4 Genius Sponge Cleaning Tricks That Will Save You Time and Effort

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Cleaning can feel like a never-ending battle. But there’s something satisfying about finding those little tricks that make it all so much easier.


In this post, we're sharing four game-changing cleaning hacks using sponges that’ll save you time and effort. They’re simple, effective, and will leave your home feeling fresh.


Ready to start cleaning smarter, not harder?

Looking for fast and easy ways to clean? These sponge hacks will change the way you tackle your chores!

Scotch-Brite Zero Scratch Scrub Sponges - 12 Pack

Tools and Materials

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Learn how to disinfect your kitchen sponges

1. Microwave Disinfectant Sponge

Have you ever wondered how to disinfect a sponge quickly? This microwave trick is about to be your new best friend.


Here’s how you can easily sanitize your sponge and keep it fresh for your next cleaning session:

Microwave your sponge to kill bacteria and eliminate bad odors in seconds

Step-by-Step:


  1. Thoroughly soak your sponge in water—Note: A dry sponge can catch fire!
  2. Place the wet sponge on a microwave-safe plate.
  3. Microwave it on high for one minute.
  4. Let it sit for 30 seconds to cool down before carefully removing it (yes, it will be hot!).
Discover how to sanitize your sponges in the microwave and keep them smelling fresh!

Why it works:

The steam and heat kill bacteria, leaving your sponge sanitized and smelling fresh.


It’s an easy, quick fix that’s perfect for keeping things hygienic between washes.

Home cleaning tips

Bonus Tip:

Add a few drops of lemon juice to your sponge before microwaving. It gives your sponge a refreshing citrus scent while still doing the job of disinfecting!


Discover how to clean baseboards easily
Clean your baseboards in half the time using a sponge on a BBQ fork

2. Baseboard Swipe Trick

Cleaning baseboards can be a real pain, especially if you don’t want to spend your time crouching or crawling along the floor. But here’s an easy trick using a simple kitchen tool—a BBQ fork!


Let us show you how to make cleaning your baseboards a breeze:

Anolon SureGrip Stainless Steel Meat Fork

Step-by-Step:


  1. Grab a BBQ fork—the long handle gives you extra reach.
  2. Stick the sponge onto the prongs of the fork.
  3. Spray your favorite cleaning solution onto the sponge.
  4. Run the fork along your baseboards—the sponge will pick up dust and grime with ease!
Keep your home dust-free with this clever baseboard cleaning trick

Why It Works:

The long handle of the BBQ fork makes it easier to clean without bending down, and the sponge conforms to the shape of the baseboard, wiping away dirt in one simple swipe.

Sponge hacks you never thought of

Bonus Tip:

Before spraying your cleaner, dampen the sponge with a little warm water and add a drop of dish soap. This helps loosen stuck-on grime so your baseboards get an even deeper clean in just one pass!


How to easily clean blinds

3. Blinds Cleaner

Cleaning blinds can feel like an endless task, but with this genius sponge trick, you’ll be done in no time.


The key here is using tongs and sponges to clean both sides of each slat simultaneously. It’s an efficient and effective way to dust your blinds in a fraction of the time.


Here’s how:

Effortlessly clean your blinds with this DIY sponge trick that saves you time and energy

Step-by-Step:


  1. Attach a sponge to each end of kitchen tongs using rubber bands.
  2. Lightly spray the sponges with a dusting spray or a homemade vinegar solution.
  3. Clamp the tongs onto each blind slat and swipe across—cleaning both the top and bottom at once!
Say goodbye to dusty blinds with this quick and easy sponge cleaning hack using tongs

Why it works:

This method ensures both sides of each slat are cleaned at the same time, cutting your cleaning time in half. Plus, the sponge grabs more dust than a cloth would!

No more blind dusting struggles—this method makes it quick and easy!

Bonus Tip:

For an extra dust-repelling boost, rub a dryer sheet over the sponges before cleaning. It helps grab even more dust and leaves behind an anti-static layer that keeps your blinds cleaner for longer!


Achieve a streak-free shine on your windows with just two ingredients

4. Glass Streak Remover

We’ve all been there—cleaning glass only to end up with streaks that make it look like you haven’t cleaned it at all. But don’t worry, this DIY method is about to change your window cleaning game.


You only need two ingredients: vinegar and a microfiber cloth.


Here’s the easy process to follow:

Say goodbye to streaky windows

Step-by-Step:

  1. Soak a sponge with a 50/50 mixture of vinegar and water.
  2. Keep a Ziploc bag filled with this mixture and sponges soaking inside for a quick and ready-to-use cleaning solution.
  3. Squeeze out the sponge and wipe down your windows or mirrors.
  4. Immediately follow up with a dry cloth to wipe away any streaks.
This vinegar and sponge trick will leave your windows sparkling clean and streak-free.

Why it works:

Vinegar cuts through grime and grease, while the loth ensures no streaks are left behind, leaving your windows spotless and shiny.

How to clean windows

Bonus Tip:

For extra cleaning power on super dirty glass, add a drop of dish soap to the vinegar-water mix. It’ll help tackle stubborn spots and dirt!


Get more smart uses for sponges!

Check out these creative sponge hacks that will help you solve everyday problems around the house—from pest control to dog hair removal!


Discover clever cleaning tricks that will save you time, money, and a lot of elbow grease!

Sponge Cleaning Tricks That Will Save You Time and Effort

Alright, now that you’ve got these cleaning hacks under your belt, it’s time to put them to the test!


I’m betting they’ll make your home sparkle in ways you never thought possible. Cleaning doesn’t have to be a dreaded task when you have these quick and clever solutions in your back pocket.


So, grab that sponge and get to work—your home (and your back) will thank you.

Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?
  2 questions
  • Jru148533610 Jru148533610 on Mar 12, 2025

    I have seen the blinds cleaning hack. But it won’t work with the smaller slats. I’ve not seen any cleaning/dusting hacks for the smaller slats. Can you help?

  • Jmc148437160 Jmc148437160 on Mar 18, 2025

    Shower cleaning hacks for people with mobility and joint issues special knees?

Comments
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2 of 6 comments
  • Lis122564218 Lis122564218 on Mar 13, 2025

    When I was a little girl in Brooklyn NY, in the 60’s my mom and I, each Spring, would simply remove each of the blinds from their holders on the windows, and place one at a time in the bathtub filled with bleach and water. There we would gently swish them around while cleaning with a bristle brush. After letting them sit for 20 minutes we would drain the water, add clear water and rinse then laid each blind flat on old towels and linens out on the grass to dry in the sun. These always, always looked so new afterwards. I still do my blinds this way. Nothing like the old ways….

  • Cof115905790 Cof115905790 on Mar 13, 2025

    Maybe it is just me. But I'm not crazy about putting a dirty sponge in a microwave where I heat food. If I had to, I put the sponge in dishwasher. I just put my sponges in half bleach, half water and let them sit.

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