Used sponges… So what do hosts do with short use sponges?

[Jeri121]

I have over 100 one time used sponges as I put a new one at the sink for incoming guests! 
I’ve run them though a wash cycle, they are clean, look brand new… any ideas?

[Mike-And-Jane0]

@Jeri121 we give guests a new kitchen sponge every stay. We then use the almost unused ones in our house.

[Jeri121]

I just can’t possibly use a new (used) one every couple days… that’s my dilemma. I’d like to repurpose them but how? Hummm

[Nilda105]

I always provide  new sponge for every guest that I have.  I usually cut them into 2 parts. The used ones are used for other cleaning purposes like cleaning the sink, bathroom tiles cleaning, etc.

[Lorna170]

@Jeri121  We also provide a new kitchen sponge with each new guest and reuse the sponges in our own home.  Some go with our housekeeper to be used when cleaning other jobs or in her home.

You may want to ask your local elementary school if the clean sponges would be useful to the art teacher (sponge painting projects) or the classroom teachers.

[Jeri121]

Great suggestion! Thanks 🙏 

[Fred13]

We give such things to the locals living in a place that they can't afford the same economic luxury we have. We just did a major overhaul, from decks to batteries, and was reminded once more that some people's 'throwaways' is someone else's 'treasure'.

[Helen744]

@Jeri121 Cleaning supplies obviously... H

[Debra300]

@Jeri121,

We replace the sponges when they start to show a little wear.  Most times, the sponges last for a few stays since most guests really don't use them beyond washing one or two plates and glasses, if that.  We also provide kitchen and microfiber towels, and those are washed after each visit.  I guess sponges could be put in mesh laundry bags and laundered.  We use the used sponges ourselves.

[Helen427]

@Jeri121 

We use Vileda brand sponges and they go through the wash many a time and come out clean.

That said I do share my home with my guests.

Have you considered cutting sponges into smaller sizes so you don't go through so  many?

I was reading recently that if one has Ants, to wet the sponge and squeeze it gently, add some sugar and they get caught and can't escape.

[Jeri121]

That makes so much sense! Cut them in half… Although the cost isn’t a big deal, sponges are about .50 cents each. I like the idea of cutting them in half.  I think my guests would appreciate that too. Thank you for sharing! 

[Robin4]

@Jeri121 

Jeri,  sponges are just one of the costs of hosting, and at $1.60 for a 5 pack a new sponge for every guest is not going to break the bank! 

Like @Lorna170  we rinse them off, give them a bit of sanitiser and when dry and I have 40, or there abouts, I take them to our local Kindergarten for them to use in the kids artworks. 

One way or another they are going to end up in Landfill, it just feels good is someone else can get a bit of use out of them along the way Jeri!

Cheers.......Rob

[Jeri121]

I Like that idea ! I’ll donate to the schools. 

[Robin4 · Accepted solution]

@Jeri121 

Jeri, thank you for being a considerate and thorough host. We can't provide new usables for every guest. But when it comes to cheap disposable items it's good to see you care enough about what you do to start from scratch for each incoming guest. You are a fine host Jeri. 

When I am a guest if something looks like it has had a good bit of use.....towels, bed linens, my first reaction is, "I wonder how many heads have snored their way through a night on that pillow"!

If I see nice crisp creases in the linens, nicely folded towels I have confidence the host has gone that extra yard just for me. I like the smell of Domestos on hard floor surfaces. Once again it tells me the host cares about hygiene to have mopped the floor whether it needed it or not.

I am not mad on air fragrances......all they do is cover a multitude of sins.

But, even after going to the extent that I do, 'Cleanliness' is my worst rated category!

I have come to the conclusion it is difficult to host in an old building. Some guests associate old with dirty, and it doesn't matter how much effort you put into it, 'Cleanliness' is always going to be an issue.

Cheers........Rob.

[Jeri121]

I hear you on the feedback scores after you spend exuberant time cleaning everything (old). I literally clean and wipe everything down with clorox wipes, even attach them to the swiffer and do the floors with them to offer a sanitary “no shoe” experience…

if someone finds a hair anywhere,  it’s an automatic dig to feedback for cleanliness.
I’m a vacuum maniac, I do the cleaning to do it right. Hiring a cleaning staff is not worth having even one poor feedback and most employed don’t know how to clean a clean place. I am meticulous! I noticed that welcoming new first time AirBnB people is the worst for not only following our guidelines and leaving hospitable feedback, some treat the space recklessly like a hotel stay.  I’m happy to say we have a lot of repeat customers now because we are near UConn campus. We strive to offer a better than expected experience. Sounds like you do the same!  Thanks for your input. Jeri