Your kitchen standby can be used throughout the house. When it comes to sponges, here’s how to think outside the sink.

Hammer Buffer: Hold a sponge between the hammer and the wall when trying to remove a nail and forget about scuff marks.

Pain Reliever: Place a damp (not sopping-wet) sponge in the freezer and you’ll have a cold compress waiting to soothe those sudden aches and pains.

Draft Dodger: Keep out hot air by using sponges to plug the gaps between your air conditioner and window.

Pet-Hair Lifter: Run a damp sponge over upholstery or clothing — pet hair and lint will come right up. Also, try one on a lamp shade to remove dust.