Uses for your kitchen sponge

The lowly kitchen sponge can play several important roles around the house. Here’s how to use a sponge for more than just doing dishes.

Save houseplants

Sometimes leaf shine products can clog pores and actually harm your houseplants. Instead, use water and a wet sponge to get that desired shine.

Rinse away fever

Rinse a clean sponge in cool water and apply to your forehead, back, nape of your neck, or wherever else you feel flushed. As the water evaporates, your body will cool down.

Save your soap

Ever noticed the gloppy mess your soap makes in the bottom of the dish after several uses? Blech! Rest your soap on a sponge instead. It wicks away moisture and leaves your soap clean and ready to use.

Keep veggies crunchy

Place a few new kitchen sponges in your crisper drawer and squeeze them out after they’ve absorbed excess moisture. This will keep your veggies extra crisp.

Clean up after Rover

We love our pets but their hair ... not so much. A slightly damp sponge will easily remove Rover’s leftover follicles from clothing, the car seats and upholstered furniture.

Mini ice packs

Regular-sized ice packs can be too big (and cold!) for kiddie-sized bumps and bruises. For child-sized ice packs, cut a sponge into a few pieces, soak in water and freeze. (Reader’s Digest)