Eva Mendes Opens Up About Her ‘Meditative’ Cleaning Routine at Home: ‘The Family Pitches In’ (Exclusive)

The ‘Hitch’ actress told PEOPLE that doing the dishes is her “domain” while speaking about her new sponge collection with Skura Style

<p>Tim Hunter / Newspix/Getty</p> Eva Mendes in Nov. 2022

Tim Hunter / Newspix/Getty

Eva Mendes in Nov. 2022

Eva Mendes is keeping her home squeaky clean thanks to her favorite sponges.

With her new collection for Skura Style launching on April 29, the Girl in Progress actress, 50, tells PEOPLE exclusively that keeping her house clean and tidy is a must.

While she notes her family members take on their fair share of household chores — Mendes shares daughters Esmeralda Amada, 9, and Amada Lee, 7, with partner Ryan Gosling — she adds that keeping the kitchen sink spotless is her strong suit.

“For me a clean sink equals clear mind. And I find doing the dishes meditative. It is a time to think and relax,” she tells PEOPLE. As for the remaining chores, she says, “The rest of my family pitches in; however the dishes are really my domain — my happy place.”

Related: Eva Mendes Says She Loves Cleaning But Leaves Cooking to Partner Ryan Gosling: 'He's an Incredible Cook!'

<p>Dave Allocca/Starpix/Shutterstock</p> Eva Mendes and Ryan Gosling at 'The Place Beyond the Pines' film premiere on March 28, 2013 in New York City.

Dave Allocca/Starpix/Shutterstock

Eva Mendes and Ryan Gosling at 'The Place Beyond the Pines' film premiere on March 28, 2013 in New York City.

The new launch reimagines two classic products from the woman-founded lifestyle brand, including the Skrubby Sponges and the Very Skrubby.

Mendes explains that she was especially inspired by her Cuban heritage to create “a new color palette and a playful addition to the iconic monogram” for the refreshed design of the antimicrobial sponges.

“It reflects the things in life that inspire me – family, architecture, art, music, fashion — and the colors of my Cuban heritage,” says the actress. “The beautiful pastel palette of denim, blush and teal reflect the iconic colors of Cuban architecture and landscapes. The patterns I develop are very fashion driven.”

Related: Eva Mendes Praises Ryan Gosling's SNL Sketch About Having Cuban Wife: 'Made This Cuban Mama So Happy' 

<p>Skura Style </p> Eva Mendes poses with the products in her new Skura Style collection

Skura Style

Eva Mendes poses with the products in her new Skura Style collection

Mendes first fell in love with Skura Style products during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the sponges quickly became a staple in her cleaning routine. She later joined co-founders Linda Sawyer and Alison Matz who welcomed her as co-owner of the company in March 2022.

The Hitch star recalls: “Sponges have always been a staple in my household as far back as I can remember.  But it was that dissatisfaction with traditional sponges, that became so much worse during the pandemic, that led me to discover Skura Style. I eventually went from obsessed customer to co-owner.”

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<p>Skura Style </p> The sponges' new designed is inspired by Mendes' Cuban heritage

Skura Style

The sponges' new designed is inspired by Mendes' Cuban heritage

Both Sawyer and Matz tell PEOPLE that Mendes has been “very hands on in all aspects of the business.”.

The group of three agrees that they work together so well because they’re all “highly collaborative and share a passion for beautiful design and high function.”

They continue, “Our creative energy, like-mindedness and simpatico in design sensibility made this collaboration journey joyful.”

For more on Mendes’ collection and to purchase the new products (starting at $6), visit target.com.

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