In my kitchen junk drawer is a new package of sponges that are nearing "old age". For some reason I just never have gotten into the habit of using them, until now. This Old House mag always has a section, Home Solutions, and one that particularly caught my eye was... 10 Uses for sponges. OK...here we go.
1. 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. Once you notice seedling, transfer to soil.
2. 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.
3.Pad your grip
Make a shovel or rake more comfortable to hold by wrapping it with a flexibe sponge secured with rubber bands.
4.Cradle valuables for storage
Cut damp sponges into small squares and place between breakables. As they dry, they'll conform to the contours of whatever they surround.
5.Dry the inside of a vase.
Affix a small sponge to a ruler and use it to mop up moisture inside a narrow-neck container.
6.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 shower.
7.Deodorize the refrigerator.
Sprinkle a damp sponge with baking soda and set in a fridge drawer to absorb odor between cleanings.
8.Protect scratchable surfaces.
Adhere small sponge squares to the underside of vases, bottom of chair feet, or the back of picture frames so that they dont make scuff marks.
9.Loosen wallpaper.
In a pinch, soak a sponge in fabric softner diluted with hot water and wipe over wallpaper to break down the adhesive and make it easier to remove.
10.Keep water loving plants moist.
Place a sponge in the bottom of a planter before adding soil, to keep water in reserve.
Time to dig out those sponges and put them to work!
