With the cost of everything rising it’s important to find ways to save money within your business. Whether you are a manager at a hotel, resort, facility party equipment rental business or own a commercial or residential cleaning company, here are some ways to save on your cleaning supplies.
Shop Around for Bulk Cleaning Supplies
See if other suppliers can sell it to you for less. Make sure you are still getting the same quality of product when comparing pricing and products. Some suppliers (like us!) will supply you with free samples before you buy, so you can check out the quality.
With the warm summer months quickly approaching, now is the perfect time to experiment with different ways of planting, specifically planting seeds in a sponge. Although this may not be the most practical method of growing a large number of seeds, it works well for planting a few flower seeds or fast-growing seeds. Planting seeds in a sponge is also a great hands-on learning opportunity for young gardeners because they can learn how plants grow with only water, air and sunlight.
To take part in this fun hands-on opportunity, you’ll need the following materials:
Sponge
Seed packet (Try choosing fast growing seeds such as chia, grass or broccoli seeds)
Water mister
Shallow plate
Marker
Scissors
After you have gathered the materials, follow these simple instructions:
Take your sponge and trace a shape on it with your marker.
Cut your shape from the sponge. (It might be easier to cut through the sponge if it’s wet.)
Next, soak the sponge again and make sure it’s damp but not dripping wet. Put the sponge on your plate and scatter the seeds you chose across the top of the sponge and gently poke them into the holes of the sponge.
Mist the sponge often to keep it moist and make sure the seeds don’t dry out. To help keep the moisture in, try putting a clear plastic container over the plate at night.
That’s it! Just remember to mist it often and enjoy your new growing sprout garden from the comfort of your home. If you do this experiment with children, they will love watching the sprouts grow and will probably be amazed that seeds can grow without soil.
Spongeoutlet has a variety of sponges available at great prices for all of your cleaning and crafting needs. Take a look at our products and give us a call today at 877-776-6430.
Let’s face it. Life is full of little messes and you need the proper tools for cleaning them up. But with so many cleaning products to choose from, how do you know which will work best for your particular situation?
We’ve highlighted a few of our best-selling products below to help you narrow it down.
Microfiber Cloths- Gentle and Versatile
Made from synthetic materials, microfiber cloths can be used for many different applications including cleaning smooth and delicate surfaces. They are tough enough to soak up dirt and oil yet they are soft enough that they can be used forcefully without creating scratches.
When you aren’t using them for dirty messes, microfiber cloths are great for dusting because they naturally attract dust with their electrostatic properties. They can also do great things for stainless steel surfaces, windows, antiques, and other sensitive surfaces. They are also great for polishing mirrored or reflective surface and can really make them shine.
To remove and capture dust, try slightly dampening them with water before dusting to make sure that dust is collected by the cloth and not just disturbed on the surface or moved into the air.
According to experts, microfiber towels should not be washed with other items of your laundry in order to avoid cross-contamination with dirt, dust and leftover cleaning agents. Also, these cloths are highly sensitive and easily attract lint and stick to other cotton fabric items. Washing the towels only with other microfiber towels should prevent them from gathering lint and sticking to other laundry items. Do not use bleach, fabric softeners, detergents with added fabric softeners, or highly-fragrant detergents to clean your microfiber towels because it will cause the cloths to be less effective at cleaning. Air dry or tumble dry on a low or no-heat setting to prevent the looped fabric from becoming damaged from heat. Do not use dryer sheets when drying your microfiber towels as the sheets can coat the fabric with fabric softener and make the towels less effective at cleaning.
Eraser Sponges – A Cleaning Product with So Many Uses
If you think that all sponges are the same, then you have never used the miraculous eraser sponge. This water-activated tool works on a variety of surfaces and can clean just about every form of filth. With just a bit of water, it can clean walls, floors, and other surfaces. Crayons, pencil marks, dirt, grime, and scuff marks are no match for the eraser sponge; it’s like magic!
The Instant Erase sponge is also available in an extra strength melamine eraser sponge which makes quick work of the harshest grease, grime and baked-on stains. The extra strength eraser sponge is compressed to give it lasting cleaning. It also has a textured surface to help it clean grout lines on tile or remove tough stains.
To clean an eraser sponge, just rinse the sponge under water to remove dirt. Sometimes you have small and very dirty jobs, like removing mud from the soles of a sneaker. For small dirty jobs like this, you can cut the sponge into a smaller piece, do your cleaning and then dispose of the dirty sponge afterwards. This also helps stretch your supply of sponges and the new shape might help it reach into corners and small areas.
Scrubby Sponges For Tough Jobs
Our scrubby sponges can do wonders for everyday general cleaning, from simple to tough. This sponge works great with typical spills including those on bathroom surfaces, countertops, and more. The coarse, hard scrub surface can also help clean tough dishes or grease soiled kitchen surfaces.
Some of our scrubby sponges have both a cellulose side and abrasive side so they can handle just about any cleaning needs.
After many cleanings, sponges can sometimes smell. To prevent this, make sure you rinse them after use and allow them to dry out. You can also toss your sponge into the top rack of your dishwasher for easy cleaning .
Cleaning Product Tips
Before using any cleaning product, it’s always wise to test the product on an inconspicuous spot on the surface you plan to clean. Do this first before using the cleaning product on the entire surface. Look for scratches or dulling of the surface before you continue to clean.
You do not always need to deeply clean your cleaning tools between uses, but a quick rinse and thorough dry will help extend their lifespan and keep them working effectively. For example, you do not always need to wash your microfiber towels in the washer after each use. In between washings shake out your microfiber towel over or inside a trash bag to catch any loose dirt or dust and rinse under water to remove any remaining dirt. Allow the towels to air dry and they are good for another round of cleaning.
If you store your cleaning supplies together, colors can sometimes help you remember which towels are used on what surfaces. You would not want to use the same sponge to clean your kitchen that you use to clean your bathroom, for example. By color-coding your cleaning supplies, this help prevent any cross contamination.
Spongeoutlet is the leading online distributor of bulk melamine eraser sponges, microfiber towels, dusters, mops, and other essential cleaning supplies.
No matter how big your home may be, there’s always going to be a ton to clean, even if you don’t clean it all. Most homeowners are guilty of doing the bare minimum when it comes to cleaning the house: vacuuming, sweeping, mopping, wiping down surfaces and dusting. That’s great and all, but there are plenty more places to sanitize that you might not even realize.
We all clean what’s dirty on the surface of appliances, fixtures, furniture and floors, but we most often forget to clean what’s on the inside of these household belongings. Here are just a few of the most common places that homeowners forget to clean.
Toasters
Do yourself a favor and turn your toaster upside down. The amount of crumbs that will likely fall out if it can be surprising. Crumbs can be a fire hazard if they’re not cleaned out regularly, so be sure to make this simple task a part of your regular cleaning routine.
Dishwashers
A dishwasher literally washes things inside of it, so the inside must to be sparkling clean…right? Nope! It’s recommended that you regularly run your dishwasher with cider, and another cycle with baking soda, to clean built-up soap residue and dirty water away. Learn more from Today.
Laundry Baskets
Are you guilty of leaving your damp bath towels and wash cloths in a laundry basket for days or weeks on end? This can cause a great deal of bacteria and even mold to grow overtime. If you use the same dirty laundry basket to carry your fresh, clean towels in, it’s best to disinfect it regularly.
Shower Curtain Rods
Overtime, your shower curtain rod could grow mold, making your shower an unsafe haven. It can also show signs of rust or soap buildup. All it takes is a quick wipe down after your shower to ensure mold and other dirty elements stay far, far away.
This quick list is just a starting point for you in your weekly cleaning ventures. There are many other spots to tackle, including the ones listed below:
Ceiling fans
Light switches and door knobs
Top of the fridge
Underneath appliances
Laundry machine
Pillows
Makeup Brushes
If we suddenly got you in a cleaning mood, browse our selection of quality cleaning supplies to take your experience up a notch. SpongeOutlet has everything you need to clean your usual places, as well as those you may have forgotten about!
Stand up from your desk, take a step out the door of your office and take a look around.
If you had to guess, what surfaces would you name the dirtiest in your workplace?
According to Heath Central, it isn’t the bathroom that harbors the most germs; instead, it is the kitchen and break room.
And with the following places ranked as some of the dirtiest in the office, you are probably wondering what you can do to create a healthier, more positive workplace for your entire team.
Break Room Faucet Handles
Microwave Door Handles
Refrigerator Door Handles
Water Fountain Buttons
Vending Machine Buttons
Stock Up Your Supplies
For starters, we recommend stocking up on your core cleaning supplies.
Keep a cupboard or shelf stocked with everything you need to wipe down counters, faucets, handles and other surfaces to ensure that you have everything you need for quick and efficient daily cleanings.
Make a Cleaning Schedule
If your company does not employ a professional cleaning company to visit on a nightly basis, you may also want to make a cleaning schedule.
Take time out of your morning to wipe down the above surfaces every day or have the duties rotate between staff members.
The tactic is especially helpful for small businesses who are already handling all their own cleaning needs.
Replace Your Sponges Frequently
As you are cleaning your kitchen and break room, don’t forget that the sponge in your hand can’t be used forever.
After a few uses your traditional kitchen sponges can be coated in bacteria.
Eatright.org has an array of tips you should follow to maintain a healthy kitchen, reminding you to throw out a sponge after two or three uses.
For high quality Eraser Sponges that are tough on dirt, grit and grime without compromising the surfaces around your office kitchen, shop with SpongeOutlet online.
While nobody really likes to do chores around the home, there are some that are admittedly easier than others.
Take out the trash? No problem.
Make the bed? Not bad.
But washing the windows? That can certainly be a pain.
Just think of all the times you sprayed window cleaner trying to clean it up and inhaled all those chemicals.
Not only does it not smell nice, there were often times fibers left behind from your paper towel!
Now that can be a pain!
However we have a method that is used by window cleaning professionals that will change how you clean your windows! This method will help get your windows completely clean.
Nothing makes you smile quite like coming to a home that smells wonderful and inviting.
Luckily there are lots of simple DIY ways to achieve this that are inexpensive. Check out the do-it-yourself scent recipes below. You may already have many of these item inside your home.
Taking just a little bit of time to improve the smell of your home can really do a lot for your mood!
See which of these options below works best for your home.
DIY Fresh Lemon Spray for Rooms and Home
A few simple ingredients that you probably already have in your house is all you need to do in order to give your home a great citrus scent. This simple DIY air freshener is a fresh-smelling clean that doesn’t smell like harsh chemicals.
Directions: combine 1/8 cup of baking soda with 2 cups of hot water and ½ cup of lemon juice.
One you mix your ingredients, pour it into a spray bottle, shake well, and then spray the scent in the air.
Try Dried Lavender in a Jar to give your home a lasting pleasant smell
Combine equal amounts of dried lavender buds and baking soda into a jar.
Shake it up.
Add three drops (there will be 24 total) of lavender scented oil and then shake the jar.
Continue to do this until you reach 24 drops.
You can place the jar in a room to enjoy the scent, or you can add a lid with holes in it for a more subtle scent.
DIY Fridge De-Odorize – Oranges in the Fridge
Many people already have oranges that they buy- so why not use the peels?
Save any orange peels and place in a jar with salt.
The orange will give off a nice scent, while the salt will draw in the unpleasant ones. Use this inside your refrigerator to it smelling fresh.
Eucalyptus Leaves
Add a few sprigs of dried eucalyptus leaves in a vase or glass and place around the house. Not only will it smell nice, but it will look nice too!
Easy Lemon Trick for Destroying Foul Garbage Disposal Smells
Take the peels from three lemons and chop them up into small pieces.
Place them in an ice cube tray (2-3 pieces in each slot) along with 1 ½ cups of distilled white vinegar.
Place filled cube tray into freezer.
Once your new garbage disposer cubes are frozen solid, transfer into a freezer bag and use whenever your garbage disposal needs a pick-me-up.
Not only will it smell good, but the ice helps sharpen the blades so it’s efficient, as well!
Consider the Season
Gather up some pine cones and drop in a few scents of your favorite essential oil.
To switch it up, think about the time of year. Cinnamon is great for fall, floral scents for spring, fruity scents for summer, and pine for winter- just to name a few.
Don’t Forget the Staples
For many, it’s easiest to go back to the basics.
Scented candles, incense, and reed diffusers are all very easy to use and all you have to do is pick them up at a store. Many of them even come in visually appealing options.
Find the Cause of the Smell
Your best bet is to figure out where the smell is coming from in the first place.
It something doesn’t smell quite right, there tends to be good reason for it!
Before adding additional smells into the home, take some time to assess where the bad smells are coming from. Sponge Outlet has many cleaning supplies that can help make it easier for you to enjoy the better smells in life!
Stand up from your desk, take a step out the door of your office and take a look around.
Make a Cleaning Schedule
