Summer Cleaning Checklist

Summer Cleaning Checklist

Get your home ready for summer activities, cookouts, and guests with these summer cleaning tips.

Summer Cleaning Checklist Tip 1: Get Your Outdoor Spaces, Ready for the Summer

It’s important to give the exterior of your home and outdoor entertainment spaces a good once-over when the summer starts. Here are the areas you should pay attention to:

Household Vinyl Siding: Use an eraser sponge to remove mold, mildew, dirt, and grime. If you have a large area to clean, our Super S Eraser Sponges (12 Pack) will help shorten your cleaning time due to the their large size.

Windows: Use an eraser sponge to remove any dirt or grime from windows. The  eraser sponge extension handle kit can help you reach the upper areas of the window with ease as it extends up to three feet. No ladders or step stools required!

The Pool: Remove stains and water scum lines from vinyl pool liners and concrete surfaces with Continue reading Summer Cleaning Checklist

Scrub Your Boat Before Putting it in Storage

cleaning boat with eraser sponges

Whether you’re using your boat on the lake, or in the ocean, you will want to make sure you keep it clean, especially before winter storage. Salt or other forms of grime and scum can build up and damage your investment.

Spray Down Your Entire Boat with Water

Spray your boat down with water starting from the top and working your way down.  If there is salt, give it a few minutes to let everything dissolve after spraying with water. Then, hose it down again. It is best to have your boat lifted in order to get to the undersides as well and spray down the engines. A pressure washer works wonders.

As for cleaning products, there are plenty of commercial boat cleaners on the market. Just make sure to check that they are suitable for your boat’s material. Apply using an absorbent sponge or soft scrub brush.

Clean the Livewell or Baitwell

The livewell or baitwell is sure to have gathered some nasty stains and smells throughout the season. For the interior, a non-toxic cleaner is best as it will not be detrimental to any fish or bait placed inside the livewell. Baking soda and water will help neutralizer any odors and is a great non-toxic cleaner. Use an eraser sponge with a scrubber pad from SpongeOutlet.com to scour any stains or water scum from the interior. Be sure to rinse well.

Clean Vinyl Seats and Consoles

Eraser sponges can also be used for detailed cleaning without harsh chemicals on vinyl seats and plastic consoles. Use them to remove scuff dirt and grime and scuff marks. For cleaning larger areas, consider using SpongeOutlet’s Giant Sized Boat Eraser Sponges.

Be sure to protect vinyl seats from the UV rays of the sun, by using a protective seat cleaner. Protective cleaners will help prevent any cracking or discoloration caused by sunlight. Wipe off cleanser with a microfiber towel.

Sponge Outlet is your source for boat eraser sponges, microfiber towels and other cleaning supplies.

 

 

 

Advantages of Microfiber Towels for Cleaning

Microfiber Drying Towels

What is Microfiber?

Microfiber is a synthetic material that has two fibers blended together- polyester and polyamide. The polyester is great for polishing, while the polyamide is super absorbent. Microfiber Towels have great advantages when it comes to cleaning in and around your home. They are gentle, versatile, durable, and reusable, which makes them great for cleaning.

What are the advantages?

  • The blend of these two fibers creates a unique  material with qualities you won’t find in your typical towel or sponge. The way that it is constructed will absorb liquids but can also attract and pick up dust and debris.
  • Microfiber is lint free, so they are great for washing windows, mirrors, and other reflective surfaces.
  • This product is hypoallergenic. For those who have allergies or are sensitive to other materials that can be found in cloths or towels, these will not give you a reaction.
  • Microfiber towels are free of added chemicals, unlike cleaning wipes and sprays, which can irritate skin.
  • They are safe to use on any surface. These towels are soft and will not cause scratches or scuff marks. This makes them the perfect for cleaning wooden furniture, natural stone countertops and stainless steel appliances.
  • These towels will attract dirt and absorb oil from a surface instead of spreading or smearing them around, making cleaning easier.
  • Our microfiber towels can clean up messes made from dirt, soap, lubricants, dust, food spills, fingerprints, grime, residues, wax, grease, silicone, and much more.
  • Microfiber is super absorbent and can hold up to seven times its weight in moisture. Wow!
  • Microfiber materials are a good economic choice, as they last for a long time and are reusable.

As you can see, there are many reasons to invest in microfiber towels. If you’re looking for a product that can clean your home without added chemicals, are reusable and last a long time, you’ve come to the right place! Visit SpongeOutlet.com to help make your cleaning tasks easier with our microfiber towels and eraser products.

Cleaning Your Dishwasher with Eraser Sponges

Cleaning dishwasher with Sponge Outlet

Keeping your dishwasher clean will not only will help it look and smell better, but it will help it to perform better and possibly extend the life of the appliance. Use eraser sponges to clean the plastic items inside your dishwasher without any added detergent or dish soap.

Cleaning the Inside of the Dishwasher’s Tub with Eraser Sponges

Use a  paper towels to remove any large food debris from the bottom of the tub. Next, you will want to loosen any grime or leftover food. While your dishwasher is empty, place a cup of vinegar on the top rack,. Sprinkle baking soda on the bottom of your dishwasher  and then choose the cleaning cycle or a hot-water cleaning cycle. The vinegar and baking soda will help clean the dishwasher and remove any bad odors.

Some blogs suggest cleaning the inside of your dishwasher with bleach. However, if your dishwasher is stainless steel on the inside, this could corrode and ruin the finish of the dishwasher. Instead use an approved commercial dishwasher cleaner or the baking soda and vinegar method.

Next, check to see if your dishwasher has a removable filer that needs to be cleaned. The filter traps larger food particles to prevent the dishwasher’s water pump from becoming clogged. This can also be a source of bad smells if it has not been cleaned in a while.  Remove the filter and wash it using warm soapy water. Use a soft sponge to wipe off any stuck-on food particles, or small stickers. An eraser sponge, like our large erasers sponges,  can be used to remove grime on any plastic parts of the filter. Return the filter back to its housing before running your next dishwasher load.

 

Removing Stains and Smells From Inside the Dishwasher Tub

After the cycle is complete and your dishwasher is cool, use an eraser sponge to remove any grime from plastic racks, utensil baskets and wash arms.

The detergent dispenser  can become encrusted with old soap which can prevent it from opening during the wash cycle. Remove any excess detergent from around and inside the plastic dispenser using an eraser sponge. Test the lid of the dispenser to make sure it shuts properly.

Check the lower dishwasher spray arms to make sure the holes are free and clear of any blockages, like food particles. During your dishwasher’s wash cycle, water and detergent spray through these holes to clean your dishes, so clogged spray arms might be preventing your dishwasher from properly cleaning your dishes.

Clean the Gasket Seal Around the Dishwasher Tub. The plastic or rubber-like seal around a dishwasher tub opening helps to secure the door and prevent any water leakage. Over time, the seal can become encrusted with dirt and grim made up from food particles, soap and dirt, leading to unpleasant smells. Use an eraser sponge, or just a wet sponge with dishwashing soap to remove any dirt, grime or food particles from the seal. Be sure to dry it using a microfiber cloth or towel.

Polish a Dishwasher Door Using This Cleaning Trick!

You can polish and clean the inside and outside of Stainless Steel Appliances using microfiber cloths.  To give your stainless steel appliance door a nice shine on the outside, use a drop of olive oil and rub it in using a microfiber cloth.

Find out more about the “Advantages of Microfiber Towels for Cleaning,” on our blog post.

Cleaning Up After Your Pet Using Eraser Sponges

Cleaning up after your pet with eraser products

We love our furry family members. Our pets become a part of our household and family routines. We want them to be comfortable and have fun; but sometimes that means having a mess to clean up on a daily basis. Our pet’s activities can cause scuffs on the floors, and marks on our walls, cabinets, and doors. Dogs and cats often make a mess around their food and water bowls, like toddlers at the dinner table.

Eraser Sponges Help Clean Your Home’s Messes

As pet owners, we don’t always have time to grab a bucket, fill it with water, and wet a mop, to wipe up floors; or time to get down on our knees with a bucket full of water and a sponge to clean up scuffed cabinet doors.

The eraser sponge makes it easy to clean up spills, scuffs, and dirty paw prints in a snap. Another great thing about using an eraser sponge to clean up after your pets is that it is simple enough for your kids to use as well. It is much simpler and much less messy to teach your little ones how to help you tidy up after pets by using the eraser sponge.

Giving a small child a mop and bucket of water, can create even more of a mess that the one you were attempting to clean. Keep eraser sponges handy, and have your kids watch you clean up scuffs and marks left by your pets; then engage them in the activity with you.

After going through this process, your kids will automatically reach for an eraser sponge when your dog comes in from playing outside.

Eraser Sponges from Sponge Outlet

An eraser sponge is your all-purpose cleaning tool for households with pets. You won’t need to switch up from a sponge to a mop.

You can clean all your pet’s messes with the eraser sponge; making the clean-up process easier and quicker. Now you can get back to the other tasks on your to-do-lists.

Visit spongeoutlet.com for more information about our eraser sponges and other cleaning products for cleaning up your home.

Cleaning Your New Baby’s Room

Here’s how to make sure your home and new room is ready for baby

Clean Hand-Me-Down Furniture

Since babies grow so fast, using used or donated furniture is a great way to save money. You may also have pieces from previous children which you can reuse. Prepare any cribs, changing tables, or rockers by giving them a thorough cleaning. Be careful using cleaners with heavy scents as these can irritate the eyes, skin, nose and throat of a young infant. Use a gentle soap and hot water to disinfect any surfaces.

When it comes to cleaning furniture or walls, an eraser sponge from SpongeOutlet.com contains no harsh chemicals and only uses water and the power of gentle scrubbing to remove dirt and grime. Eraser sponges can also remove adhesive from stickers and marks from crayons from walls and furniture.

Give the Room a Through Dusting – Including the Vents

Keep allergens low and away from your new baby by giving the room and contents a thorough dusting. A damp microfiber cloth or dusting wand will help remove dust. Don’t forget to also dust any vents. Dirty vents can distribute dust and allergens from other areas inside the home. Make sure they are clean and clean any in-room vents as well.

Keep a Cleaning Routine & Cleaning Tools on Hand

After baby comes home, it is important to keep cleaning every day. Keep eraser sponges around to safely clean up any dirt of marks on the crib or changing table. An eraser sponge with soap also has the added advantage of providing gentle disinfecting when used with hot water.

Babies are known for their ability to make a mess out of nothing, so it is important to make those messes easy to clean up. Using disinfecting wipes often combined with frequent use of eraser sponges can keep your baby’s room shining and clean, until they become a toddler. Then, you will need a larger box of sponge erasers for all the artwork they leave you!

Whatever cleaning tools or detergents you decide to use, be sure to keep them out of the reach of tiny hands. Lock them securely inside a cabinet with a baby proof lock, or store them high up in a cupboard and out of the reach of children.

As always, if you’re not entirely sure of using an eraser sponge on any surface, test a non-conspicuous area first. If you still have questions or concerns, feel free to contact us at customerservice@spongeoutlet.com.

 

Tips For Cleaning Your Bathroom with Eraser Sponges

Woman cleaning bathroom with eraser products

Cleaning the bathroom can be quite the chore and one that might have to be done weekly, depending on how many people live in your home. With all the nooks and crannies, tile grout, and scuff marks, it can be a real pain to clean every area. Fortunately, many of the areas can be cleaned without chemicals using an eraser sponge.

Before you start cleaning

  • Wear latex or vinyl gloves. Wearing rubber gloves will protect your hands and keep the skin from becoming too dry, even if you are just cleaning with water and an eraser sponge. Plus, you will be less squeamish when it comes to tackling dirty and unpleasant areas.
  • De-clutter Counters and Tubs. Clear the bathroom of laundry, wet towels, toys, shampoo bottles and other items to expose all surfaces that require cleaning.

Begin with the tub and shower area.  If you have a separate shower stall, grab your eraser sponge and wet it with water.  Gently scrub tile walls to remove any soap scum, soap residue or water stains. Clean the shower floor last so that you are not walking over it as you clean the rest of the shower area. Run the shower at the very end to rinse away any remaining dirt or debris.

If you have a tub with a shower, clean the wall tiles first with the eraser sponge, then the tub basin and finish using the shower sprayer to rinse the area thoroughly.

Sink and counters. Work top to bottom, left to right, to remove any soap scum, dirt, water stains and leftover tooth paste from the sink and counters. Run the faucet to rinse clean.

Toilet. You may want to use a new eraser sponge on the toilet to prevent any cross contamination issues. Use a sponge on the porcelain part of the toilet, tank, handle, seat and lid. Don’t forget to get behind the seat as well. Dispose of the sponge after use.

Some blogs and social media posts wrongly suggest dropping an eraser sponge into the toilet and letting it sit. Since most eraser sponges do not contain additional cleaning agents, this will not accomplish anything other than having to fish out a wet sponge from the toilet bowl. The cleaning power is the gentle scrubbing used to remove,  dust, grime, soap scum, hard water stains, mold and scuff marks.

Clean the floors last

Use one of our eraser sponge mop heads  to clean dirty grout tile lines on floor tiles. The replacement mop head attach to the head of a mop handle (sold separately) via Velcro. Wet the sponge first or use a spray bottle to wet the floor area before using the sponge to scrub back and forth. Rinse your sponge in a bucket and squeeze out dirty water to get a clean, reusable mop head sponge. Let it air dry and reuse again and again.

You no longer need to stress over cleaning your bathroom. Bulk eraser sponges ordered from Sponge Outlet allow you to have enough sponges on hand to clean the different areas of your bathroom without going broke. Choose from the original Instant Erase eraser sponge sold in packs of 10, 50, 210, 300 and 510. Or try the compressed extra strong eraser sponges with soap. Place your order online, today!

How to Clean a Bike

cyclist riding bicycle - How to Clean a Bike

During the summer, your bike accumulates dirt and grime after long rides and many uses. Dirt, dust and grime can accumulate on your bike, affecting its performance and causing parts to wear out quicker. That’s why it’s important to keep your bicycle clean.

Don’t use a Hose to Clean Your Bike – Here’s Why

SpongeOutlet.com products recommended for cleaning a bike - a no-scratch scrub sponge to remove dirt and grease and a microfiber cleaning cloth to dry all parts.
SpongeOutlet.com products recommended for cleaning a bike – a no-scratch scrub sponge to remove dirt and grease and a microfiber cleaning cloth to dry all parts.
  • A good scrub will remove all the dirt and grime that accumulates on the bike frame. However, you do not want to blast your bike with a garden hose, which can push dirt and water into the bearings, making them age faster or possibly seize up. Instead, use a bucket of water, mild cleaning agent and a non-scratch sponge to clean your bike. A sponge like our Instant Erase Super Star Scrubby, Monster Scrubby- Scratch-Free Sponge, or Duo Cleaning Sponge, would be ideal for cleaning a bike frame.  The non-scratch sponges will not harm the paint, yet will be tough enough to remove caked on mud, scuff marks and other dirt.
  • Immerse the sponge in water and then squeeze the water out over the bike to wet it before using the sponge and soap to clean.
  • For cleaning the gears, use a specialty gears brush, which can reach between the cogs. You may need to remove the bike chain from the chain ring or chain wheel in order to get proper access to the gears.
  • Be sure to clean the bike chain as well. It’s recommended by specialty biking websites to use a degreaser on the bike chain to remove dirt build-up. A gadget called a chain scrubber can be purchased to make it easier to clean the bicycle chain without removing the chain from the bike.
  • Rinse your bike by squeezing clean water over the bike frame to remove the soap and dislodged dirt.
  • Dry your bike using a microfiber towel to prevent rusting. Re-lube the drive chain by manually back peddling the chain while you spray or apply the lube to the chain. Don’t forget the pivot points on the front and rear derailleurs.
  • You can also apply polish to the bike frame to repel dirt and to keep it cleaner longer.

It’s important to clean your bike whenever it’s dirty and especially before you store it away at the end of summer or fall. If you’re looking to keep your bike, motorcycle, or other vehicle clean this summer, shop Sponge Outlet today for all the cleaning supplies you need.

The Importance of Proper Cleaning for Hotels

Cleaning staff for hotels

Hotels need to be in good, clean condition in order for people to desire to stay at them. All hotels have cleaning staffs, but not all have the proper cleaning supplies to ensure quality and cleanliness year-round. At Sponge Outlet, we can provide your hotel staff with the proper cleaning supplies to ensure quality, cleanliness, and an environmentally friendly atmosphere for your guests.

How Can We Help?

Our cleaning products are non-toxic and only need water to get the work done. A hotel staff has a short amount of time and many rooms to clean. Our melamine eraser sponges are extremely efficient for hotel and motel cleaning crews. We can provide your staff with eraser sponges at wholesale, so you don’t have to worry about purchasing more cleaning sponges a week later. We also provide plenty of other cleaning products like dusting wands and monster scrubby sponges.

The Benefits of Proper Cleaning Supplies

When you invest in the proper cleaning supplies from Sponge Outlet, your hotel and motel cleaning staff will feel much better about the cleaning performance in the rooms. It will allow your staff to clean efficiently and properly.

  • Cost-Effective
  • Non-Toxic Cleaning supplies
  • Easier Cleaning Tasks
  • Higher-Quality Products w/o the brand names

Hotels need the best cleaning supplies for their staff. The world was hit with a bad pandemic in 2020, and it gave people a real scare. Everyone took a step back and looked at how hygiene, cleanliness, and sanitization habits were approached. Now, everyone is aware of the importance of cleanliness to curb all bacteria, diseases, and viruses that can affect people on a daily basis.

If you’re looking to take the next step in cleanliness at your hotel or motel, invest in the right cleaning supplies, sponges, and other products with us. Contact Sponge Outlet at 877-776-6430 today or visit us online for more information!

 

 

Spot Clean Your Boat This Summer with These Tips

Change the Way You Clean and Wax Your Boat with These Tips

Keep your boat free of blemishes between deep cleanings with the help of an eraser sponge and shammy cloth.

Remove Dirt, Grime, Water Scum with an Eraser Sponge

Use the Super S Detail Melamine Foam Eraser Sponge to remove dirt, grease and grime from vinyl seats and plastic consoles, remove waterline scum from the hull, and remove squashed bugs from windows and glass.  It’s ideal for almost all surfaces of your boat, jet skit or personal water craft. It cleans using only water, so it’s great for quick spot cleaning and touch ups.

The Super S is a high-quality cleaning sponge that is made from the same raw material as the Mr. Clean® Magic Eraser®. The difference between the two products is in the details. The Super S Eraser Sponge is much larger than your average melamine sponge, allowing you to cover more surface area of your boat in less time. Plus, its polyurethane middle allows you to use both surfaces of the sponge.

Before using this sponge, or any cleaning product, on your yacht or boat, always test the product on a small area of the surface you plan to clean. Check for any dulling or damage before applying it to the entire surface.

Soak Up Excess Water with a Shammy

Keep your boat safe and dry with a super-absorbent shammy towel. Use a large or small shammy 3 pack to soak up excess water or to dry your boat after washing.

These two cleaning products, will help you enjoy that brand new boat look for years to come.

For more information on any product Sponge Outlet sells, please contact us today at 877-776-6430 or visit us online for more information!