Why you should make a hole in the center of a dishwashing sponge

How to choose the right dish sponge

Each hostess picks up a sponge for herself. But it should be borne in mind that washcloths with hard materials are categorically contraindicated for Teflon and delicate coatings. This threatens to create small cracks and scratches that will soon be filled with bacteria.

In the modern world, a huge number of different sponges are produced.

Too soft materials will not be able to cope with hard pollution.It would be appropriate to choose either a combined type of sponge (on the one hand, an abrasive coating, and on the other, foam rubber), or to stock up on several types of sponges. A complete set of necessary rags, sponges and other things is much more convenient than trying to wash off the adhering fat on a cauldron with foam rubber.

Cellulose sponges have a pronounced antibacterial effect.

By the way, it is worth noting another variety such as bamboo sponges. Since allergies are an unpleasant disease that can occur in almost everything. Allergy sufferers need to pick up all items that can not cause them discomfort. In addition, bamboo sponges can be safely used to clean children's dishes.

What detergents should every housewife have?

To care for kitchen utensils, just one rag is not enough. It is advisable to collect a whole arsenal of funds. It usually includes:

• special detergents;
• sponges, brushes, napkins;
• scrapers for thickened fat in a frying pan - even using widely advertised means, it can be difficult to remove it;
• home, folk remedies.

Home "chemistry" is the most affordable means for any housewife, and it is also very cheap. When using them, it is not necessary to observe the exact dosage. But the main thing is that they are in the closet of any hostess. This is the well-known vinegar, soda, salt and laundry soap. As for soap, you should keep in mind: it is a little toxic, and therefore the cups must be thoroughly rinsed.

Used when washing greasy dishes and mustard powder. This tool is not as well known as soda, but its effectiveness is no less.

What is a dish sponge made of?

Most often, sponges are made of foam rubber, they can add an abrasive in order to better remove stubborn dirt. Such models are attractive in price, they are affordable and moderately durable.

There is models are made from cellulose - this material is the most environmentally friendly. Such material will not cause allergies and the spread of bacteria on its surface is minimized, since it differs significantly in structure from foam rubber. The main disadvantage is the price, it is sometimes unreasonably high, so not all hardware stores want to buy such sponges.

There are natural sponges - they are made from natural spongy material, which is mined from the bottom of the sea. Such models are one of the most expensive and differ in structure: at first they are rigid, they must be well moistened with water before use, but this is the main plus - the moisture from natural material evaporates quickly, which minimizes the reproduction of microorganisms.

Why is it bad to wash dishes with a sponge?

The foam sponge has a porous structure, and even if you squeeze it hard, it always contains water molecules, due to the frequency of use, it does not have time to dry completely, many bacteria survive at room temperature, so moisture and heat are an excellent environment for bacteria reproduction. In addition, detergent remains on the surface of the sponges, which is also not very useful for the human body. Bacteria, mixed with the remnants of fat and food, as well as detergent molecules, constantly arrive on the sponge and it turns out that when you think you are washing dishes, you are simply rubbing a cocktail of pathogens on plates or on the table.

How to make a sponge with your own hands

There is nothing easier than making your own sponge. It consists of foam rubber, therefore, this material must be addressed. Since there is a big environmental problem at the moment, and a foam rubber item will decompose for about 200 years, alternative options can be considered.

You can make your own sponge.

Among the alternative methods of creation there are washcloths:

• From jute;
• From a grid for vegetables;
• From tulle

These are the main options for needlework. All of them are incredibly low cost.
For knitting with jute you need: jute, hook and scissors. You can do it easily if you remember labor lessons from school with the theme of crochet. We carry out: 5 air loops, loop. We continue to knit in a circle, do not forget about the double crochets, add air loops.

If you make a sponge yourself, then consider the place where it will be stored.

You don’t need to tighten it tightly, you can and even need to leave gaps. This technique will allow you to get a sponge that will dry quickly. Goal: the circle is larger than the palm. You can add your own patterns if you like. In water, the washcloth will shrink. Don't forget to fasten the loop on which you will store the washcloth at the sink. Care for this type of sponge involves disinfection every 7 days with boiling water. For additional end-of-life use cases, see the article above.

You can't make a silicone sponge yourself.

After you have bought potatoes, you can not throw away the grid. Cut off the top and do not touch the sides. Fold the mesh in 4 layers. And crochet around the perimeter of the resulting square to secure the layers of the mesh and give it a beautiful decoration. Fatin appears on the bride, but not in the process of washing dishes.

Sponges made of different materials are suitable for different dishes.

If you still have this fabric, fold it into a long rectangle. Cut into small strips, along the entire rectangle. All the strips made must be connected to each other. Just tie your hands. Arm yourself with a crochet and knit from the created strips of rounds. Use the principle of knitting, as in working with jute.

What are the sizes and shapes of sponges

The creators manage to produce different types of sponges: round, oval, rectangular. The most popular washcloths with the shape of a rectangle. They are the most comfortable to use. Ease of use depends on how the material fits in the hand.

If it is smaller than the palm of your hand, it will be inconvenient to use, but its cost will be much lower. If the sponge is larger than the palm, the process will be more pleasant and faster. Yes, and the cost increases in this case.

The sponge on the plastic handle is convenient for washing certain dishes.

Some manufacturers have created sponges on a plastic handle. Everyone will appreciate such a device, especially when washing narrow and hard-to-reach items: bottles, cups.

How sponges are used

Drainage for indoor flowers

Like its little sister, the floral sponge, the kitchen sponge has the ability to absorb and release large volumes of water when needed. Resourceful flower growers were not slow to take advantage of this.

Cut out a sponge circle slightly smaller in diameter than the bottom of the pot. Dip it in the pot soft side up and sprinkle with soil. Now, with abundant watering, the water will not drain into the saucer, but will be absorbed by the sponge.When the soil dries, the sponge will gradually begin to return the stored moisture.

Lifesaver for vegetable growers

The same life hack can be useful for greenhouse owners. If the weather is hot, and you can’t regularly water the plants, a thrifty sponge will help you out again.

Thoroughly moisten old sponges with water and put under the roots of cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers. Moisture from the sponges will gradually wet the soil and prevent the plants from drying out.

seed germination material

Previously, we advised germinating seeds on cotton pads. But a sponge will do the job even better. Make a few cuts in a damp sponge and place the seeds there. Cover the top with another damp sponge.

Then pour the water into a clear plastic cooking box and close the lid. It remains to wrap the entire structure with plastic wrap and leave it near the radiator. After a week or two, the seeds will definitely germinate.

Nail polish remover

Just place the sponge inside a small glass jar. It remains to moisten it with nail polish remover and a universal nail cleansing kit is ready! After use, the jar can be closed with a lid and reused when needed.

Pads to protect floors and other surfaces

Gaskets can be cut out of an old sponge, which will play the role of an anti-vandal material. By gluing them to the bottom of a vase or furniture legs, you can protect your lacquered floor or plastic window sill from annoying scratches.

for washing shoes

Even a worn sponge can be useful for cleaning shoes. Of course, a melamine sponge would ideally cope with this task. But you need to buy it specially, and old kitchen sponges are always at hand, and you don’t feel sorry for them.

In order to clean your sneakers after a walk from adhering lint, plant seeds and dust, you need to moisten the sponge a little and run it with the soft side over the thing. The hard side is suitable for washing soles and more stubborn dirt.

Kitchen sponge not only for dishes

1. Removing spools. Due to the fact that the sponge has a fairly hard layer, which is somewhat reminiscent of sandpaper, it can be used to remove pellets from clothes that have lost their appearance. To do this, it is enough to gently wipe the clothes with the indicated side.
2. Plant care. In the process of transplanting flowers, a kitchen sponge can be placed on the bottom of the pot. Thus, you will forget what improper watering is. All excess moisture that will be collected in the pot is absorbed into this very sponge, protecting the roots of the plant. In addition, the sponge will also be an additional reservoir for moisture.
3. Cleaning carpets from animal hair. When we enter the house and look at the carpet, we can easily understand whether any animal lives here. In case you do not know how to clean the carpet from wool, it is enough to take an ordinary kitchen sponge and simply wipe it.
4. Use as one of the elements of the cooler bag. If you wet a kitchen sponge with water and put it in the freezer for a certain time, then after a few hours you can use it as a cooling element. For example, such a sponge will help when moving or on a camping trip.
5. Collection of moisture from umbrellas. If you live in an area with a humid climate, then you probably have an umbrella stand at home, which after a certain time begins to spread a not very pleasant smell.In order to avoid this, it is enough to put a sponge on the bottom of the stand and change it periodically.
6. Removing nail polish. If the kitchen sponge is soaked with the appropriate liquid, it will become an indispensable element when removing nail polish. It will be enough to dip your fingers into this sponge and pull it back. Thus, you can easily clean your nails from annoying varnish.
7. Scratch protection. If your house has antique furniture that you feel sorry for, then in order not to scratch it when using various kinds of items, you need to attach a small piece of a kitchen sponge to their bottom.
8. Draft protection. Any holes that form between windows, loggias, and so on can be sealed with a sponge. It is best to do this before the start of the winter period.
9. Pedicure. The kitchen sponge is made of the same material as the finger separator used for pedicures. Thus, its scope in this case is simple and clear - just cut the sponge into small pieces and put it between your fingers or toes.

Summing up, I would like to note that human imagination is limitless. The main thing is that any idea is useful!

How to store a sponge

Washing, boiling, soaking in bleach or vinegar are unnecessary steps in the case of sponges. It is recommended to replace them at least once every 7 days, if the composition of the sponge is foam rubber.

Today there are many devices for storing sponges.

Ecological materials do not actively accumulate bacteria in themselves. Replacement is carried out every 30-60 days. In order not to throw away harmless material, it can be buried in the ground. Jute sponges are poured with boiling water, once every 7 days.If they lose their aesthetic appearance or stretch, they are soaked in a soda solution.

Washcloths should be washed regularly.

With one jute washcloth, you can get a lot of benefits. When it no longer serves as a material for washing, bury it in a pot with a plant. It can also serve as a drain. materials for washing dishes spoil the aesthetics of the room if they stand in the most prominent place. In addition, sponges left on the sink eventually lose their appearance and can acquire an unpleasant odor.

Sponges should be stored in a perfectly ventilated place.

If you are able to store cabinet under the sink - store there

It is important to remember that it should go into the locker slightly damp, for this it is first squeezed out. Empty sink is beautiful

If the look of an empty object is not to your liking or it is not practical to take out a sponge, there is no pedestal. Then, it is worth going shopping with kitchen accessories.

There you can find different devices for storing sponges:

• Beautiful stand for washing accessories. As long as it fits into the interior. Don't forget to wash it periodically.
• Hanging organizers or dryers for cabinets. Can hang on doors. It can be found in the form of cups, where it will be convenient to put sponges and other washing accessories.
• Hanging organizers. The light material from which they are made is placed on the crane, and all items will be easily placed in the pocket. Similar details can be placed above the sink. Often has small holes for draining water.
• Stationary items. It is easy to fit not only detergent, but also accessories to it.
• Containers with suction cups.They can be fixed inside the sink and filled with the necessary items. Even though the sink is not the driest surface, the suction cups hold up well.
• Stands that can be attached near the crane. The object remains visible, but excess liquid will drain directly into the sink.

Rags with a specific holder allows you to quickly remove the liquid from the washcloth.

The choice of products for every taste and interior. One thing remains the main thing: ensuring the storage of sponges and rags, so that they can dry in them and ventilate.

Nail polish remover

Some types of nail polish contain glitter, mirror dust, and various fillers that can be difficult to remove with a regular cotton pad. A dish sponge will come to the rescue.

Cut it into two pieces. Place the first one in a small jar, after twisting it into a roller. Fill the container with nail polish remover. After the liquid is absorbed into the foam, insert your finger into the center of the roller and hold for a few seconds (depending on the density of the coating). When the polish has softened, remove it with the second part of the sponge slightly dampened with acetone or nail polish remover. If some particles of the coating do not want to be removed, lightly rub them with the hard side of the sponge.

To remove the usual varnish coating, it will be enough to twist the fingernail inside the foam roller a little. A solution with a roller in a jar is possible with a tightly closed lid.

If the liquid has acquired the color of varnish, then at the end of the procedure, drain it, wash the foam in soapy water and send it to the microwave.

By cutting the sponge into several strips 1 cm wide, it can be used for home pedicure. Insert the strips between your toes before applying nail polish.Paint your nails and wait a few minutes so as not to smudge the coating until it is completely dry. Then remove the foam strips. A beautiful pedicure is ready.

Questions and answers

How much does this sponge cost?

Prices vary, the average is 50 rubles. There are also more expensive copies - for 300, 400 rubles, but I believe that in this case there is no need to overpay.

A regular sponge has a hard side. What about silicone?

And she has silicone “thorns”, they are also “villi”. Their rigidity is closer to medium, so to wash dried buckwheat or mashed potatoes, the dishes should be soaked in warm water beforehand.

You can do without a silicone sponge. But is it necessary? It costs mere pennies, but the benefits from it are not for one thousand rubles. I am sure that if you ever try to wash the dishes with it, you will fall in love with it as strongly and passionately as I do. Yes, and the very washing of pots and plates will cease to be a hated occupation.

Why is silicone sponge better than polypropylene?

A polypropylene sponge seems to be ideal - it whips up lush foam, does not scratch plates and cups (unlike hard brushes), and washes dirt well. But she has two huge minuses, which completely negate all the pluses:

• Rapid pollution. If you wash a herring plate with it, the sponge will begin to smell like herring; wash the plate in which there was garlic sauce - the sponge will be fragrant with garlic. But what is even worse, particles of food invisible to the eye that cannot be removed get stuck in its pores.
• The spread of infections. In a humid environment, these food particles quickly rot and become a nutrient substrate for millions of bacteria.Bacteria are happy about this and multiply at the speed of sound, populating all the free space inside the sponge while it lies near the sink and waits for its turn. As soon as it's time to wash the dishes again, we literally transfer microorganisms to forks, spoons, bowls and pots. This can be hazardous to health, because not all bacteria are “friendly” to humans. For hygiene reasons, I never used the same sponge for several days in a row - in the evening I threw the old one into the trash can, and in the morning I took out a new one from the package.

But the silicone sponge is completely devoid of such shortcomings. The material from which it is made absolutely does not absorb odors, microbes cannot penetrate into it, and grease and food particles are easily washed off. In addition, it has several other benefits:

• Durable. As long as I do not destroy it physically - for example, accidentally melt it on an open fire or cut it with a knife - it will retain all its properties.
• Universal. Since bacteria and dirt do not penetrate inside, it can wash not only dishes, but also vegetables - carrots, potatoes, beets. Soft, but elastic silicone villi, which cover the entire surface of the sponge, perfectly clean off soil particles remaining on root crops.
• Multifunctional. If I need to remove a dish with hot handles from the stove, and the cloth tack has disappeared somewhere, I use a silicone sponge. It is impossible to “kill” it in this way, because silicone can withstand high temperatures.
• Doesn't scratch Teflon. Previously, I had to buy special sponges for Teflon, since you can’t wash the pan with ordinary ones - the coating will quickly collapse. But silicone is suitable for everything.
• Comfortable.Polypropylene sponges come in only a few sizes - bigger and smaller. Their silicone "competitors" attracted me with a variety of sizes and shapes - it is very easy to find one that will fit well in your hand.

As you can see, the silicone sponge outperforms the polypropylene one in all respects.

Rules for washing different types of dishes by hand

Most modern housewives install efficient dishwashers in their kitchens, which help keep the dishes in perfect order. However, not every family can afford such expensive equipment. And some housewives, especially if there are only two or three people in the family, do not consider it necessary to start the machine for three plates. Therefore, washing dishes by hand is a common practice. caring for her.

However, there are a few important rules that it is highly advisable to follow while washing dishes. They are simple, their implementation will not be difficult even for the busiest or inexperienced girls:

1. Wash dishes immediately after using them. Otherwise, food leftovers will stick to the plates and be more difficult to remove.
2. Don't stack dirty dishes. This will contaminate the outer surfaces and add more work to you.
3. If plates and cups are left in the sink due to a simple lack of time, soak them in hot water with a good detergent before washing. The process will be facilitated, but it will take a little more time.
4. If there were beaten eggs or an omelet in the cup, wash it first in cold water, and only then bring it to the ideal in hot. Otherwise, the egg white will undergo denaturation, which will complicate the task.
5. The least soiled dishes are washed first - saucers, bread plates, teaspoons and cups. Greasy plates and pans are dealt with last.
6. Use proven, guaranteed safe detergents.
7. Running water is used only for rinsing. When washing with the product, close the drain hole of the sink.

There are several secrets to caring for enamelware. The coating of the pan, for example, darkens after prolonged use. You can get rid of such darkening with the help of "Persoli" - this is a bleach for linen. The agent must be put into hot water poured into a saucepan at the rate of one tablet (or a teaspoon of powder) per liter of water and boiled for one hour. After that, the water must be drained, and the pan thoroughly rinsed.

When caring for enameled pots and cups, follow a few rules:

• do not put a hot pan in a wet sink or on a cold stand - the enamel may crack;
• do not put an empty saucepan on a hot stove - for the same reason;
• do not pour cold water into a hot container;
• do not clean enameled dishes with metal scrapers, brushes and hard washcloths.

Many housewives face such a minor problem as storing used dish sponges on the sink.

From the last century, housewives often used rags from old things to wash dishes, and they quickly became contaminated with grease, which led to their rapid wear and disposal.

At present, for washing dishes, there is a wide range of choice of washing inventory, and caring for them is quite simple and practical. The most common kitchen utensils include:

• Sponges
• Napkins
• latex fabrics

Foam sponges

Sponges are the most convenient kitchen item for washing dishes. Due to its internal structure, the sponge absorbs moisture well, and the abrasive cloth on one of its sides thoroughly washes hard-to-clog places in the dishes. The material itself is foam rubber, has good elasticity, and, despite its condition, the sponge, until the last day of use, retains its appearance and is comfortably held in the hand.

This practical cleanliness tool has been widely used not only for washing dishes, but for cleaning the entire bathroom, bathroom sink, toilet bowl, cistern and bathtub, and tile. But the biggest pollution, the sponge gets in the kitchen. A large number of greasy dishes, a dirty stove, and scale, are cleaned and washed with a sponge.

The fat accumulated in the foam rubber gradually clogs the pores of the foam rubber tissue, which leads to its contamination and an unpleasant odor. As a result, it should be washed in hot water with detergent, in order to destroy not only dirt, but also an unpleasant smell in it.

Note! There are also melamine sponges. Raw materials with such an interesting name as melamine are harmful to human health, and its use in washing dishes is strictly prohibited! This type of sponge is used exclusively in domestic conditions when walls, windows, and outer parts of dishes are dirty.

The structure of a thin look, allows you to remove heavily soiled surfaces from chemical contaminants, and the creation of a large amount of foam, allows you to use the detergent economically

This type of sponge is used exclusively in domestic conditions when walls, windows, and outer parts of dishes are dirty.The structure of a thin type allows you to remove heavily soiled surfaces from chemical contaminants, and the creation of a large amount of foam allows you to economically use the detergent.

Sponge storage

The next and most important nuance in the use of sponges is the method of storing the sponges. As before, most housewives, due to their fatigue, leave washing equipment on the tap, or near it. If the sponge is not washed, it leaves dirt in itself, and subsequently bacteria that can get on the dishes, which adversely affects human health

In addition, you should pay attention to the smell of the sponge, over time, it can be disastrously unpleasant.

To avoid this, the dishwashing sponge should always be washed after each use in clean, hot water with powder. After washing, the sponge must be thoroughly rinsed under running water and dried at room temperature. When the sponge is completely dry, it can be put away on a shelf or in a technical box. This will prevent dust and dirt from getting on it, and keep it fresh and clean for a long time.