DIY Cleaning Methods for Kitchen sponges

How to Do a Vinegar Soak for Kitchen Sponges

• Gather your supplies: You’ll need white distilled vinegar, a clean bowl or container, and your kitchen sponge. Make sure the container is big enough for the sponge to be fully submerged.

 

• Prep the sponge: Rinse your sponge under warm water to remove any loose food bits or debris. Squeeze out as much water as you can before soaking.

 

• Pour the vinegar: Add enough white distilled vinegar to your bowl or container to completely cover the sponge. Full coverage is key—if part of the sponge is sticking out, it won’t get the same treatment.

 

• Soak time: Let the sponge sit in the vinegar for at least 5 minutes. Some folks leave it for up to 20 minutes, but 5–10 minutes is usually enough for a basic clean. Don’t leave it overnight—that can break down the sponge faster.

 

• Rinse thoroughly: After soaking, squeeze out the vinegar and rinse the sponge under running water. This helps remove any lingering vinegar smell and any loosened grime.

 

• Dry it out: Squeeze out as much water as possible and let the sponge air dry in a well-ventilated spot. Standing it upright or placing it on a rack helps it dry faster and stay fresher longer.

 

• Repeat as needed: You can do a vinegar soak a couple of times a week, depending on how much you use your sponge. If your sponge still looks or smells funky after soaking, it’s probably time to swap it out for a new one.

• What’s happening here? Vinegar is a common household liquid that helps loosen grime and freshen up your sponge. It’s not a disinfectant, but it can help with general cleaning and odor control.

 

• Pro tip: If you’re sensitive to the smell of vinegar, rinse the sponge with a little dish soap after soaking to help cut the scent.

Boiling Water Soak for Kitchen Sponges: What Actually Happens

• Boiling water can help loosen grime and food particles that get trapped in the nooks and crannies of your kitchen sponge. When you soak a sponge in boiling water, the heat helps break down some of the gunk that’s built up from daily dish duty.

 

• To do it, bring a pot of water to a rolling boil (that’s when the bubbles are big and steady, not just a few little fizzies). Drop your sponge in with tongs—don’t use your hands, unless you’re into the whole “ouch” thing. Let it soak for about 5 minutes. This gives the hot water time to work its way through the sponge’s layers.

 

• After soaking, use tongs to remove the sponge and let it cool down before wringing it out. You’ll probably notice it looks a bit fresher and smells less like last night’s dinner.

 

• This method is simple and doesn’t require any fancy products—just water and a heat source. It’s a quick way to give your sponge a refresh between deeper cleans or before tossing it in the laundry (if your sponge is machine-washable—check the label or packaging).

 

• Keep in mind, boiling water mainly helps with visible grime and some odors. It’s a handy trick for a quick spruce-up, especially if you’re not ready to part with your sponge just yet.