I love a kitchen fix that takes five minutes, costs very little, and instantly makes the sink area feel more pulled together. This little sponge holder does exactly that: you take a small metal tea tin, add a strong magnet to the back, and stick it right onto the side of the sink so your sponge can drip dry instead of sitting in a puddle on the counter.
It is especially great if you have a busy family kitchen like mine, where dishes seem to appear all day long and every inch around the sink matters. The finished holder looks charming and practical at the same time, and because we are using a vintage-style copper tea tin, it has a warm, polished look that feels much nicer than a plain plastic caddy.
Materials
Instructions
1. Wash and dry the tea tin inside and out so there is no dust, oil, or tea residue left on it. Wipe the outside back of the tin with rubbing alcohol and let it dry completely.
2. Lightly sand a 2-inch area on the back of the tea tin where the magnet will go. This roughened spot helps the adhesive grip much better, especially in a damp sink area.
3. Wipe away the sanding dust with a clean cotton pad and a little more rubbing alcohol. Let the tin dry for a minute so the surface is perfectly clean.
4. Apply the waterproof adhesive to the center of the magnet in an even layer, then press the magnet firmly onto the sanded spot on the back of the tin. Hold it in place for 30 to 60 seconds so it starts to grab.
5. Use a strip of painter’s tape across the magnet and around the tin if needed to keep the magnet from shifting while the adhesive cures. Set the tin aside flat and let it cure for the full time listed on the adhesive package.
6. Once the adhesive is fully cured, polish the visible front and sides of the tin with a soft cloth so it looks fresh and clean. If the tin has a lid, remove it and store it elsewhere so the opening stays easy to reach.
7. Test the holder on the side wall of your stainless steel sink, placing it high enough to stay above standing water but low enough to grab easily while washing dishes. Press it into place and make sure it sits level and feels secure.
8. Slide your sponge into the tin with the scrubby side facing out if you like quick access. The tin should hold the sponge upright so it can drip back into the sink instead of soaking your counter.
Variations & Tips
For bigger sponges: Choose a tea tin closer to 5 inches wide so thicker scrub sponges fit without getting wedged in too tightly.
For extra holding power: Use two smaller neodymium magnets instead of one large one if your tin is wider or if you want to hold a heavier cellulose sponge.
For rust prevention: Make sure the tin is truly stainless or coated metal inside, and dry it out every few days so water does not sit in the bottom for long.
Drainage tip: If your tin is deep, add a few small holes in the bottom with a metal punch or drill so excess water drains straight into the sink.
Easy-clean tip: Take the holder off once a week and wash it with warm soapy water, just like I do with utensil crocks and little kitchen organizers that get daily use.
Style option: A copper tin looks especially warm against stainless steel, but silver, cream, or vintage green tins can work beautifully if they match your kitchen better.
Family-kitchen tip: Keep one holder for the dish sponge and a second one on the other side of the sink for a bottle brush or small scrubber so cleanup feels a little less crowded at dinnertime.