Dirty Kitchen? 15 Sponge Cleaning Tips

A dirty kitchen can be a nightmare to clean up, mostly because of all those dirty dishes or not enough space to store things. 

And, if you are a working family, who has time to clean that dirty kitchen every day?

Well, a secret to a clean kitchen is to actually clean a little bit each day simply using a sponge!

Yes, I know, but it works.

Sponges are probably one of the most underrated cleaners in the home.

They are used for cleaning dirty dishes, dirty counters, dirty walls and dirty floors.

But did you know that there are many different ways to use sponge to clean a dirty kitchens?

And did you also know that some sponges are better than others when it comes to certain types of dirt?

Well, now you can learn some dirty kitchen cleaning tips with these 15 sponge cleaning hacks.

Sponge Cleaning Tricks for a Dirty Kitchen

Dirty dishes piling up in the sink, a greasy stove, and an oven that’s seen better days – does this sound like your kitchen?

If so, don’t worry – you’re not alone. A dirty kitchen is one of the most common cleaning challenges homeowners face.

But with a little bit of know-how, and these 15 sponge cleaning tricks, you can have your kitchen spick and span in no time!

5 Quick Tips to Clean a Dirty Kitchen

Okay. It’s time to do some quick cleaning so that your dirty kitchen can be partly restored.

Remember, if you work on your messy kitchen all at once it will be overwhelming. You’ll give up before you even try! Don’t let that happen!

As a mom with two little ones, I know how hard it is to keep a house cleaned, let alone a kitchen that is dirty.

So, try these quick cleaning tips before tackling the fifteen projects in this article.

1. Use a Sponge Only

Instead of buying expensive sprays and wipes to clean countertops, dirty walls, tables or floors, try using your cleaning sponge to clean up all that mess. Most sponges have a rough side and a soft side, making it versatile when cleaning a dirty kitchen.

These are my favorite sponges to use that are durable and last a long time.

2. Lemon / Vinegar to Clean

If there are certain spots on the countertops or walls then use some warm lemon water (or vinegar)and a cellulose sponge to spot clean those spots.

3. Abrasive Can Work

An abrasive sponge can clean spots off dirty counters that paper towels or rags just can’t do the job.

4. Grill Cleaning Tip

Clean your dirty grill with a sponge soaked in dish-washing soap and water, then wipe it dry with a clean towel.

5. Soaking Sponges

Soak sponges in salt or baking soda to clean up greasy crusted pans and the stove top burners.

Tips to Use a Sponge to Clean a Dirty Kitchen

There are several appliances and parts of a kitchen that need to be cleaned and a sponge is the perfect cleaning aid! They’re economical and they are reusable! Win-win in my books.

Try to tackle one or two of these projects so you can slowly transform your dirty kitchen.

6. Cleaning a Burnt Pot or Pan

Add water, dish soap and white vinegar to a pan after a burn has occurred and heat on the stove.

Use an abrasive sponge to clean off the burnt food as it will come out easily when you do this!

Use baking soda to give your pot a scrub with your sponge before you wash it with soap or put it in the dishwasher. Baking soda will make your pots shine and will remove any burn bits.

7. Cleaning a Fridge

To eliminate fridge odours, add 1/4 cup of baking soda to a small bowl and place in your fridge.

Make sure not to forget about it. Afterwards, remove the bowl and wipe the inside of your fridge with a solution that consists of one part vinegar to one part water with a cellulose sponge.

The smell will disappear!

8. Cleaning Sticky Drawers

If you have a kitchen drawer that is filled with old receipts, newspaper clippings or pictures, chances are they are pretty sticky.

The grease from cooking in the kitchen often makes paper sticky.

To get rid of the stickiness, grab some fabric softener and fill a solutions bottle with half fabric softener and water. Shake well and spray on your drawers. They will immediately become unstuck!

But to make sure take all the receipts and paper out of the drawer and use a sponge to clean the drawer as it can be sticky also from all the cooking you do in your kitchen.

9. Cleaning a Microwave Oven

To clean a smelly microwave, add 1/2 cup of white vinegar to 1 cup of water in a microwavable bowl.

Cover the top with cling wrap and microwave on high for 5 minutes. Wipe the wet microwave with a cellulose sponge!

The odours will vanish!

10. Cleaning a Coffee Maker

To remove coffee stains from your coffee maker, fill it with white vinegar and run the machine as if you were making a batch of coffee.

Pour out the vinegar after you’re done and run 2-3 cycles of clean water to get rid of the vinegar smell.

Then, if possible, soak the bottom of your coffee pot with soap and water and use an abrasive sponge to remove burnt stains.

11. Cleaning a Stovetop

To clean your stovetop simply mix equal amounts of baking soda and water, spread it over the burners, let sit for five minutes and wipe clean with a damp soft sponge.

12. Deep Cleaning Floors With a Sponge!

If you want to avoid mopping all together, grab a sponge or two and fill your bucket with water. Dip the sponge in the water, ring them out so they are only damp and use to mop your floor.

The abrasive sponges have similar sponges as a mop does. This task is also safe enough to get your children involved in cleaning a dirty kitchen!

13. Cleaning Chrome Fixtures

Apply toothpaste (not gel!) to any chrome fixtures that have become dull. Gently rub it in using a soft spong and watch as the tarnish is removed!

Many fixtures in your kitchen will have a coat of grease if you’re been cooking every day. Using this sponge cleaning hack weekly will keep your chrome fixtures in your kitchen shining.

14. Clear Tea Stains on Cups

Use diluted vinegar or lemon juice and a sponge to remove tea stains from coffee mugs. Simply soak for about 10 minutes before washing as normal.

15. Cleaning a Knife Block

Do you have a dirty knife block that has built up grime over the years?

Grab some coarse salt and vinegar.

Pour the vinegar into your knife block, making sure not to fill it all the way to the top. Now cover the opening with plastic wrap and shake vigorously for about 5 minutes. The solution will work its way through the holes, removing all the built up dirt!

Use a sponge and warm water to clean it off.

Cleaning your dirty kitchen can be a hassel, but with these 15 tips it’s a little bit easier.

Make sure to check out my Tik Tok cleaning hacks for more information and advice on some awesome sponge hacks, cleaning tips and more.

And don’t forget to share these tips with your friends and family!