9 Best Sponge Hacks
Updated: May 09, 2023
Sponges can do a lot more than just wipe up messes. Here are some brilliant uses you've probably never thought to try.
Flower Pot Filler
Water settling at the bottom of pots can lead to poor aeration and root rot. To combat this, toss a few old sponges in the bottom. The sponges retain moisture and create necessary air space. They also help prevent water from running out the bottom. Here are a few tips for cleaning the sponge.
Nylon Scrubber
Put your car-washing sponge inside a pair of old pantyhose for a nonabrasive, paint-friendly scrubber. The threads act like thousands of little scrapers that rub off insects and gunk with every swipe.
Noisy Drip Stopper
Is there a noisy drip coming from the downspout that’s driving you nuts? I discovered an easy way to stop the drip — just push a kitchen sponge into the bottom of the downspout. It muffles the dripping noise without blocking the water flow. — Susan Dahl.
Sponge Ice Pack
Ice packs are a great way to keep your lunch cool, but they’re expensive to replace if you lose them. This DIY ice pack hack is reusable so it’s good for the environment as well.
First, purchase an inexpensive pack of sponges or just find some old ones around the house. Grab a big bowl of water and let the sponges soak up as much water as possible. Then put each sponge in a small sandwich bag with a zip close. Freeze the wet, bagged sponges overnight. In the morning, just toss the frozen bag into your lunch container.
These bags serve two purposes. As the ice melts, the bag holds the water so there’s no mess in your lunch bag. And it allows the melted sponge to reabsorb the water so it’s ready to refreeze for the next day.
Screen Cleaner
Fiberglass window screening becomes spotted and discolored after a few seasons in the sun. Bring your screens back to life with an automotive vinyl protectant like Armor All or Son-Of-A-Gun.
Hold a sponge behind the screen when you spray to catch the spray-through, then wipe over the entire screen on both sides. It will make them look like new for several more seasons. — Jim Maurer.
Use a Sponge to Paint a Wall
A paint roller is probably the first thing you’d grab to paint a wall, but a sponge is another option. Seriously. The sponge technique is a quick, simple way to make dull interior walls dramatic.
Sponge Holder
Wet sponges always end up the ledge of the utility sink. They never dry properly and turn moldy and smelly. Here’s a solution that’s better for your laundry room. Screw a sieve to the back of the sink to hold the sponges. They dry nicely, they’re out of the way and they last forever.
Make-Do Mallet
If you need a mallet once in a blue moon but don’t own one, you can improvise with a hammer and a heavy kitchen sponge. Wet the sponge, wring as much water out of it as you can, wrap it around the head of your hammer and then secure it with a heavy rubber band.
Originally Published: March 08, 2022
