How Do You Hide A Kitchen Sponge?
Why Hide a Kitchen Sponge?
There are several reasons why you may want to hide a kitchen sponge from plain sight:
Reduce clutter on countertops – Leaving sponges and dish scrubbers on the counter can make for a cluttered look in the kitchen. Tucking them away keeps countertops looking cleaner.
Keep sponges out of sight for a cleaner look – Sponges left on the sink or counter can detract from a tidy, organized aesthetic in the kitchen. Storing them out of sight contributes to a neater appearance.
Prevent cross-contamination from raw meats – Sponges left out can pick up bacteria from contact with raw meats and contaminate other surfaces. Storing sponges away prevents them from transmitting bacteria.
Discourage use of old, bacteria-laden sponges – Hiding older sponges makes family members less likely to grab and use them, avoiding the spread of bacteria from using a dirty sponge.
Inside a Cabinet
Hanging the sponge inside a cabinet door using a command hook or cabinet door hook is a popular storage solution to keep the sponge hidden and allow it to dry between uses (Source: https://www.reddit.com/r/konmari/comments/azs6m5/where_to_store_kitchen_sponges/). The hook can be adhered to the inside of a cabinet door near the sink using a removable adhesive. Make sure to hang the sponge with the scrubby side facing out so it can dry effectively. Some people also recommend storing the sponge in a shallow bin or basket on a cabinet shelf. This keeps the sponge tidy and concealed. Look for a small plastic container or wire basket that fits on an existing shelf inside a cabinet near the sink.
Inside Drawers
Designating a specific kitchen drawer for storing sponges and scrubbers is an effective way to keep them neatly organized and out of sight. Utilizing drawer organizers is a simple solution for corralling multiple sponges in one designated spot. There are many inexpensive options such as wire or plastic dividers that can be configured to custom sizes to perfectly fit the drawer space.
For example, some popular drawer organizer options include the Homecubebamboo drawer organizer trays or made-to-fit inserts from Rev-A-Shelf (https://www.houzz.com/discussions/5117753/kitchen-sink-tilt-drawer-for-sponges). These can keep multiple sponges separated in their own compartments while allowing air circulation for drying. The dividers prevent the sponges from sliding around when opening and closing drawers.
Designating a sponge drawer also makes it quick and convenient to access sponges when needed for cleaning tasks. However, it’s still important to thoroughly wring out sponges and allow them to fully air dry between uses to prevent microbial growth.
Under the Sink
One popular option is to store the kitchen sponge under the sink. This keeps it out of sight and off the countertops when not in use, while still keeping it easily accessible when needed for washing dishes. There are a few different ways to hang or place the sponge under the sink:
Use suction cups or hooks mounted under the sink to hang the sponge. Stick the suction cups to the underside of the sink or attach adhesive hooks. Hang the kitchen sponge from the suction cup or hook. This suspends it to allow air circulation and drying.
Place the sponge in a plastic bin or caddy designed for under sink storage. Look for caddies with ventilation slots to allow the sponge to dry. A bin or caddy neatly contains the sponge while keeping it nearby for use. See examples like the Scrubbin Sponge Holder.
Use a wire or metal basket that affixes under the sink to hold sponges. Baskets allow for airflow around the sponge. Mount them using suction cups, adhesive hooks, or screws.
Storing the kitchen sponge under the sink keeps it out of sight but still handy when doing dishes. Allowing it to dry between uses prevents bacterial growth.
On the Sink
One convenient place to store a kitchen sponge is right on the sink. Suction cup holders that attach to the sink are a popular option. These holders attach via suction cups to the side of a stainless steel or porcelain sink, providing a designated spot to place sponges within arm’s reach when doing dishes. Wire mesh baskets that sit inside the sink basin also work well for housing sponges. The open mesh allows water to drain out of the sponge easily. Baskets hook over the divider between double sinks or simply rest in the bottom of a single basin sink. The key is keeping the sponge visible and handy when needed, while also allowing it to dry out between uses. As sources like DesignSwan mention, a wet sponge left sitting can breed mold and bacteria.
Behind Faucet
One creative way to store a kitchen sponge is behind the faucet. There are a couple easy methods to mount the sponge behind the faucet to keep it out of sight but still easily accessible when needed.
A purpose-built faucet mount sponge holder allows you to clip the sponge directly onto the faucet neck or sprayer hose. Models like the Sink Sider have an adjustable strap to fit different faucet sizes and a slot to hold both a sponge and scrub brush over the sink basin where water can drain directly into the sink.
For a DIY approach, you can use a hair tie or rubber band to attach a sponge to the side of the faucet neck. Loop the elastic band through a hole cut or drilled into the sponge then stretch it around the faucet to hold the sponge in place behind the faucet when not in use.
In Dispensers
Enclosed dispensers with drainage holes are a popular option for neatly storing a kitchen sponge near the sink. These dispensers fully enclose the sponge, with small holes that allow excess water to drain out. Amazon has a wide selection of highly-rated soap dispensers with built-in sponge holders, like simple stainless steel models or more decorative ceramic options.
Counter-top dispensers with weighted bases are another handy option. Models like the OXO Good Grips Sponge Caddy have a weighted base to keep them in place near the sink. The open design allows the sponge to dry out between uses. Reviews praise the weighted base and appreciate having a designated spot to store the sponge off the counter.
In Decorative Holders
A popular way to store kitchen sponges is in decorative holders. Ceramic crocks or jars with lids allow you to conceal the sponge when not in use. The lid keeps the sponge contained and helps it dry out between uses, reducing bacteria growth. Decorative options like ceramic chickens, fruit, or vessels give a fun, cutesy look while serving a functional purpose. Wire baskets or bins are also handy for letting air circulate around the sponge. Selecting a decorative bin in a style you enjoy can transform an everyday kitchen necessity into a charming focal point.
According to DesignSwan, “a custom-made quirky crock with lid does add some character to your kitchen decor while doing an excellent job at storing the kitchen scrubber.” They recommend choosing ceramic containers with an opening to easily remove the sponge and a lid to conceal it.
“Giving your kitchen sponge a special little home can transform a functional object into a delightful focal point. Opt for a design that expresses your personal style. There are so many novel containers to stash your sponge, you can coordinate with your kitchen decor or showcase your favorite hobbies or interests,” recommends Pinterest.
When Not in Use
Allowing a sponge to dry completely between uses can help reduce bacteria growth. According to this article, you should microwave a wet sponge for two minutes to sanitize it and kill germs. After microwaving, let the sponge air dry before using again.
Experts also recommend replacing your kitchen sponge every month for sanitary purposes. Sponges tend to harbor bacteria over time, even with regular cleaning. Replacing monthly helps ensure you are starting fresh with a clean sponge.
Creative Methods
Some creative ways to hide a kitchen sponge include mounting it inside a paint can attached to the inside of a cabinet door for easy access and to keep it out of sight. A rotating carousel sponge holder attached under a cabinet is another unique option to store sponges while conveniently keeping them accessible when cooking or washing dishes. Using strong magnets to hold a sponge against the vent hood over the stove is also an inventive way to keep a sponge handy but out of view.
As noted by sources like this Pinterest pin, small paint cans make handy hidden holders for sponges inside cabinets. Cutting a hole in the plastic lid allows grabbing the sponge easily. Mounting the paint can on the inside of a cabinet door keeps the sponge out of sight but easy to access when needed.
Rotating multi-sponge holders like these options shown on Pinterest allow convenient access to sponges without cluttering up countertop space. Mounted under cabinets, they can hold multiple sponges that rotate into place when needed. The sponges stay tucked out of sight when not being used.
Industrial-strength magnets can also hold sponges out of sight but within reach. Attaching a magnetic sponge holder to the vent hood above the stove keeps a sponge handy for cleaning splatters and spills, while keeping it hidden when not being used.
