4 Clever Ways to Use Sponges in the Kitchen for Easy Cleaning

Imagine a kitchen that always smells fresh, your veggies stay crisp, and your dishwasher runs like new—all thanks to one tiny, unassuming tool: the sponge.

With just a few clever tricks, your sponge can do so much more than you ever imagined.

Stick around, and I’ll show you how to use sponges in the kitchen in brilliant ways to make life a whole lot easier!

1. Fridge Deodorizer

Who knew a sponge could freshen up your fridge?

In a small bowl or shallow dish, pour about 1/4 cup of lemon juice.

Place the sponge in the bowl and let it soak for 5-10 minutes, allowing the sponge to absorb the lemon juice.

Once the sponge is damp but not soaked, take it out and squeeze out any excess liquid.

Next, sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda around the damp sponge. You can do this directly on a plate or in the same bowl.

Place the sponge in your fridge near strong-smelling foods like onions, garlic, or leftovers.

The baking soda will absorb any funky smells, and the lemon juice will leave your fridge smelling fresh and zesty!

Good to know: Replace the sponge every week for best results.

2. Veggie Saver

Say goodbye to wilted veggies!

Place a dry sponge at the bottom of your crisper drawer. This helps absorb excess moisture, which can lead to soggy, spoiled produce. Check the sponge every few days and replace it if it gets damp.

Moisture buildup in the crisper drawer is one of the main culprits of produce spoilage. The sponge will soak up the excess moisture, keeping your veggies crisp and fresh for longer.

Good to know: Use two sponges—one for moisture absorption and another soaked in vinegar water to reduce bacteria growth.

3. Dishwasher Booster

Is your dishwasher as clean as your dishes?

Soak a sponge in white vinegar, then place it on the top rack of your dishwasher.

Run a normal wash cycle. The vinegar will help break down limescale buildup and neutralize any unwanted odors.

Vinegar is a natural cleaner that helps to break down buildup and odors. The sponge helps to evenly distribute the vinegar throughout the dishwasher.

Good to know: For extra deodorizing power, sprinkle some baking soda on the bottom of the dishwasher before starting the cycle.

4. No-Drip Soap Sponge

The genius way to avoid soap waste while getting the perfect lather!

Cut a slit down the middle of a thick sponge using a knife or scissors.

Slide a bar of soap into the slit so it sits snugly inside.

When you wet the sponge, squeeze it gently, and you’ll have instant lather for dishes, countertops, or hands—without wasting soap!

The sponge holds the soap in place, preventing it from melting away too quickly and giving you a rich lather every time you use it.

Good to know: You can use any bar soap you prefer—just make sure the sponge is thick enough to hold it.