Uses for Sponges

Source: Don Penny/Times, Inc. Digital Studio

It is great to find "other" uses for everyday things that can make life a little easier and less expensive.  Finding other uses for sponges is one of those great ideas that we all wished we had thought of ourselves.

"This Old House Magazine" had a list of these uses compiled by Jennifer Stimpson in the Money-Saving Ideas section.  Have a look and see how many will be useful for you.

SPROUT SEEDS
Embed flax, radish, or other fast-growing seeds in a damp sponge and place it under an inverted glass bowl in a sunny location. Moisten occasionally. Once you notice seedlings, transfer them to soil.

　
CATCH OIL LEAKS
Place a sponge on a plastic bag under any leaking piece of motorized equipment to absorb the oil until the item can be repaired.

　
PAD YOUR GRIP
Make a shovel or rake more comfortable to hold by wrapping it with a flexible sponge secured with rubber bands.

　
CRADLE VALUABLES IN STORAGE
Cut damp sponges into small squares and place between breakables. As they dry, they'll conform to the contours of whatever they surround.

　
DRY INSIDE OF A VASE
Affix a small sponge to a ruler or dowel and use it to mop up moisture inside a narrow-neck container.

　
SAVE YOUR SOAP
Make a bar of soap last longer between uses by allowing it to dry out on a sponge next to the sink or in the shower.

　
DEODORIZE THE REFRIGERATOR
Sprinkle a damp sponge with baking soda and set in an empty fridge drawer to absorb odors between cleanings.

　
LOOSEN WALLPAPER
In a pinch, soak a sponge in fabric softener diluted with hot water and wipe over wallpaper to break down the adhesive and make it easier to remove.

　
KEEP WATER-LOVING PLANTS MOIST
Place a sponge in the bottom of a planter before adding soil, to keep water in reserve.



I hope these prove to be useful.
Keep it simple, folks.