If transforming your home into a more eco-friendly place is important to you, then this zero-waste reusable sponge a good alternative to those traditional throw-away plastic dish sponges. Made from small scraps of fabric and a mesh fruit bag that would've otherwise been thrown away, this project will also use up some remnants from past projects. Choose colors and patterns to brighten up your kitchen and make washing dishes fun again. When you're finished scrubbing, just toss it in your washing machine with some towels and dry it on low heat. It's the sponge that keeps on giving.
Things You'll Need
Mesh fruit bag (or tulle fabric)
2 pieces of 4 1/2-inch x 6-inch cotton fabric
2 to 4 pieces of 4 1/2-inch x 6-inch cotton batting
Sharp scissors
Straight pins
Step 1
Remove the fruit from the mesh bag. Cut 2 pieces of 4 1/2-inch x 6-inch mesh from the bag.
Step 2
Place one piece of cotton with the right side up, place the two pieces of mesh next, then place the other piece of cotton with the right side down on the mesh. Next, place 2 to 4 pieces of the cotton batting on top. Pin and sew the the layers, leaving a 3-inch opening in one of the long sides. Be sure to remove the pins as you sew.
Step 3
Clip the corners to remove bulk. Be careful not to clip any of the stitches.
Step 4
Turn right side out by pulling the fabric layers through the opening.
Step 5
Tuck in the raw edges of the opening. Pin and topstitch around the entire sponge. Be sure to remove the pins as you sew. Topstitch around the sponge a second time — this time, 1/4-inch in from the first topstitch line.
When you're finished using the sponges, throw them in your washing machine with a load of towels and dry on low heat for the sponge that keeps on scrubbing.
