HELOISE: Clothes washer, not dishwasher, cleans sponges

Dear Heloise: After reading about a million hints on cleaning sponges by putting them in the dishwasher (top shelf), I can’t take it anymore and had to write! The dishwasher method doesn’t do the job properly — it only blows hot, soapy water onto the surface of the sponge. What good is that? That just doesn’t get it really clean.

What I do is put mine right into the clothes washer, usually with my whites, as that wash water is hotter than my other load types. The sponge gets agitated, squished, squeezed and soaped up, just like the clothes, and then spun to almost dry, and now it is spanking-clean. I usually let it air-dry, but it’s no big deal to let it go through the dryer. (Note from Heloise: Use caution if you put a sponge in the dryer.)

Or if I want a quick cleaned sponge, I put a damp sponge right into the microwave and microwave it for a few seconds. Use care when getting it out of the microwave after it’s done, as it’s going to be hot. Just rinse in cooler water, and mildew is gone. The sponge is odorless and ready to go.

It’s wasteful to throw away a sponge when it’s only a week or so old. Used sponges also can be cut up and placed into flowerpot soil to retain water. Donna Evans, Torrington, Conn.

Donna, I’m with you! First, a kitchen sponge gets used a lot and does not have a long life span! The dishwasher will freshen, the clothes washer will clean, and the microwave method works, too. Heloise

Dear Heloise: Put an extra toothbrush, toothpaste and dental floss in your kids’ bathroom for yourself. When it is time for the kids to brush their teeth at night, brush with them! This will encourage them to brush and floss thoroughly, since they will see your good example, and they will enjoy your company for this otherwise tedious task. It also will discourage you from late-night snacking! Koby, Woodbridge, Va.

Dear Heloise: In answer to marshmallow storage, if you freeze a bag of marshmallows, they won’t end up a sticky mess or go stale when defrosted — they’ll be just like new.

As for battery removal, when traveling with items that use batteries, turn one battery around, which will stop the item from being accidentally turned on but will keep the batteries ready for use when needed. Norma, Santa Maria, Calif.

Dear Heloise: I have a king-size bed in my guest room. A day before my guest arrives, I make the bed with clean sheets. After it is all made, I take a sticky roller and go all over the comforter and shams. This takes off all the dust and lint that may be on them. Now everything is fresh. Helen, Deatsville, Ala.

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