaning dishwasher

No matter how big your home may be, there’s always going to be a ton to clean, even if you don’t clean it all. Most homeowners are guilty of doing the bare minimum when it comes to cleaning the house: vacuuming, sweeping, mopping, wiping down surfaces and dusting. That’s great and all, but there are plenty more places to sanitize that you might not even realize.

We all clean what’s dirty on the surface of appliances, fixtures, furniture and floors, but we most often forget to clean what’s on the inside of these household belongings. Here are just a few of the most common places that homeowners forget to clean.

Toasters

Do yourself a favor and turn your toaster upside down. The amount of crumbs that will likely fall out if it can be surprising. Crumbs can be a fire hazard if they’re not cleaned out regularly, so be sure to make this simple task a part of your regular cleaning routine.

Dishwashers

A dishwasher literally washes things inside of it, so the inside must to be sparkling clean…right? Nope! It’s recommended that you regularly run your dishwasher with cider, and another cycle with baking soda, to clean built-up soap residue and dirty water away. Learn more from Today.

Laundry Baskets

Are you guilty of leaving your damp bath towels and wash cloths in a laundry basket for days or weeks on end? This can cause a great deal of bacteria and even mold to grow overtime. If you use the same dirty laundry basket to carry your fresh, clean towels in, it’s best to disinfect it regularly.

Shower Curtain Rods

Overtime, your shower curtain rod could grow mold, making your shower an unsafe haven. It can also show signs of rust or soap buildup. All it takes is a quick wipe down after your shower to ensure mold and other dirty elements stay far, far away.

This quick list is just a starting point for you in your weekly cleaning ventures. There are many other spots to tackle, including the ones listed below:

  • Ceiling fans
  • Light switches and door knobs
  • Top of the fridge
  • Underneath appliances
  • Laundry machine
  • Pillows
  • Makeup Brushes

If we suddenly got you in a cleaning mood, browse our selection of quality cleaning supplies to take your experience up a notch. SpongeOutlet has everything you need to clean your usual places, as well as those you may have forgotten about!

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