Smelly Sponges
Dish sponges are not a particularly big expense, but it can be annoying to buy new ones very often. Unfortunately, people don't usually know how to keep them clean and end up buying new ones more often than they should.
Sponges get smelly because bacteria start growing in them when they are wet. The best solution is to keep them propped up so that enough air can run through their pores. Use a binder clip and let your sponge air-dry much quicker and effectively. No more smelly sponges!
Ketchup
Ketchup stains are a pain to remove. This condiment may be delicious, but it is a nightmare for whoever is in charge of doing the laundry. Interestingly enough, however, ketchup has the opposite effect on certain surfaces.
Ketchup works great as a polish for pots and pans made of steel or copper and for silverware. With a scouring pad, rub a small amount on the item and then wash away the residue with warm water.
Potato & Salt
You might have never thought about cleaning a pan with a potato, but the truth is that it is a very efficient way to do it. Cast iron skillets tend to retain flavor between uses, but aggressive products strip them away.
To leave them clean but still retain seasoning, clean your pans by rubbing salt with a cut potato. The grease will be absorbed and the pan will look perfectly clean. Also, it is super cheap.