Comments on: Sponges: Separating the new from the used http://unclutterer.com/2008/09/23/sponges-separating-the-new-from-the-used/ Daily tips on how to organize your home and office. Sat, 21 Nov 2009 08:04:26 -0500 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.6 hourly 1 By: The Truth About Sponges | Mom Living http://unclutterer.com/2008/09/23/sponges-separating-the-new-from-the-used/comment-page-2/#comment-36550 The Truth About Sponges | Mom Living Sun, 21 Jun 2009 16:30:20 +0000 http://unclutterer.com/?p=2608#comment-36550 [...] all types of cleaning. That’s one of the reasons I was so excited to find this tip from the Unclutterers blog: In our household, we discovered a trick: the Good Clean sponge [for dishes] is used as-is, [...] [...] all types of cleaning. That’s one of the reasons I was so excited to find this tip from the Unclutterers blog: In our household, we discovered a trick: the Good Clean sponge [for dishes] is used as-is, [...]

]]> By: Cheryl http://unclutterer.com/2008/09/23/sponges-separating-the-new-from-the-used/comment-page-2/#comment-30429 Cheryl Fri, 13 Mar 2009 07:45:29 +0000 http://unclutterer.com/?p=2608#comment-30429 With regard to Laura's post of 9/24/2008, you can't find Heavy Duty HandiWipes is most grocery stores. I can't find them in ANY grocery store, Walmart (used to have), or any website. I have gone to the ends of the Internet and all I can find is regular HandiWipes. HELP! With regard to Laura’s post of 9/24/2008, you can’t find Heavy Duty HandiWipes is most grocery stores. I can’t find them in ANY grocery store, Walmart (used to have), or any website. I have gone to the ends of the Internet and all I can find is regular HandiWipes. HELP!

]]> By: karan http://unclutterer.com/2008/09/23/sponges-separating-the-new-from-the-used/comment-page-2/#comment-26896 karan Fri, 23 Jan 2009 06:41:32 +0000 http://unclutterer.com/?p=2608#comment-26896 I think that sponges are very bad because they catch bacteria easily. I think that sponges are very bad because they catch bacteria easily.

]]> By: Karen in the northland http://unclutterer.com/2008/09/23/sponges-separating-the-new-from-the-used/comment-page-2/#comment-20481 Karen in the northland Fri, 03 Oct 2008 17:20:58 +0000 http://unclutterer.com/?p=2608#comment-20481 I buy those disposable dish clothes with detergent in them. I use one each day and then set aside. When I have some built up, I boil them in a big pot with detergent. And then with some bleach for good measure. Then air dry. I don't have a microwave, so this boiling meathod works for me. I buy those disposable dish clothes with detergent in them. I use one each day and then set aside. When I have some built up, I boil them in a big pot with detergent. And then with some bleach for good measure.

Then air dry. I don’t have a microwave, so this boiling meathod works for me.

]]> By: Elizabeth http://unclutterer.com/2008/09/23/sponges-separating-the-new-from-the-used/comment-page-2/#comment-20466 Elizabeth Fri, 03 Oct 2008 02:47:37 +0000 http://unclutterer.com/?p=2608#comment-20466 Very funny thread! Perhaps Al-of-Sysani doesn't read the site enough to realise that s/he self-nominated an UniTasker. For the worst of messes, we use and discard paper towels or rags with disinfectant. Everything else gets a microfibre cloth. If I can be bothered I use vinegar but usually I don't. The cloth gets laundered, with everything else, when we think it's time to do so. I did think about implementing a regular downgrading type of system but I know I'm the only one in the household who would remember or care about it. So far the germs don't seem to have got us (and yes, I know I might look at things differently if our household had to address compromised immunity, so I'm grateful for that). Very funny thread! Perhaps Al-of-Sysani doesn’t read the site enough to realise that s/he self-nominated an UniTasker. For the worst of messes, we use and discard paper towels or rags with disinfectant. Everything else gets a microfibre cloth. If I can be bothered I use vinegar but usually I don’t. The cloth gets laundered, with everything else, when we think it’s time to do so. I did think about implementing a regular downgrading type of system but I know I’m the only one in the household who would remember or care about it. So far the germs don’t seem to have got us (and yes, I know I might look at things differently if our household had to address compromised immunity, so I’m grateful for that).

]]> By: Laura http://unclutterer.com/2008/09/23/sponges-separating-the-new-from-the-used/comment-page-2/#comment-20456 Laura Thu, 02 Oct 2008 19:19:10 +0000 http://unclutterer.com/?p=2608#comment-20456 Oh, for heaven's sakes! You will greatly unclutter your brain and life if you stop worrying about sponges vs. dish cloths! Oh, for heaven’s sakes! You will greatly unclutter your brain and life if you stop worrying about sponges vs. dish cloths!

]]> By: Jennifer http://unclutterer.com/2008/09/23/sponges-separating-the-new-from-the-used/comment-page-2/#comment-20452 Jennifer Thu, 02 Oct 2008 18:42:19 +0000 http://unclutterer.com/?p=2608#comment-20452 One more thing... I find to extend the life of my dish washing sponge, I run it in the dishwasher in the top rack. I've also soaked it with some vinegar to kill germs in it. I use the smell and appearance of the sponge to tell me when it's time to trash it. One more thing… I find to extend the life of my dish washing sponge, I run it in the dishwasher in the top rack. I’ve also soaked it with some vinegar to kill germs in it. I use the smell and appearance of the sponge to tell me when it’s time to trash it.

]]> By: Jennifer http://unclutterer.com/2008/09/23/sponges-separating-the-new-from-the-used/comment-page-2/#comment-20451 Jennifer Thu, 02 Oct 2008 18:40:00 +0000 http://unclutterer.com/?p=2608#comment-20451 This is a big deal for me too. Sponges can get gross but you don't want to just throw them out when you can use them for the dirtier jobs. At first I wrapped a used rubber band around the 'wiping' sponge to tell the difference between it and the dish washing sponge. Then I tried the corner cutting method (didn't cut two corners tho... That's a good idea.) The problem with using a sponge for 3 levels of cleaning (dishes, wiping and gross) is that they start to fall apart and you're cleaning up pieces of sponge everywhere. Now what I do, is that I use blue sponges for wiping and gross cleaning (first wiping and then downgraded to gross) but I only use colored sponges for dish washing like pink or orange or designs... depending what type had been on sale at the store. This is a big deal for me too. Sponges can get gross but you don’t want to just throw them out when you can use them for the dirtier jobs.

At first I wrapped a used rubber band around the ‘wiping’ sponge to tell the difference between it and the dish washing sponge.

Then I tried the corner cutting method (didn’t cut two corners tho… That’s a good idea.)

The problem with using a sponge for 3 levels of cleaning (dishes, wiping and gross) is that they start to fall apart and you’re cleaning up pieces of sponge everywhere.

Now what I do, is that I use blue sponges for wiping and gross cleaning (first wiping and then downgraded to gross) but I only use colored sponges for dish washing like pink or orange or designs… depending what type had been on sale at the store.

]]> By: Adriana http://unclutterer.com/2008/09/23/sponges-separating-the-new-from-the-used/comment-page-2/#comment-20296 Adriana Mon, 29 Sep 2008 10:11:17 +0000 http://unclutterer.com/?p=2608#comment-20296 Very good tip! I am very picky on how and where SPONGES are used at home, but sometimes when my BF or relatives help cleaning, my sorting gets disrupted, arg! So now I know: cut the tips or assign color codes! easy to explain and memorize, I guess. And, even though we never got any problems I do agree with microwaving and changing sponges on a regular basis. Very good tip! I am very picky on how and where SPONGES are used at home, but sometimes when my BF or relatives help cleaning, my sorting gets disrupted, arg! So now I know: cut the tips or assign color codes! easy to explain and memorize, I guess. And, even though we never got any problems I do agree with microwaving and changing sponges on a regular basis.

]]> By: Patricia http://unclutterer.com/2008/09/23/sponges-separating-the-new-from-the-used/comment-page-2/#comment-20295 Patricia Mon, 29 Sep 2008 08:55:38 +0000 http://unclutterer.com/?p=2608#comment-20295 @ Alice : I stopped using bleach and other harsh chemicals a while back. For general disinfecting I use vinegar-- which is supposed to get rid of 99% of germs (although I am not particularly germ-phobic), is cheap, and non-toxic. The smell goes away in a couple of hours. I use it also to clean the toilet bowl and sink. A half cup or so in a pail of water goes to mop the tile/stone floor. Baking soda is another extremely useful product. Use it as a gentle scrub for dishes, or the counter. I sprinkle it on vegetables and fruits then rinse with water. Check the Arm and Hammer website for more ideas. Vinegar or lemon juice and oil combine for a wood cleaner/polisher--in a pinch it's your salad dressing too ;-) Counter tops are wiped with a solution of 1 cup distilled water with about 30 drops of essential oil with disinfecting properties--lemon and rosemary are nice for the kitchen, and for the bathroom, tea tree oil and lemon. The house smells fresh and clean and I don't have to worry about toxic fumes :-) @ Alice :
I stopped using bleach and other harsh chemicals a while back. For general disinfecting I use vinegar– which is supposed to get rid of 99% of germs (although I am not particularly germ-phobic), is cheap, and non-toxic. The smell goes away in a couple of hours. I use it also to clean the toilet bowl and sink. A half cup or so in a pail of water goes to mop the tile/stone floor.

Baking soda is another extremely useful product. Use it as a gentle scrub for dishes, or the counter. I sprinkle it on vegetables and fruits then rinse with water. Check the Arm and Hammer website for more ideas.

Vinegar or lemon juice and oil combine for a wood cleaner/polisher–in a pinch it’s your salad dressing too ;-)

Counter tops are wiped with a solution of 1 cup distilled water with about 30 drops of essential oil with disinfecting properties–lemon and rosemary are nice for the kitchen, and for the bathroom, tea tree oil and lemon.

The house smells fresh and clean and I don’t have to worry about toxic fumes :-)

]]> By: Emma http://unclutterer.com/2008/09/23/sponges-separating-the-new-from-the-used/comment-page-2/#comment-20294 Emma Mon, 29 Sep 2008 08:49:48 +0000 http://unclutterer.com/?p=2608#comment-20294 Great tip, I love it and will start using it Great tip, I love it and will start using it

]]> By: Me! http://unclutterer.com/2008/09/23/sponges-separating-the-new-from-the-used/comment-page-2/#comment-20249 Me! Sat, 27 Sep 2008 10:08:10 +0000 http://unclutterer.com/?p=2608#comment-20249 I have to laugh at the paranoia about germs in sponges. I've never been particularly worried about germs and I can't say I've ever been ill because of the types of germs that apparently live in sponges (after 20 something years of running my own household). My kitchen sponge (the only sponge in the house) is used to wipe down counters, cupboard doors, the table and occasionally the floor if I drip water on it. I rinse it in cold water occasionally and it dries between uses. It never smells and is most likely to be replaced because my kleptomaniac cat has stolen it and I haven't been able to find it lying in the back yard - yes I do keep using it if I find it out there. If there is something particularly stuck on that I can't wipe up I use diluted white vinegar in a spray bottle to assist - I believe white vinegar is a disinfectant but I'm not sure of it. Bathrooms etc are cleaned by my cleaners who bring their own cloths or whatever they use. I have to laugh at the paranoia about germs in sponges. I’ve never been particularly worried about germs and I can’t say I’ve ever been ill because of the types of germs that apparently live in sponges (after 20 something years of running my own household).

My kitchen sponge (the only sponge in the house) is used to wipe down counters, cupboard doors, the table and occasionally the floor if I drip water on it. I rinse it in cold water occasionally and it dries between uses. It never smells and is most likely to be replaced because my kleptomaniac cat has stolen it and I haven’t been able to find it lying in the back yard – yes I do keep using it if I find it out there.

If there is something particularly stuck on that I can’t wipe up I use diluted white vinegar in a spray bottle to assist – I believe white vinegar is a disinfectant but I’m not sure of it.

Bathrooms etc are cleaned by my cleaners who bring their own cloths or whatever they use.

]]> By: Andamom http://unclutterer.com/2008/09/23/sponges-separating-the-new-from-the-used/comment-page-2/#comment-20217 Andamom Fri, 26 Sep 2008 03:52:08 +0000 http://unclutterer.com/?p=2608#comment-20217 We added certain chores to my 14-year-old daughter's chore list. Now, she pays attention to what falls on the floor because she knows that she'll be cleaning it later that week. We added certain chores to my 14-year-old daughter’s chore list. Now, she pays attention to what falls on the floor because she knows that she’ll be cleaning it later that week.

]]> By: julia1060 http://unclutterer.com/2008/09/23/sponges-separating-the-new-from-the-used/comment-page-2/#comment-20208 julia1060 Fri, 26 Sep 2008 01:27:22 +0000 http://unclutterer.com/?p=2608#comment-20208 I'm with Laura - I love baby diapers for cleaning! I'm also a big fan of washing and cutting up any "cease and desist" t-shirts and other cotton garments that have worn out. Cotton cloth beats a sponge anytime for cleaning - picks up lint, doesn't streak, less likely to harbor germs. Bonus: They can be washed and used over and over and over. PS LifeTree makes a great concentrated bathroom/ household cleaner with Tea Tree Oil and Lavender. Smells fresh, is ecofriendly and chem free, cleans better than anything I've used (I used to clean houses for a living) and kills germs as well. I mix it with h2o and soak dirty rags - They brighten just fine without those pesky dioxins. I’m with Laura – I love baby diapers for cleaning! I’m also a big fan of washing and cutting up any “cease and desist” t-shirts and other cotton garments that have worn out. Cotton cloth beats a sponge anytime for cleaning – picks up lint, doesn’t streak, less likely to harbor germs. Bonus: They can be washed and used over and over and over.

PS LifeTree makes a great concentrated bathroom/ household cleaner with Tea Tree Oil and Lavender. Smells fresh, is ecofriendly and chem free, cleans better than anything I’ve used (I used to clean houses for a living) and kills germs as well. I mix it with h2o and soak dirty rags – They brighten just fine without those pesky dioxins.

]]> By: Peter http://unclutterer.com/2008/09/23/sponges-separating-the-new-from-the-used/comment-page-2/#comment-20179 Peter Thu, 25 Sep 2008 13:21:13 +0000 http://unclutterer.com/?p=2608#comment-20179 Wow, thanks SuziQ...I loved using bleach (unless I got some on my clothes and got white spots...ugh!!!). Wow, thanks SuziQ…I loved using bleach (unless I got some on my clothes and got white spots…ugh!!!).

]]> By: Laura http://unclutterer.com/2008/09/23/sponges-separating-the-new-from-the-used/comment-page-2/#comment-20162 Laura Thu, 25 Sep 2008 03:46:36 +0000 http://unclutterer.com/?p=2608#comment-20162 My two cents: I use "Heavy Wipes", the heavy-duty version of "Handi Wipes" available at most grocery stores. I use one every day in the kitchen, then wash it with my other cleaning rags ~ For the bathrooms and rest of the house, once a year I go to Target and buy cloth baby diapers. They are soft and lint-free, and I can wash/sanitize the heck out of 'em, and they last and last. My two cents: I use “Heavy Wipes”, the heavy-duty version of “Handi Wipes” available at most grocery stores. I use one every day in the kitchen, then wash it with my other cleaning rags ~

For the bathrooms and rest of the house, once a year I go to Target and buy cloth baby diapers. They are soft and lint-free, and I can wash/sanitize the heck out of ‘em, and they last and last.

]]> By: SuziQ http://unclutterer.com/2008/09/23/sponges-separating-the-new-from-the-used/comment-page-2/#comment-20155 SuziQ Wed, 24 Sep 2008 21:39:13 +0000 http://unclutterer.com/?p=2608#comment-20155 Truth about bleach http://www.factsaboutbleach.com/bleach_and_the_environment.html Truth about bleach

http://www.factsaboutbleach.co.....nment.html

]]> By: Peter http://unclutterer.com/2008/09/23/sponges-separating-the-new-from-the-used/comment-page-2/#comment-20149 Peter Wed, 24 Sep 2008 19:41:34 +0000 http://unclutterer.com/?p=2608#comment-20149 I was bleaching my old sponges then I learned that bleach leaves poisonous dioxins that never degrade into our planet's environment. The dioxins are directly linked to growing rates of cancer and birth defects. Bleach = VERY BAD!!! Use your sponges until they die and buy new ones...for the children ; ) I was bleaching my old sponges then I learned that bleach leaves poisonous dioxins that never degrade into our planet’s environment. The dioxins are directly linked to growing rates of cancer and birth defects.

Bleach = VERY BAD!!! Use your sponges until they die and buy new ones…for the children ; )

]]> By: Zora http://unclutterer.com/2008/09/23/sponges-separating-the-new-from-the-used/comment-page-1/#comment-20144 Zora Wed, 24 Sep 2008 19:21:11 +0000 http://unclutterer.com/?p=2608#comment-20144 I recently switched from sponges to dishcloths in the kitchen. So much cleaner. I knit my own dishcloths, from Sugar 'n Cream cotton yarn. They knit up fast and make great gifts. I recently switched from sponges to dishcloths in the kitchen. So much cleaner.

I knit my own dishcloths, from Sugar ‘n Cream cotton yarn. They knit up fast and make great gifts.

]]> By: klza http://unclutterer.com/2008/09/23/sponges-separating-the-new-from-the-used/comment-page-1/#comment-20143 klza Wed, 24 Sep 2008 19:20:56 +0000 http://unclutterer.com/?p=2608#comment-20143 I think sponges are gross, so we use dishrags in this household, too. I use a new one each day, along with a clean dishtowel. For baked-on grease in the stainless steel skillet, I keep a metal mesh scrubber. It'll cut through anything! I use microfiber cloths for general cleaning and wash them at the end of cleaning day in hot water and detergent. They last for years. For really disgusting stuff, we keep a bag of *grunge* cloths (i.e., retired kitchen rags) and throw them away if unrecoverable. We gave up paper towels years ago. I think sponges are gross, so we use dishrags in this household, too. I use a new one each day, along with a clean dishtowel. For baked-on grease in the stainless steel skillet, I keep a metal mesh scrubber. It’ll cut through anything!

I use microfiber cloths for general cleaning and wash them at the end of cleaning day in hot water and detergent. They last for years. For really disgusting stuff, we keep a bag of *grunge* cloths (i.e., retired kitchen rags) and throw them away if unrecoverable. We gave up paper towels years ago.

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