Stained Plastic Containers? Try Eraser Sponges

Your plastics will look brand new after giving your eraser sponge a whirl.

You just opened your dishwasher and all of your pots, pans, cups and plates are sparkling clean except the plastic container you put your leftover spaghetti sauce in the night before. It’s still coated in the same greasy red and orange oil it had when you first put it in the dishwasher. Or perhaps you have scrubbed and soaked the plastic container with soap and hot water but the greasy texture won’t seem to budge.

If the dishwashing detergents can’t cut through the grease along with the hot water and soap, then what can?

Thankfully it turns out that all you need is an eraser sponge from Spongeoutlet! These little miracle pieces of melamine foam can take out greasy, oily red pasta sauce stains. Your plastics will look brand new after giving your eraser sponge a whirl. Gently rub the stains with a damp eraser sponge, wash the item with soapy water and rinse clean.

There are countless uses for the eraser sponges, but if you have been contemplating whether or not you should toss your stained plastic containers, think again and give this handy trick a shot. Spongeoutlet is the leader of top-quality eraser sponges and other bulk cleaning supplies in North America.  We offer FREE SHIPPING on all orders shipped within the continental U.S. We also ship to Canada. Order online today!

Know Your Cleaning Products

cleaning products microfibercloth scrub sponge and instant eraser eraser sponge

Let’s face it. Life is full of little messes and you need the proper tools for cleaning them up. But with so many cleaning products to choose from, how do you know which will work best for your particular situation?

We’ve highlighted a few of our best-selling products below to help you narrow it down.

Microfiber Cloths- Gentle and Versatile

Made from synthetic materials, microfiber cloths can be used for many different applications including cleaning smooth and delicate surfaces. They are tough enough to soak up dirt and oil yet they are soft enough that they can be used forcefully without creating scratches.

When you aren’t using them for dirty messes, microfiber cloths are great for dusting because they naturally attract dust with their electrostatic properties. They can also do great things for stainless steel surfaces, windows, antiques, and other sensitive surfaces. They are also great for polishing mirrored or reflective surface and can really make them shine.

To remove and capture dust, try slightly dampening them with water before dusting to make sure that dust is collected by the cloth and not just disturbed on the surface or moved into the air.

According to experts, microfiber towels should not be washed with other items of your laundry in order to avoid cross-contamination with dirt, dust and leftover cleaning agents.  Also, these cloths are highly sensitive and easily attract lint and stick to other cotton fabric items. Washing the towels only with other microfiber towels should prevent them from gathering lint and sticking to other laundry items.   Do not use bleach,  fabric softeners, detergents with added fabric softeners,  or highly-fragrant detergents to clean your microfiber towels because it will cause the cloths to be less effective at cleaning. Air dry or tumble dry on a low or no-heat setting to prevent the looped fabric from becoming damaged from heat. Do not use dryer sheets when drying your microfiber towels as the sheets can coat the fabric with fabric softener and make the towels less effective at cleaning.

Eraser Sponges – A Cleaning Product with So Many Uses

If you think that all sponges are the same, then you have never used the miraculous eraser sponge. This water-activated tool works on a variety of surfaces and can clean just about every form of filth. With just a bit of water, it can clean walls, floors, and other surfaces. Crayons, pencil marks, dirt, grime, and scuff marks are no match for the eraser sponge; it’s like magic!

The Instant Erase sponge is also available in an extra strength melamine eraser sponge which makes quick work of the harshest grease, grime and baked-on stains. The extra strength eraser sponge is compressed to give it lasting cleaning. It also has a textured surface to help it clean grout lines on tile or remove tough stains.

To clean an eraser sponge, just rinse the sponge under water to remove dirt. Sometimes you have small and very dirty jobs, like removing mud from the soles of a sneaker. For small dirty jobs like this, you can cut the sponge into a smaller piece, do your cleaning and then dispose of the dirty sponge afterwards. This also helps stretch your supply of sponges and the new shape might help it reach into corners and small areas.

 

Scrubby Sponges For Tough Jobs

Our scrubby sponges can do wonders for everyday general cleaning, from simple to tough. This sponge works great with typical spills including those on bathroom surfaces, countertops, and more. The coarse, hard scrub surface can also help clean tough dishes or grease soiled kitchen surfaces.

Some of our scrubby sponges have both a cellulose side and abrasive side so they can handle just about any cleaning needs.

If you are worried about cleaning delicate surfaces, look for our non-scratch scrub sponges, like the Instant Erase Super Star Scrubby Sponge.

After many cleanings, sponges can sometimes smell. To prevent this, make sure you rinse them after use and allow them to dry out. You can also toss your sponge into the top rack of your dishwasher for easy cleaning .

Cleaning Product Tips

Before using any cleaning product, it’s always wise to test the product on an inconspicuous spot on the surface you plan to clean. Do this first before using the cleaning product on the entire surface. Look for scratches or dulling of the surface before you continue to clean.

You do not always need to deeply clean your cleaning tools between uses, but a quick rinse and thorough dry will help extend their lifespan and keep them working effectively. For example, you do not always need to wash your microfiber towels in the washer after each use. In between washings shake out your microfiber towel over or inside a trash bag  to catch any loose dirt or dust and  rinse under water to remove any remaining dirt. Allow the towels to air dry and they are good for another round of cleaning.

If you store your cleaning supplies together, colors can sometimes help you remember which towels are used on what surfaces. You would not want to use the same sponge to clean your kitchen that you use to clean your bathroom, for example. By color-coding your cleaning supplies, this help prevent any cross contamination.

Spongeoutlet is the leading online distributor of bulk melamine eraser sponges, microfiber towels, dusters, mops, and other essential cleaning supplies.

Cleaning Walls can Preserve Home

Cleaning Wall

When you’re working through your to-do list for cleaning your home, you probably have countertops, bathrooms, and floors towards the top of the list.

However, cleaning your walls is an important part of home maintenance that you should be doing at least once a year.

A simple swipe of a vacuum likely isn’t enough especially if you’re cleaning a high-traffic room.

Take a look at the walls in your living room or kitchen, especially near doorframes and light switches.

  • If you haven’t cleaned these walls in some time, you’ll probably notice a significant amount of dust and dirt building up.

Whether you are planning to spot clean latex-painted walls or do a floor-to-ceiling wipe down, the first step is to mix a few drops of dish detergent in with some warm water. Use an eraser sponge to clean, lightly scrubbing the area.

  • Make sure to watch for dripping: if you don’t evenly apply water to the paint, it could cause discoloration.

For oil-based paints, you can add a mild de-greaser into to the detergent and water mixture. Follow the same steps, and use a gentle microfiber cloth to wash.

If you have stubborn spots that need a little extra attention, our eraser sponges should be able to eliminate them. Remember that if you rub too vigorously, you could remove some of the paint. Be careful to scrub in gentle circular motions to remove stains.

Even though washing your walls isn’t something you may think to do often, taking care of the paint on your walls will prevent long-term, hard-to-get-out stains and help maintain your home and paint.

Looking to purchase eraser sponges, or other products, for your next cleaning job? Visit Spongeoutlet.

Items that Rarely Make Spring Cleanings Lists

Washing Machine

If you’re committed to spring cleaning, you probably have your “to-do list” made up. Many of us focus on scrubbing the floors we often neglect, clean hard to reach windows, and clean out that forgotten fridge shelf.

Regardless, there are some common household items that are often neglected during spring cleaning to keep in mind as you start to spruce up your home for the new season.

Wash Your Washing Machine

Your washing machine cleans your dirty clothes which means that your washing machine gets dirty often. When cleaning this spring, give some attention to the appliance that is constantly cleaning everything else. Both the inside and the outside of the washing machine can grow soiled which results in mildew, strange scents, and otherwise. Use minimal water when scrubbing the outside of your washing machine to get grime off.

Décor in Dark Places

You probably have made the bathroom a focus of your spring cleaning. It’s important to scrub out the tub, wipe out the sinks, and disinfect the toilets, among many bathroom chores. However, the details often get neglected when it comes to bathroom cleaning. If you have home décor in your bathroom, it’s important to wipe down and disinfect your décor as well. Items such as decorative soap dishes, jars, and containers need to be wiped down and scrubbed to avoid bacteria from settling in.

Careful with Cleaning Supplies

It might be easy to assume that your cleaning supplies are, well, clean. However, most of them are probably quite filthy especially if you’ve had them for quite some time. From old brooms to outdated toilet brushes, many of your cleaning supplies are probably holding onto bacteria. Before you start your spring cleaning, make sure all of your supplies are clean themselves.

Are you in need of some reliable sponges for your spring cleaning tasks? Visit Spongeoutlet, home of the eraser sponge.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.