The Best Cleaning Sponges

Buying Guide for Sponges

Why buy cleaning sponges?

Almost every cleaning project needs a good sponge because they’re absorbent, durable, and reusable. Cleaning sponges have been a staple in households for many years. And new advances in cleaning are bringing plenty of earth-friendly, biodegradable products that you can feel good about using. They pack a lot of cleaning power at a low cost, too. Most sponges are reusable and washable, so they will last a long time as they scrub away messes that paper products and dishcloths simply can’t handle.

What should you consider when buying sponges?

• Material: Determine the best material for your intended use. There are modern silicone, classic polyester and cellulose, and all-natural coconut husk and wood pulp options. It will mostly come down to personal preference since all of these materials work pretty well.
• Abrasiveness: You’ll want a sponge that can effectively scrub your mess clean; however, it shouldn’t be so abrasive that it damages your pans, dishes, or table you use it on.
• Size: Decide which size is best for your intended use. You don’t want to use a tiny sponge on a huge mess or a huge sponge on a tiny mess. Sometimes, you can simply cut your sponges in half if you want mini ones for small messes or detailed cleaning.

How do you disinfect a sponge?

There are several ways to clean a sponge. Some have had success tossing it in the dishwasher for a hot cycle or even microwaving it for a couple of minutes. However, the best way to truly disinfect it is with a mixture of 1 part bleach and 10 parts water. Simply soak your sponge for a couple of minutes in the solution, then rinse clean and ring dry.

Our Picks for the Best Cleaning Sponges

Pros: These sponges work well when compared to other brands because they won’t scratch pots, pans, or delicate home materials. The curved shape looks attractive and is comfortable to use. And unlike some other brands, the scrubbing pad doesn’t separate from the softer sponge area over time. All in all, these are a great buy.

Cons: Once they’re used, these cleaning sponges shrink a bit.

Bottom Line: If you’re looking for quality sponges from a trusted brand, try these Scotch-Brite sponges. They’re made from 100% recycled materials, which you can feel good about. And you can get them in a variety of pack sizes to cover big jobs and small ones.

 

Pros: Just like the old dishcloth, these great cleaning sponges are machine washable and dryer safe. Because they’re washable, they can be used over and over again, outlasting other brands. And they’re super absorbent, which is great for cleaning up spills and saving you money on paper towels.

Cons: These sponges may not be the best option for scrubbing nonstick pans because they could scratch the delicate coating. Since these sponges are so absorbent, they might also absorb grease while cleaning ovens, stoves, or greasy pans.

Bottom Line: If you’re in the market for sponges that can clean the tough messes and be gentle when necessary, these are a great buy. They’re a great value because they last so long. They come in two different sizes to suit your needs.

 

Pros: These double-sides sponges are gentle on your delicate surfaces, even when using the scrubbing side. However, they’re also tough on grease and oil, making cleanup a breeze. With the two sides, it feels like you get double the sponges for a great price.

Cons: Unfortunately, the scrubbing side does come apart after a while.

Bottom Line: If you’re looking for a great pack of disposable sponges, these may be just right for you. They’re nice and absorbent, made for multi-purpose cleaning. While these aren’t made to be used with harsh cleansers, they clean up great with dish soap or mild all-purpose cleaner.

 

Pros: This sponge is great because it’s on a handle with a built-in soap dispenser. It’s designed not to waste your dish soap and automatically dispense the right amount into the soap as you wash your dishes. It’s easy to refill, and the sponge pads are easy to replace. The handle is also leak-free, eliminating a sticky, soapy mess.

Cons: You’ll need to put a little extra effort into wringing out the sponge head to get it completely dry.

Bottom Line: If you’re looking for a dish wand that outlasts its competitors and shines in terms of convenience, this is it. This sponge scrubber comes in three different styles: heavy-duty, non-scratch, and brush to suit your needs. Plus, the scrubbing sponges are affordable to replace, making this a long-lasting cleaning product for your home.

 

Pros: One of the best things about these sponges is the variety of fun colors they come in. Another great thing about these sponges is that they take up very little space under your sink. Also, you won’t have to feel bad about chucking these sponges when you’re finished with them because they’re 100% earth-friendly.

Cons: These sponges don’t last as long as others.

Bottom Line: Remember how fun shrinky dinks were? That’s how these sponges work too! You place them in water, and they expand right before your eyes. These are fun, functional sponges that come in various pack sizes.

Final Thoughts

Sponges are a staple cleaning supply in most households. If it’s time to buy some new ones, check out our top picks. When they arrive, grab your gloves and get to scrubbing!