Old dish sponges are usually disposed of after a short time for hygienic reasons. However, there are many ways to recycle them. They can be very useful in the household:
We’ve all been there: the dish sponge in the kitchen starts to smell and is obviously past its best. But wait! With a few life hacks, you can transform your old sponge into a versatile household miracle worker before you actually have to dispose of your worn-out helper. Sponges can do much more than just clean dishes and, for example, remove burn marks from pots and pans.
Can you reuse sponges?
The rampant throwaway mentality puts a strain not only on our wallets, but also on the environment. Fortunately, there are numerous creative ways to put old dish sponges to good use: whether in the garden, in the household or for odor neutralization – with these tips, you will discover the hidden potential of your old sponges.
But before you start any DIY projects, you should first ask yourself whether the sponge can still do its original job. Because the typical lifespan of about a week can be significantly extended by regular cleaning in the washing machine. It is important to use a 60-degree wash cycle with heavy-duty detergent, as the bleach also helps to kill germs.
How often can you use a sponge?
Food scraps, moisture and room temperatures that are pleasant for bacteria make sponges one of the biggest hidden sources of germs in the home. You usually notice when it’s time to change the sponge first by a musty smell or discoloration.
To be on the safe side and avoid breeding bacteria, you should replace your dish sponge every one to two weeks. The washing machine mentioned above can help with this, but for more stubborn cases, it sometimes pays to properly disinfect the sponge using a home remedy.
How do you disinfect a sponge?
Heating it in the microwave for just 30 seconds can help to disinfect it. It only takes a moment, and the effect is immediately noticeable! However, keep in mind that heat-resistant bacteria could survive. Thorough cleaning and drying of the sponges is therefore still crucial to minimize the risk of infection.
Ultimately, however, the moment will come when you will have to find another use for the sponge. Nothing lasts forever, not even through the microwave and washing machine! But even now, the garbage can is not needed, because there are great creative and sustainable upcycling ideas for exactly this case.
How can you reuse old sponges?
One of the simplest and most effective ways to reuse old dish sponges is as a water reservoir for plants. To do this, place a sponge on the bottom of the flower pot and cover it with soil. The sponge absorbs excess water and releases it gradually to the plant, perfect for forgetful gardeners.
Caution: a sponge that is too wet can impede drainage and promote mold growth. Another creative use for old dish sponges is cleaning garden hoses. To do this, cut off the rough side of the sponge, roll it up and push it into the hose. The water pressure when turning on the tap will push the sponge through the hose, removing algae and debris.
Sustainability and creativity
An old sponge can also be used to combat unpleasant odors in the refrigerator. They will soon be a thing of the past if you sprinkle baking soda on your old sponge and put it in the refrigerator. The sponge will absorb the odors.
By reusing old dishwashing sponges, you are making a small but important contribution to reducing waste and protecting the environment. What’s more, your wallet will be happy too if you let your creative side run free and take advantage of the many possibilities offered by a simple dishwashing sponge! And if you choose a biodegradable sponge, you’re a real environmental hero.
