Category: Cleaning Tips

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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Keeping the Paint on Your Walls Fresh

Has the paint on your walls become dull with age?

Or has your little one expressed their creativity with bright crayon marks across the playroom walls?

In either situation, maintaining fresh, bright paint can be a bit of a task.

But we at SpongeOutlet have a few suggestions to help bring them back to life!

Dust the walls with microfiber.

Our first trade secret is a simple one – just dust your walls. In many of your rooms, a simple dusting will help get rid of the dirt, cobwebs and dust that have stuck to the surface over time.

If you let the grime on your walls build up, it will surely shorten the life of your paint.

The fibers will lock in dust while soaking up any water used during cleaning so that no streaks are left behind.

We do not recommend using a regular dish towel on the walls of your home; they can leave so much debris that your walls may end up looking worse than when you began.

Scrub the dust-free walls with an eraser sponge.

If you have markings on your walls from chairs brushing up against them – or the aforementioned “artwork” – and need something a bit stronger to clean, we have the perfect product for you.

  • Our Eraser Sponge is the tool that you are looking for, and one that every home need!

This sponge can remove grit, grime and dust from your walls without compromising the paint.

And the best part is that it will not leave behind any hazardous chemicals or odors.

The next time you are looking around your home and notice that the paint on your walls needs to be cleaned up to bring back its fresh look, think of SpongeOutlet.

We have all the products you need to freshen up your walls with ease when they do get a bit dusty or grimy.

You can place your order online or by phone at 877-776-6430.

As with any cleaning products, remember to test on a small, discreet area before cleaning the entirety of your walls.

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Get Motivated to Clean Your Home

cleaning home

When it comes to cleaning your home, one of the hardest parts of the process is getting started.

It can seem like a daunting task to clean your entire space, so start by making a plan and get yourself motivated with the quick tips listed below:

Start with a Cleaning Plan

Instead of letting yourself get overwhelmed by the idea of cleaning your entire home, map out a room-by-room plan to make the chores easier to complete.

  • Decide which rooms will require the most attention, what order you would like to tackle them in and what areas can be overlooked for now.
  • We recommend beginning with the main living areas, like the living room, dining room and kitchen, then working your way to the bathrooms and finally the bedrooms.

The spaces that you and your family spend the most time in usually need to be cleaned more frequently than bedrooms, offices and laundry rooms.

Create a Cleaning Playlist

If you are really dreading the cleaning you need to do, make the experience more positive by creating an upbeat playlist.

Listening to your favorite music will boost your mood and help to make the time fly by.

Remove Clutter from Around the House

Although you may want to jump right into the cleaning process, de-cluttering your space first will make cleaning much easier.

Instead of working around toys, television remotes, books and other items, put items back into their official home before you pull out the duster and vacuum cleaner.

  • You can also grab an empty laundry basket and fill it with all the decorative items that usually get in your way while you work.

Once your space is sparkling clean, you can put decorative pieces back on the shelves and have your kids put away the toys you found as you made your way from room to room.

Work from the Top to the Bottom

spring cleaningWhen you do start cleaning, the best way to tackle each room is by working from top to bottom, starting in the area furthest from the door.

Focus on higher shelves, tables and furniture before cleaning the floors, cleaning yourself out of the room as your last task.

  • This method will ensure that all the dust and grime that may have fallen to the floor while you work will be swept up at the end of the project.

All you have to do is walk out of your perfectly cleaned space and continue on to the next area.

 

Now that you are ready to start cleaning, grab your dusting wand, eraser sponge and melamine floor pads – then get to work.

SpongeOutlet offers high quality cleaning products up to 80 percent off of retail prices, helping to ensure you get the best clean possible at the lowest price. Shop with us online or place your order by phone at 877-776-6430.

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Did You Know Cleaning is Good for Your Health?

Although there are very few people who actually enjoy cleaning, it is a task that all of us have to do on a regular basis.

And as much as you may dislike having to do the dishes every night and a load of laundry every morning, maintaining a clean and organized home can have some incredible benefits, both for your physical and mental health.

Increase Your Productivity

If you are looking to become more efficient at the office, the first thing to do is reorganize and de-clutter your desk.

Staring at piles of paperwork all day can interfere with your visual cortex, making it difficult for you to concentrate, but a clean, well-organized desk will make it much easier for you to get your work accomplished.

Maintain a Healthy Diet

According to a study performed by Carlson School of Management and the University of Minnesota, an organized space can contribute to healthy choices, and working in a neat space for just ten minutes made test subjects twice as likely to choose an apple over a chocolate bar.

Creating a clean, organized environment for yourself can help to make you more mindful dietary choices, improving your health and aiding in weight loss.

Reduce Stress

Think about how you feel when you come home from work to a sink full of dishes and a messy living room.

  • No one enjoys living in an unorganized home, and studies have shown that women who consider their home cluttered are more likely to feel stressed out and fatigued.

To keep yourself stress-free (at least when it comes to cleaning) take a few minutes to clean up around the house every evening, to ensure you start your next morning on the right foot – and can come home to a clutter-free home.

Improve Your Relationship

On top of improving your health and personal happiness, a clean home can also help your relationship.

A disorganized living space can cause a lot of conflict between partners and can keep you from inviting friends and family members over to socialize, so don’t forget to take some time each week to clean your space.

  • Whether you split the chores down the middle, each doing a bit of cleaning in your free time, or spend Saturday afternoon sprucing up your home together, your relationship will really benefit.

Now that you know some of the most important reasons to keep your living area clean, it’s time to pick up some Eraser Sponges from SpongeOutlet and get to work. To learn more about our cleaning products, visit us online or give us a call at 877-776-6430 today.

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