Order and cleanliness are two essential aspects to achieve well-being at home. However, this can sometimes become a real challenge. Especially in those rooms where More dirt and germs accumulate, like the kitchen. Therefore, it is essential to know a series of tricks that can help improve the hygiene and smell of this room, such as placing a spoon in the washing machine to eliminate the humidity in this appliance.
Although not only the washing machine or the dishwasher can accumulate moisture and moldalso some of the most used utensils in the kitchen, such as cloths or scouring pads. Precisely, the latter can become a source of germs and bacteria if it is not properly disinfected or its use time is extended longer than recommended. To avoid this last problem, deep cleaning experts recommend taking a simple step.
Beyond the little-known trick of putting the scouring pad in a bowl of water and heating it in the microwave for a few minutes to lightly disinfect it, there is a home method to know when to change the scouring pad. For this, It will only be necessary to have this tool and some scissorscreating a visual code that allows you to know at a glance the time of use of this tool.
This is how the trick of making a cut in the scouring pad works
Because the scouring pad is used to remove food residue, liquids and other dirt from dishes, these can accumulate inside. This fact, added to its constant contact with water and humidity, creates a habitat that promotes the proliferation of bacteria and germs insideespecially if used longer than recommended.
Therefore, what deep cleaning experts recommend is make a small cut in one of the corners of the scouring pad when it is going to be used for the first time. Thanks to this, it will be marked as a new sponge, with the possibility of continuing to use it for approximately 1 to 2 weeks. Although always paying attention to drying it after it comes into contact with water and placing it in a dry area.
When it has exceeded this time or shows clear signs of wear, such as loss of color or not cleaning properly, it can still be used. To do this, what experts advise is make a second cutin the opposite corner to the one made previously. With this, it will be clear that, although it can no longer be used to clean dishes or surfaces whose cleaning is essential for the hygiene and health of those who live in the home, it can be used for other issues.
Some ways to recycle this type of sponges
One of the most common and easiest ways to recycle these types of tools is to use them for gardening work. Even if it no longer cleans adequately, the scrubber is still capable of absorbing and retaining liquids. Therefore, what some fans recommend is to use them as a irrigation dispenser for plant rootsespecially when you are going on a trip or the pot is somewhere that is difficult to access.
In case it continues to clean well, but the recommended use time has already passed, another option is to use it to clean some more complex areas, such as the bathroom. Specifically, it can be used to disinfect the toilet or shower joints. Or even to clean the rubber sole of your sneakers, using a little baking soda or soap. Thanks to the cut, there will be no risk of it being confused with the one used for dishes or the kitchen.
However, it is important to throw away the scouring pad when it begins to emit an unpleasant odor, as traces of dirt and germs will accumulate inside. To avoid this, the most useful thing is to clean it with plenty of soap and water after each use, drain all the water that remains inside and let it dry in a ventilated area and completely dry. This will extend its useful life within the home even more.