Cleaning Tips Archives

Cleaning Your Microwave with an Eraser Sponge

Cleaning out your microwave is never a fun job to do, but sometimes we forget to put that paper towel over the food we are re-heating and the result is some splatter on the walls of the microwave. We even sometimes put off cleaning it up because we say we’ll clean it the next day. But in reality, this usually gets put off for a week or two, and it becomes the dirtiest place in the kitchen. No one wants to heat up food in the microwave if it’s dirty.

A Dirty Microwave Can Cause Health Issues

We should be cleaning our microwave after each time we use it but most of us don’t. Sponge Outlet’s eraser sponges are the perfect tool to use to clean out a dirty microwave. Using our eraser sponge, scrub out any food splatters from walls, rotating tray, and door. This will help get all of the tough spots cleared out first. Some food may be hard to remove but the eraser sponge can handle tough grit, grime, and dirt.

After, Steam Clean the Microwave

Using a microwave-safe bowl, vinegar, water, and a sponge, you can get your microwave looking brand new. Pour an equal amount of water and vinegar into a bowl, usually half a cup of each works well.

Put a toothpick into the solution before you start. You’ll notice that bubbles form on the toothpick allowing it to boil without exploding.

Leave the bowl in your microwave for about 5 to 10 minutes depending on how dirty it is. When the minutes are over, let the microwave stand with the door closed for several minutes allowing steam to penetrate the microwave.

Be sure to have oven mitts on hand in order to take the bowl out which will be extremely hot.

After you remove the bowl, stick the eraser sponge into the bowl when the solution is still hot and scrub the rest of your microwave.

Make sure you wipe down corners, windows, walls, and the outside of the microwave as well.

Our eraser sponges are also disposable so once it cools down, it can be thrown out. Visit Sponge Outlet or call 877-776-6430 to find out about more of our cleaning products!

Posted on June 7, 2019 by spongeoutlet

Prep your Boat for This Summer Season

Man cleaning yacht with Sponge Outlet products

Summer is finally approaching after your boat spent all winter in storage waiting for sun and warm weather to appear. It’s time to get your boat back on the water, and there are some things that need to be done before you take it out for the start of the season.

Do a Maintenance Check

Before gathering the family and jumping in the boat for a fun-filled day on the water, you should conduct a simple checkup on your boat to ensure everything is working properly and the supplies are stocked. Here is a checklist:

Check the fuel and hoses for leaks or cracks
Check the cables and belts
Inspect electrical connections
Check the engine oil and coolant fluid
Stock with life jackets and first aid kit

These simple tasks can help you have a very enjoyable summer season on your boat. If you put these things off, your summer may be stressful and costly.

Make Sure to Clean

After inspecting the boat and making sure everything is in order, it’s time to clean the boat’s interior and exterior. To help remove musty odors and to preserve the value of your boat, you should really take the time and clean it. Grab your kids or grand kids and have them help you! It can be an easy and simple process if you use these products from Sponge Outlet.

The Super S Detail Sponge is perfect for big jobs such as cleaning your boat. Simply wet the sponge, squeeze out any excess water and gently rub the dirt, stain, scuff or even mold mark on your boat. Rinse, squeeze and store the sponge so you can reuse it many times.

Use our Large Shammy Cloth to clean up spills fast. The Shammy is both a sponge and a towel and can wash, dry and polish your boat without leaving any scratches. You’ll be able to throw this in the washing machine after and use this next year as well.

If you are planning on cleaning your boat before putting it in the water this summer, take a look at Sponge Outlet’s auto and boat cleaning products and get started today! Call us at 877-776-6430!

Posted on May 20, 2019 by spongeoutlet

Tackling Mold on Walls Once and For All

Mold is the last thing you want to find inside of your home. Mold can grow in plenty of conditions, so if your home is the right blend of warm and moist, you may be at-risk.

But not to worry. If you have mold, you can get rid of it by taking a few key preventative steps and removing it completely from the areas inside your home that are affected.

Read on to learn about ways to remove mold from walls so you can avoid replacing the interior of your home!

Step 1: Identify the mold

The first thing you’ll need to do when you suspect that there’s mold in your home is identify what kind of mold you’re dealing with. Some molds can be very detrimental to your health, while others are not so harmful, so it’s important to take the proper precautions.

Mold can grow anywhere, but you’ll most often find a version of it called mildew in your shower tile grout lines, other areas in damp bathrooms, and walls that had recently been wet due to a leak. To see if you’re dealing with mildew, test a small area by placing a few drops of bleach. If the bleach lightens up the dark spots, then you’re dealing with mildew. If it stays black, you probably have something else—like dirt!

Other molds, or mold in a high concentration, will give off a musty odor. If you can smell something funky, but can’t see what you’re dealing with, it might be a good idea to bring in a professional. Mold can be tricky to remove, even in the best of circumstances, and if you can’t see the mold, it’s probably burrowed in your walls.

Black mold is also something that you shouldn’t attempt to remove—let the professionals deal with it.

Step 2: Remove the mold

Once you’ve identified that you have an area of your home that needs to be cleaned and rid of mold, you’ll need to gather your supplies. Remove any furniture from the area that needs to be treated, and put on a pair of rubber gloves, goggles and a mask to protect yourself. You’ll also want to wear old clothing that you won’t mind bleaching or tossing when the task is done.

Home Guides says to mix 3 parts warm water to 1 part detergent in a spray bottle. Spray the solution on the moldy areas of the wall, and scrub with a towel. Keep in mind that wire brushes may damage your drywall. Once all areas have been washed, use a clean spray bottle to apply water and wipe the area dry.

Next, mix a solution of 1 part bleach to 2 parts water. Spray the mixture on the affected areas, and let it sit for 10 minutes. Then, rinse with the water-only spray bottle. Dry with a clean cloth or rag, and discard of any used towels or rags in a tightly sealed garbage bag.

If these steps don’t work, or you prefer to not use bleach in your home, you can try to remove the mold with a vinegar mixture.

Spray the mold with vinegar and let it sit for 1-2 hours. Afterwards, mix baking soda and water to form a paste, and use this paste to scrub the affected areas of your wall. Rinse with clean water when you’re finished.

Step 3: Repaint the mold areas

Unfortunately, removing mold can be a bit of a messy business, so chances are you’ll need to re-paint your walls once the mold has been taken care of. The bleach and the scrubbing won’t be kind to your paint job, so plan for a re-paint. If your walls are still dark and stained from the mold, ask your local hardware store about a primer that will cover up those stains.

Step 4: Prevent mold

Antimicrobial sprays can be used to prevent mold in your home. Or, you can pick up an anti-mildew paint from your hardware store.

In areas that are often subject to heat and humidity, consider installing a de-humidifier to pull excess moisture from the air and prevent mold growth. Keep everything as well-ventilated as possible.

Pick up your mold-removal supplies for your home right here at Sponge Outlet. Our microfiber cloths are great for wiping down walls and other affected areas, and our eraser sponges are great for treating tough stains caused my mildew. For more tips and tricks to keep your home clean, head to our blog! Need help placing an order? Call us at 877-776-6430.

Posted on September 6, 2018 by spongeoutlet

Seven Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Cleaning Company

We’ve all been a bit too busy, or tired, or interested in other things to worry about keeping the house clean. When you’re strapped for time, but you still appreciate a sparkling home, bringing in a professional cleaning company is a great way to maintain your sanity and clean the house.

But, you shouldn’t just choose the first cleaning company that you come across online. After all, the people you hire will be spending a lot of time inside your home, and you want to be sure you can trust them. Plus, you want to make sure you’re getting a good deal.

Read on for a few key questions to ask before hiring a cleaning company.

Do you have insurance?

The most important question to ask is whether the cleaning company is bonded and insured. They should carry liability insurance and bond, and have policies to follow for what to do if one of your items is broken or goes missing during a cleaning, according to Angie’s List.

You should also make sure that any potential company that you hire has workers’ compensation insurance and ask to see proof. If a worker is injured in your home, or even while driving on their way to your home, if your cleaning company isn’t properly insured, it could end up costing you.

Keep in mind that your homeowner’s insurance doesn’t typically cover short or long-term disability or workman’s comp from injuries sustained by workers in your home.

If the cleaning company balks at the question, move on. If they are happy to provide the paperwork, and don’t seem surprised that you asked, chances are they’re a reputable company and they have their insurance in order—but definitely look at the paperwork yourself.

How do you determine prices?

Chances are, this will vary from company to company. It’s important to understand how your cleaning company will set rates for your home before you sign on the dotted line. Ask for an estimate for how long it’ll take to have your home cleaned.

If you want to make sure to control costs, ask about capping the number of hours workers can be at your home. And, most companies will charge an hourly rate for the initial visit, and then a flat rate based on that visit after that.

Do you use your own cleaning supplies, or do you want me to supply them?

Another hot button issue when it comes to cleaning services is who provides the products. If you have very specific products that you want your cleaning company to use, then they should be able to make that allowance. But, it’s always nice when the cleaning company provides the products themselves. That way, the workers will be properly trained on how to use the products, and you won’t see any damage to your furniture if, for example, someone used the wrong cleaning agent.

Some cleaning companies may offer a few options in terms of which products you’d like them to use. If it’s important for you and your family, ask about non-toxic options.

How do you screen your staff?

Like we said in the intro, the staff at the cleaning company will be trusted with keys to your home, so you want to make sure the people who are working for the cleaning company are screened. Most companies will provide background checks if you ask, and some companies will also do drug screenings of their employees.

What services are included?

Some cleaning services include laundry, while others don’t – you may prefer to ask for deep cleans of windows, baseboards, and bathrooms from your cleaning service, and leave the daily tasks like dishes for yourself. Or, you can request that everything is cleaned. It all depends on your preference, and what the cleaning company offers.

What should I do with my pet?

Ask about what your cleaner is most comfortable with when it comes to your pet. If you won’t be home during the cleanings, introduce your dogs to your cleaner before they clean for the first time, that way your pup won’t be alarmed when your new cleaner lets himself in.

If your cleaner would prefer to clean the home without the dog around, make sure the pup is crated or staying with a friend during the clean.

Can I see references?

The last thing we recommend you asking is for references: most cleaning companies will have these handy and be happy to send them to you. Customer satisfaction is a great indication of a good service, so if the reviews look really good and honest, chances are you can trust the company.

Stock up on supplies like eraser sponges and microfiber cleaning cloths before your next in-home cleaning by visiting our online store. Click here for special offers and for more cleaning tips and tricks, visit our blog!

Posted on August 22, 2018 by spongeoutlet

How to Clean Your Kitchen Appliances Like a Pro

Cleaning your home probably isn’t your favorite way to spend the weekend, but it’s important to do a deep clean of your home’s main hang-out areas, like the kitchen, at least once a month. But, a simple wipe down of the countertops won’t do it. One place that tends to get over-looked during your weekly sweep and dust is your kitchen appliances. Can you remember the last time you gave your microwave a good wipe down inside and out?

SpongeOutlet.com is here with some tips for cleaning your kitchen appliances.

No matter what type of appliances you have, new, old or stainless steel, we’ll help you get them sparkling clean in no time!

Ice Maker

Whether you have the typical ice cube trays or a more sophisticated built-in version, your ice maker needs to be cleaned about once a month. When it doesn’t get proper care, it can foster an unsanitary environment, leading to germ growth and potential health risks.

If you have a fridge and freezer with an ice machine built into the freezer door, the manufacturer probably has a cleaning solution that can be used to safely clean the icemaker. If you no longer have your owner’s manual, check online for their recommendations.

To get started, unplug your fridge and transfer any sensitive items to your secondary refrigerator. Wipe down the ice drawers with mild soap and warm water, and thoroughly dry the area with a towel before you close the door.

If your freezer and ice maker has a filter, change or wash it. Then, de-clog any chutes that may have built up excess water by using a warm, damp cloth to melt the built-up ice.

Check the filter behind your fridge, and if it needs to be dusted, take care of that before you plug it back in and slide it back where it belongs.

Fridge & Freezer

While you’re working on your ice maker, don’t forget to clean your fridge and freezer. After time, food spills and crumbs on the shelves can cause odor, mold growth, and an unpleasant look. Remove everything from the fridge and freezer, and use a warm, damp cloth with a mild soap to remove any built-up food items. Some fridges and freezers may have removable doors that you can pop in your dishwasher.

Don’t overlook the vegetable drawers: those areas tend to get messy the fastest and may need a wipe-down once a week!

Blender & Mixer

If you use your blender regularly, you know that the blades can be tricky to clean, but it’s important to clean them thoroughly—otherwise, food particles will remain there and cause mold growth. You wouldn’t want that to end up in your next smoothie or milkshake!

If your blades are machine washable, give them a scrub with a small kitchen appliance brush, and pop them in the dishwasher. Make sure you check under the blades and under the center piece to make sure all the food from this morning’s protein shake is removed.

Coffeemaker

RealSimple.com says that your coffee maker is just as important to clean regularly as your favorite mug. Follow the instructions for cleaning and rebalancing in your owner’s manual. Start by removing and washing the filter and the carafe—if you have a reusable filter, avoid using soap but rinse the filter thoroughly.

Brew a pot of 2-3 cups water, with equal parts white vinegar to clean out the innards of the coffee maker. You may need to repeat this step a few times. Turn the machine off about halfway through the cycle to let it sit, and then turn it back on.

After your vinegar brew, brew 2 pots of regular water to remove any vinegar deposits. And, don’t forget to show the outside of the coffee maker some love with a good wipe down with soap and water.

Dishwasher

First, remove the racks and drawers from your dishwasher. Clean the interior with warm soapy water and a soft cloth. Run an empty cycle with the detergent cup full of vinegar or powdered lemonade mix to remove stains.

Microwave

To give your cruddy microwave a makeover, microwave a large bowl of water with slices of lemons until the water boils. Remove stains with a soft damp cloth and soapy water. Remove the tray and wash with hot water and dish soap or run it in your newly cleaned dishwasher.

Toaster

HouseLogic.com says to start by unplugging your toaster. Remove and wash the crumb catcher, making sure it’s completely dry before replacing it. Shake the machine upside down over the sink to dislodge loose crumbs.

Oven

Most ovens have a self-cleaning option: while that runs, remove the grates from the stovetop and stick them in the sink. Fill the sink with hot water and dish soap and let the grates soak to remove stubborn cooked on food. Replace drip plates that have seen better days, and clean everywhere: including under the top of the stove. You can use your vacuum cleaner to remove hard to reach crumbs.

Pick up all the supplies you need to give your kitchen appliances a deep clean at SpongeOutlet.com. Our eraser sponges can help you remove tough stains and stubborn baked-on gunk. For more cleaning tips, check out our blog often!

Posted on August 7, 2018 by spongeoutlet

Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Your Bike

Your bike is your loyal companion out on the road or trail. When you return from a long day of pedaling, chances are you’ll toss your favorite bike shorts and windbreaker in the washing machine—but when’s the last time you washed your bike?

If your bike is looking a little worse for wear these days, but you’re not sure where to get started to make it look like new again, you’re in luck: SpongeOutlet is here today with a step-by-step guide to cleaning your bike. Read on, pick up the supplies you need, get started, and then get back to the trails!

Plus, cleaning your bike regularly will maintain its paint job and keep it looking as good as the first day you rode it out of the bike shop. If you don’t clean your bike regularly, the dirt and grime build up can start to impact some of its mechanical integrity.

Gather Your Cleaning Supplies

You’ll need a few things to properly clean your bike, so the first thing you should do is gather your supplies. Grab two buckets, bottle brushes if you have them, a soft microfiber cloth, regular sponges, eraser sponges, a garden hose, degreaser for the chain, and dish soap.

Depending on the type of bike you have, there may be specific cleaning instructions, so make sure you check the internet before you dive in with your scrub brush. If your bike company or brand recommends a certain type of soap, it’s probably a good idea to pick up a bottle. Your bike is made to last through tough conditions, but it’s important to make sure you’re doing everything you can to maintain its paint.

Step One: Clean Your Bike Wheels

The first thing you want to do is fill your buckets with dish soap and water and remove the wheels from your bike. Use a soft, plastic brush to gently remove grease and grime from your wheels. Don’t forget the valve, spokes and hub, and flip the wheel over when you finish one side.

One of the buckets will be the grimy bucket, and the other will be the finishing bucket. Use the cloth or sponge in the grimy bucket to do your first round of washing—give everything a good wipe down.

Once you give everything a good scrub, hose down the wheels. Then, swap to the finishing bucket, and re-scrub everything. This will ensure you loosen all of the fine dirt that might be stuck in your wheels’ nooks and crannies.

Once you’re done with the wheels, check the tires for air and set them aside to dry.

Step Two: Clean Your Bike Chain

Use a degreaser, and apply it to each of the links: Bicycling.com says turning the cranks backwards can make it easier to reach each and every link. If your chain is still a greasy mess after you use your degreaser, you can apply a little dish soap and run your eraser sponge around the chain.

A little grease left over is OK, as long as you remove the major build up. Rinse the chain, repeat if necessary, and move on to step three.

Step Three: Clean Your Bike Frame

Next up is the frame: use a soft sponge or microfiber cloth and start at the top and work your way down. Start by wetting the frame with a garden hose, and then using your cloth to scrub it. Tough spots can be tackled with eraser sponges, just be careful not to damage the paint with too much harsh scrubbing.

Rinse, repeat, and then buff with a dry microfiber cloth to make sure all areas of the frame have dried to a sparkling finish. Buffing your bike after you clean it with a microfiber cloth can actually prevent dirt from sticking to it while you’re out on your next ride!

Step Four: Clean the Smaller Parts of Your Bike

Use a toothbrush to get the grime and grease out of any hard-to-reach areas on your bike, and don’t forget to dry and buff those areas really well when you finish up. And, remember to wash things like handlebars, cup holders, and pedals. Some of these pieces may be easy to remove, so if you’re going for a deep clean, snap off the pieces and clean them before reattaching them to the bike.

Just like any pastime, riding a bike can be fun, relaxing and rewarding, but it’s important to take care of your equipment. After all, you spent a good deal of money on it! So, remember to regularly wash your bike, and if you’re not up for a weekly deep clean, a wipe down with a microfiber cloth and some soapy water after a ride in between deep cleans will do the trick.

For more tips on cleaning items around your car, office and home, check out our blog. Contact SpongeOutlet today if you have any questions about our products or how you can use them to keep your life sparkling clean!

Posted on July 24, 2018 by spongeoutlet

How to Clean Your Outdoor Furniture This Summer

Finally, we’re able to enjoy some good weather! The sun is shining, it’s warm and comfortable, but your outdoor furniture is covered in pollen and dirt from last year…

Well, not to worry, SpongeOutlet is here today with some tips on how to clean your outdoor furniture this summer.

Whether you just broke your outdoor furniture out of the garage, or you’re finding that it needs a good wipe down after it’s been out on the back deck for a couple weeks, we have the info you need.

Dirt & Dust Build Up

Outdoor furniture is prone to dirt and dust build up, so it’s important that you properly store it when you’re putting it away for the winter. If you can, wrap it in an old sheet or cloths to keep the dirt at bay, and keep it in a dry spot in your garage or shed.

When you first take your furniture out of storage, even if it was covered, you’ll need to give it a good wipe down before it’s safe to sit on. The first thing you should do is attack the furniture pieces with a bucket of soapy water, and a microfiber cloth or paper towels. This will remove all the fine dirt and dust that built up on the chairs during the winter months.

Don’t skip this step, even if your chairs were stored in a clean space, dust is everywhere! And you don’t want it to transfer to your guests’ clothing once they sit on your furniture.

Make sure you choose the proper soap for your furniture. If your furniture is wicker or wood, you’ll need to use an oil-based soap to remove any dust and grime from the surface. Metal frames can be cleaned with mild dish soap.

Don’t forget to give everything a good rinse, and let it dry completely before you use the furniture.

And, if your furniture is hard wood, you may want to sand the surface and apply a fresh coat of paint each year before use.

Tough Stains

For areas that have become rusty or stained from last summer’s use, that you can’t clean easily with a cloth and soapy water, take an eraser sponge to the area. Eraser sponges will remove any tough stains from the surface of your furniture but be careful in areas where the paint is chipping—you want to avoid causing further damage to the paint.

Cushions

If your outdoor furniture has cushions attached, you should follow the cleaning instructions on the pillow tags. If they are machine washable, toss the covers in the wash and make sure they are completely air or tumbled dry before you use them. If your cushions aren’t machine washable, you can probably still clean the surfaces of them with a damp cloth to remove any dirt or dust.

Maintenance

On a weekly basis, hose down your furniture to remove debris like leaves and bugs that could damage the integrity of the rust-resistant paint on the surface of the furniture. Make sure that you take the cushions inside whenever you can if it’s going to rain: prolonged exposure to rain without ever becoming fully dry will cause mold to grow inside and on your cushions.

About halfway through the summer, or once a month, give your furniture another wipe-down with a cloth and soapy water, to make sure that you’re removing any dust and dirt that’s stuck to the surfaces. And, if there are any stains, use an eraser sponge to get rid of them right away.

If you have a big party and your furniture is used heavily over the course of an evening, it’s a good idea to hose everything down to remove food and alcohol particles that could cause problems down the line.

And, if you know there’s going to be a big summer storm, bring your furniture inside or tie it to your deck to avoid it being thrown around in the wind and damaged, or damaging something else, like your house!

Proper Storage

At the end of the summer, repeat the deep clean that you performed at the beginning of the season to remove dirt and grime, and store your furniture in a place where it will stay dry and not too cold, if possible. Wrap your furniture with old sheets or cloths, and keep any fabric or pillows sealed in a storage bin.

If you follow these simple (and frequent) cleaning tips, your furniture will last you for many summers to come. In the meantime, get outside and enjoy the beautiful weather!

For more information on Sponge Outlet products, or for more cleaning tips for around the house, head to our blog often! Questions? Call us at 877-776-6430.

Posted on July 3, 2018 by spongeoutlet

Must-Know Dusting Advice

Is dusting just about your favorite pastime? Yeah, we didn’t think so. Here at SpongeOutlet, we’re not crazy about it either, but our years of perfecting cleaning methods and products have taught us a thing or two about the right way to clean your home. And, while you may think dusting is as simple as wiping your furniture with a microfiber cloth, we’re here to tell you that you’re skipping a few steps.

Read on to learn about how to dust the most effective way, in our must-know dusting lesson.

Must-Know Dusting Advice: Make a Plan

Start out by making a plan, or map of what you’ll need to dust: if you prefer lists, that works too. The reason we suggest making a plan is that dust is everywhere, and many people skip very dusty spots simply because they get distracted by other dusty spots when they get started.

A good rule of thumb is to dust one room at a time, and don’t just think about the surface: your bathroom, for example, may need to have its walls dusted. Moist air from your shower can cause dust to stick to the walls and baseboards with a little more sticking power than in other rooms.

Start at the top and work your way down. If you have a ceiling fan, dust that first. If you have crown molding, dust that second. Then, tackle the walls, then the furniture, and finally give the floors a good sweep. Dusting your room will upset the layers of dust on your floors and furniture, so starting up high ensures that you’re not leaving any misplaced dust behind. A strong finish with a vacuum cleaner is the best.

Must-Know Dusting Advice: Remove Everything

The first thing to do when dusting a room is to remove all of the items on the surfaces of your tables. You’ll be able to easily dust all surfaces and hard to reach areas, but remember: before you bring your stuff back into the room, make sure you give it a thorough dusting. It would be a shame to spend an hour dusting, only to re-deposit a pile of dust on your perfectly clean tabletops!

Must-Know Dusting Advice: Choose your Tools

We already mentioned a vacuum cleaner: utilize the extension tools that came with it, and don’t forget to change the settings for when you switch from carpet to hardwood. It might seem silly, but it actually makes a difference in how much stuff you pick up.

Microfiber dusting wands are a great alternative to chemical dust sprays, but those can be effective if used properly, especially on that expensive antique furniture in your living room.

Pro tip: if you’re not sure how best to clean a particular item of furniture, ask your local hardware store or furniture store for advice. There are different rules for different woods, as well as laminate surfaces.

For dust that’s a bit out of hand, use a damp microfiber cloth, like the ones available from SpongeOutlet.

Must-Know Dusting Advice: Get Preventative

According to HGTV, one of the best ways to “dust” your home is to prevent the dust from accumulating in the first place. You can do this by investing in new air filters for your air conditioner and heating systems.

If you’re really anti-dust, you can get rid of your carpeting and opt instead for washable throw rugs. Carpet tends to trap dust, and even when it’s been properly vacuumed, it often has a bit left behind.

Decluttering your surfaces is another great way to make dusting easier: without all of those pesky nooks and crannies to tend to, dusting will be easier and more efficient, costing you less time on your weekly chore list.

Must-Know Dusting Advice: Dry to Wet

If you have hardwood or tile floors, you may be inclined to mop them regularly, but it’s important to dust them first. Use a dry mop or broom to sweep away any dust that’s on your floors, because once you turn on the water, the dust will clump and become more difficult to remove.

So, a good rule of thumb: always start with a dry mop, and then switch to a wet one. The same applies when you’re dusting vanities or sinks in your kitchen and bathroom.

Must-Know Dusting Advice: Frequent Repeats

Now that you have a plan of action, the key to keeping a dust free home is to dust it frequently. You don’t have to make it an everyday chore, but at least once a week is a good rule of thumb. For households with a lot of pets and people, you may need to double or triple up.

For more cleaning tips, check out our blog, and learn about all of our products here. Happy dusting!

Posted on June 21, 2018 by spongeoutlet

Moving Into a New House? Here’s How to Clean It

Finally moving into your new home is so exciting: you get to rearrange all of your furniture, buy some new pieces, and decorate the space exactly how you pictured it in your head. But before you can get to all of the fun parts of moving, there are a few things you need to take care of first, including cleaning your new house from top to bottom.

Whether your home is a new construction, or you’re moving in after the previous owners vacated, it’s a good idea to do a deep clean before you move in any of your belongings. That way, you won’t have to worry about certain difficult cleaning tasks, like shampooing the carpet, once your furniture is all moved in.

If you’re not sure where to start, not to worry: SpongeOutlet is here today with some tips for cleaning your new home.

Read on for our cleaning guide, and get that new home cleaned out before the move-in date.

Sanitize the Bathrooms

The bathrooms are a great place to start. Even if they appear to be clean enough, your bathrooms can benefit from another deep clean and disinfect. Start with the toilet: replace the seat and cover if the old one is looking a little worse for wear—it’s a super inexpensive way to freshen the bathroom.

Angie’s List says don’t forget areas like underneath the sink, in the cabinets and drawers, and behind the toilet. These hard-to-reach areas may go uncleaned for a while once you move in your toiletries, so take advantage of the empty storage areas, and clean them now.

As for the shower and tub, use a grout and tile cleaner, but keep in mind that replacing the grout is an easy job that you can probably do yourself with a bit of help from your local hardware store.

Disinfect the Kitchen

Sure, wipe down the countertops, but more importantly: clean the appliances. Remove all of the stove grates and knobs, take the shelving out of the refrigerator, and set the oven to “self-clean.” Kitchens are notorious for built-up grime, so take a look at the vent hood, and replace or clean the filter. Wipe down the walls around the stove, and make sure there’s no grease or grime stuck anywhere.

Don’t forget the dishwasher: you can search the model you have online to see the best ways to clean it, but many dishwashers will have a clean setting—just pop in some dishwasher cleaning soap.

The insides of the cabinets, including the back of the doors, will need a good wipe down. Don’t forget the knobs: they collect grease from our hands and may need some special attention.

Clean the Bedrooms

The bedrooms are a little simpler: if there are built in cabinets, give everything a dust and then a wipe down. Go over the baseboards with wood cleaner, and make sure that the shelving in the closet is clean and shiny.

As for the floor, mop if it’s hardwood or laminate, and hire a carpet cleaning service if it’s carpet. If it seems relatively clean to you, you could wash the carpet yourself; just remember that the previous owners probably didn’t shampoo before they moved out, so if they had pets or kids, it’s probably a good idea to bring in the professionals.

Check out the light fixtures next: remove the covers and dust the fixtures and the bulbs. If you have ceiling fans, make sure to give them a good dusting before you turn them on, or else they’ll scatter dust throughout the room!

Clean the Living Spaces

Living areas should be treated similarly to the bedrooms, with an emphasis on that carpet cleaning step, especially for high-traffic areas. Clean the walls, and make sure there are no fingerprints left over from toddlers, or marks on busy corners.

You can buff those out by using an eraser sponge, without damaging the paint. You may even want to dust the walls (but make sure to do this before shampooing the carpet!) with a microfiber cloth. If you have tile, Moving.com suggests renting a steam cleaner.

Take a Look Outside

Don’t neglect areas like sheds and garages: truth is, if you don’t clean those out, you could be looking at an annoying pest problem down the line. Make sure to sweep the floors, de-clutter the rooms, and re-seal or caulk any holes that mice may be able to burrow into. Trust us, it’s much more annoying to deal with a squirrel living in your garage than to sweep and seal the space before moving in.

If there are washing sinks or laundry machines in these spaces, clean those two: search for your washing machine and dryer models online to find out the best way to clean them, and don’t forget to pull them out from the wall and dust behind!

Moving into a new home can be overwhelming at times, but if you get the heavy lifting cleaning out of the way before move-in day, you can focus on unpacking and getting settled in. For more tips on how to clean your home the best way, check out SpongeOutlet’s blog.

When you’re ready to deep clean, pick up all of the cleaning supplies you’ll need from SpongeOutlet!

Posted on June 1, 2018 by spongeoutlet

What to Clean Before Brining Your New Baby Home

There’s no doubt about it, preparing your home for a new baby is a huge feat. You need to stock up on supplies, baby-proof areas like sockets and sharp corners, paint the nursery and that’s not even counting the ways you’ll need to mentally prepare!

One thing that new-moms-to-be are liable to forget about in the stress and excitement of having a new baby is cleaning the home. Bringing a new baby into your house is a great reason to do a little spring cleaning, no matter what time of year it is. You don’t want built up dust and grime bothering your newborn; plus, you’ll probably have a ton of visitors in the next few months, and visitors usually bring their germs with them.

If you’re not sure where to start when it’s time to start cleaning your home in preparation for baby, here’s a list for you and your partner to tackle together.

Clean the Crib & Changing Table Before Baby Arrives

Even if you just purchased your baby’s bedroom furniture, it will need to be cleaned before the baby comes home. The warehouse or shop where the furniture was built or sold probably was not the most sanitary space, so make sure to disinfect all surfaces.

If your items are hand-me-downs, use an eraser sponge to remove stickers, crayon marks, and other general wear and tear that may show on the furniture.

Clean the Nursery Curtains Before Bringing Baby home

If your nursery has curtains hung on the windows, take them down and wash them before baby arrives. Curtains are notorious for holding dust build-up, so if you’re making some cosmetic updates to the room, go with blinds instead. They’re easier to clean, and won’t hold as much dust.

Clean the Car Before Taking Your Baby Home

Head to the garage for your next cleaning task: Give your car a good cleaning on the interior before you drive baby home from the hospital. Build up on the door handles and steering wheel can transfer from your hands onto your newborn, and since they hardly have an immune system yet, you don’t want to risk them getting sick!

Use our microfiber cloths and disinfectant spray on all parts of the car’s interior (and exterior, like door handles) that you touch on a regular drive. And, while you’re at it, make sure baby’s car seat handles are disinfected, and if you can remove the padding for baby’s seat, toss it in the wash.

Clean the Carpets Before Bringing Baby Home

Carpeting is another notorious item for storing dust and mildew. Check out a non-toxic cleaning service. It may not smell as lemon-y fresh, but it’ll clean your carpets without leaving behind chemicals that can be harmful to your baby.

Clean the Kitchen Before Bringing Your Baby Home

Baby food prep, whether you’re breastfeeding or not, will most likely happen in the kitchen—those bottles of breastmilk won’t warm themselves up, after all. Make sure you do a deep clean of your kitchen, including all surfaces, the sink, and the inside of your appliances, including the fridge and the microwave. Anything that you do in the kitchen (like marinating cubes of raw chicken) could come in contact with a baby food item or your formula. Take precautions once baby arrives, but a deep-clean prior to that day will make you worry less.

Clean all Linens Before Baby Arrives

Don’t just open a fresh set of sheets for the crib and throw them on: make sure to machine wash them with soap that’s safe for baby. You should do the same for your bedding, too, including your comforter and any throw pillows that you have hanging around. Chances are, you and baby will be spending quite a bit of time napping in your bed, so cleaning the crib is only half the battle.

Preparing to bring home baby doesn’t have to be a scary process. If you make a list of all the items you need to clean prior to leaving for the hospital, then you and your partner can cross everything off in a couple of days.

Once baby arrives, don’t forget to work these disinfecting practices into your regular cleaning routine: wiping down surfaces with disinfecting wipes will keep your baby from being exposed to potentially germs! And tools like microfiber clothes and eraser sponges can help make your cleaning routine easier to deal with.

For more information on how to stay clean after baby comes home, click here to read our post about how eraser sponges will make cleaning a breeze for any mom.

Posted on May 1, 2018November 8, 2022 by spongeoutlet

Upload Your Profile