Having to tackle the stack of dirty dishes and kitchenware at the side of the kitchen sink is probably one of the worst tasks in the house. Fortunately, the modest kitchen sponge makes this chore easier by removing baked-on food and detritus without hurting the surface of our plates or pans.
There are several sorts of kitchen sponges, and although many are multifunctional, others, such as those for cleaning grills and oven racks, might be more specialized. This article examines the kitchen sponge in depth, comparing various varieties and examining how they are made. We also look at what we can do to keep sponges clean and chose what we believe is the greatest kitchen sponge from a variety of sponges.
Best Selection
With its temperature-controlled softness and pleasant grip, the Scrub Daddy Flex Texture scrubber is our scratch-free top choice among kitchen sponges.
Budget Selection
The Nano Sponge is a higher-priced kitchen sponge that can be sterilized in the dishwasher or microwave.
Contents
- Quick Comparison: Top 10 Best Kitchen Sponge Picks
- 1. Scrub Daddy – Scratch Free Color Sponge with Flex Texture
- 2. Nano Sponge by Life Miracle
- 3. O-Cedar Scrunge Scrub Sponge
- 4. Peachy Clean Silicone Scrubber
- 5. Scotch-Brite Non-Scratch Scrub Sponges
- 6. Scotch-Brite Dobie Original All-Purpose Cleaning Pads
- 7. Lysol Multi-Purpose Scrub Sponge
- 8. Ultra Micro Fiber Miracle Sponge by Superior Performance Inc
- 9. Scotch-Brite Heavy Duty Scrub Sponges
- 10. Scotch-Brite Greener Clean Non-Scratch Scrub Sponge
- Things to Consider Before Buying a Kitchen Sponge
- Conclusion
- FAQs
- What dish sponges don’t hold bacteria?
- What is the best type of sponge to use?
- What is the best sponge to clean a non stick pan?
- What is better than a dish sponge?
- How do I keep my kitchen sponge bacteria free?
- Is microwaving a good way to rid your sponges of bacteria?
- What is America’s favorite sponge?
- What is the simplest sponge?
- What are the 4 types of sponge?
- What sponges don’t scratch dishes?
Quick Comparison: Top 10 Best Kitchen Sponge Picks
Product Name | Grade |
---|---|
Scrub Daddy – Scratch Free Color Sponge with Flex Texture | A+ |
Nano Sponge by Life Miracle | A |
O-Cedar Scrunge Scrub Sponge | B+ |
Peachy Clean Silicone Scrubber | A- |
Scotch-Brite Non-Scratch Scrub Sponges | A |
Scotch-Brite Dobie Original All-Purpose Cleaning Pads | A- |
Lysol Multi-Purpose Scrub Sponge | A |
Ultra Micro Fiber Miracle Sponge by Superior Performance Inc | B+ |
Scotch-Brite Heavy Duty Scrub Sponges | B |
Scotch-Brite Greener Clean Non-Scratch Scrub Sponge | A |
1. Scrub Daddy – Scratch Free Color Sponge with Flex Texture
Highlighted Features
- A set of three colored multipurpose sponges for color-coded cleaning.
- Ergonomically built to fit comfortably in the palm of your hand
- The sponge is harder in chilly water and softer in warm water because of the Flex Texture.
- One minute in the microwave will sterilize it.
- Scratch-free on over a dozen common home surfaces
The Scrub Daddy Flex Texture scrubber is designed to be handled easily in your hands and comes in a triple pack of various colors for easy color coded cleaning in the house. The Flex Texture is regulated by water temperature; while using a sponge in warm water, it becomes softer; when using a sponge in chilly water, it remains stiffer for rougher cleaning action. You may also dampen it and chill it before using.
These versatile sponges have been tested to guarantee they are scratch free on a variety of surfaces and are microwave safe for one minute for sanitization. Depending on how often they are used, they may disintegrate quicker than anticipated for the price, and when they do disintegrate, it is typically in water, making it more difficult to gather the debris.
Pros
- Design for ergonomics
- Heat resistant
- Multipurpose
- Free of blemishes
- Safe to use in the microwave
Cons
- May dissolve more quickly than predicted
- It is more expensive than regular kitchen sponges.
- Disintegrates in dishwashing water
2. Nano Sponge by Life Miracle
Highlighted Features
- A 6 x 4 sponge having one side for cleaning and the other for absorbing, wiping, and polishing
- It is free of chemicals and is made from trademarked Nanolon fibers.
- Multifunctional and ideal for cleaning huge areas
- Can be sterilized in the microwave or dishwasher.
The Nano Sponge is made of Nanolon fibers and features one side for cleaning without scratching and the other for absorbing liquid, wiping away, and polishing. This sponge is chemical-free, and being a bigger 6 by 4 sponge, it is more suited for cleaning greater areas. It may be cleaned and sanitized in the dishwasher or microwave.
Since it is a bigger sponge, it is heavier when wet and may not be as effective for cleaning tiny things. It may also get damaged at the seams and begin to smell after a few weeks of usage.
Pros
- Free of chemicals
- Multipurpose
- bigger sponge
- both sides
- Dishwasher and microwave safe
Cons
- It may be too big to clean little objects.
- The seams may begin to unravel.
- After a few weeks of usage, the product may begin to smell.
3. O-Cedar Scrunge Scrub Sponge
Highlighted Features
- surface of the scouring pad Six sponges with a non-scratch scrubbing surface
- Includes Rinse-fresh technology to help keep smells at bay.
- Teflon-approved for use on Teflon-coated Dupont cookware
The O-Cedar Scrunge scrub sponge, which comes in a box of six, is an absorbent sponge with a scrubbing pad surface that will not scratch. Teflon has also approved the Scrunge for use on Dupont Teflon coated cookware. These sponges also incorporate Rinse-fresh technology to reduce the danger of smells forming, however some consumers have reported that they smell very rapidly after usage. This pack of sponges may also have a strong chemical odor upon opening, and since they are stiffer sponges, they may be more difficult to hold if you have tiny hands.
Pros
- Multipurpose
- both sides
- Teflon is recommended.
- Technology that reduces odors
Cons
- May smell pretty quickly after first using
- These might be difficult to hold since they are stiffer sponges, particularly if you have tiny hands.
- A strong chemical odor is possible.
4. Peachy Clean Silicone Scrubber
Highlighted Features
- Six pack of peach-scented silicone scrubbers made in the United States
- Adaptable to a range of uses
- They are mold and mildew resistant, and they also include antibacterial odor protection.
- Equipped with a three-month warranty against bacterial odor.
- Dishwasher sanitization is possible.
The Peachy Clean silicone scrubbers come in a three-pack and are mildew and mold resistant. These scrubbers are made in the United States and include antibacterial odor prevention as well as a peach aroma. The maker also guarantees that they will withstand bacterial odor for at least three months. They may be washed in the dishwasher, but you should avoid using bleach or other strong chemicals since they can limit their lifetime.
While they are versatile, silicone scrubbers are not as absorbent as other kinds of sponges, making them unsuitable for jobs such as washing off counters. You may need to use additional detergent as well. Some consumers believe they lack flexibility, which may make cleaning smaller or more delicate things more difficult.
Pros
- Silicone
- Protection against odors
- US-made
- fragranced with peach
- Dishwasher friendly
Cons
- Since it is not as absorbent as other varieties of sponges, it may not be ideal for all jobs.
- You may discover that you use extra detergent while using them.
- Traditional sponges are not as flexible as these sponges.
- Bleach cannot be used to clean it.
5. Scotch-Brite Non-Scratch Scrub Sponges
Highlighted Features
- Sponges with a harder scouring pad that will maintain the nonstick features of cookware
- Manufactured from cellulose that is renewable
- Dishwasher sanitization is possible.
The non-scratch scrub sponges from Scotch-Brite offer a scouring pad side for harsher cleaning and a sponge surface for softer washing and wiping. These sponges are constructed from cellulose, a sustainable substance, rather than foam, and will maintain the nonstick characteristics of cookware. They may also be used to sanitize dishwashers.
Several consumers have discovered that these sponges may fall apart or begin to break down after just a few uses, and they may also begin to smell shortly after you start using them.
Pros
- Non-scratch
- both sides
- Cellulose
- Ideal for nonstick surfaces
- Dishwasher friendly
Cons
- The surface of the scouring pad might separate from the sponge.
- It is possible that the product may begin to smell quickly after usage.
- Sponge may degrade extremely fast.
6. Scotch-Brite Dobie Original All-Purpose Cleaning Pads
Highlighted Features
- A three-pack of multi-purpose cleaning pads
- Engineered to be comfortable to hold
- Initially created in 1958
The first Scotch-Brite Dobie all-purpose cleaning pads were created in 1958. This three-pack of cleaning pads is lightweight and suited for a broad range of cleaning jobs. The manufacturer seems to have recently modified the design of these pads, and some consumers are less enthusiastic about the updated offering. They may also be damaged while washing goods like knives, and they, like any kitchen sponge, will degrade with usage and time.
Pros
- Multipurpose
- Design for ergonomics
- It was invented in 1958.
Cons
- While cleaning sharper things, it is easy to harm it.
- Some purchasers are dissatisfied with the improved design.
7. Lysol Multi-Purpose Scrub Sponge
Highlighted Features
- Four multifunctional scrubbers that may be used on a variety of surfaces.
- Have double the longevity of cellulose sponges.
- They will not crack with usage and will retain their form.
- Contain an antibacterial to inhibit the formation of mold, mildew, and germs.
The Lysol multi-purpose scrubber sponges, which have an antimicrobial treatment to suppress bacteria, mildew, or mold development, are safe on most surfaces, however you should try them first on an inconspicuous spot. This four-pack of sponges is also twice as durable than cellulose sponges, and it is meant to hold its form and not fracture with usage.
They are made of a different substance than other varieties of kitchen sponges, and not all purchasers like them. They may also not be as durable as standard cellulose or synthetic sponges.
Pros
- Multipurpose
- Durabler than cellulose
- Antimicrobial
- Will not crack with normal usage.
Cons
- You may not like the material things are made of.
- Not as durable as comparable kitchen sponges
- Certain surfaces may not be appropriate.
8. Ultra Micro Fiber Miracle Sponge by Superior Performance Inc
Highlighted Features
- Triple box of chemical-free multifunctional sponges
- Colorful sponges for color-coded cleaning
- Ideal for use in the washing machine and dryer
The all-purpose Superio Miracle Brand sponge is free of chemicals and may be used in the washing machine. It is also dryer friendly. This is a three-pack of various colored sponges for color-coded cleaning. Several consumers believe that these sponges are not as absorbent as other sponges and that they are a touch too thick and broad to comfortably handle in the hand. Since they lack the more abrasive surface sometimes required to remove baked-on food particles, they may not be as versatile as intended.
Pros
- Multipurpose
- Cleaning by color
- Free of chemicals
- Safe for washing machines
Cons
- It is possible that it is too huge for all duties.
- Do not have a very rough surface
- Not as absorbent as other sponge kinds
9. Scotch-Brite Heavy Duty Scrub Sponges
Highlighted Features
- 12 high strength scrub sponges in a pack
- The most popular sponge in the United States right now.
- Ideal for cleaning grills and oven racks, for example.
This 12 pack of Scotch-Brite heavy duty scrub sponges, currently the best-selling sponge in the United States, is ideal for heavy-duty activities like cleaning grills. These pads should not be used on plates, nonstick cookware, counter tops, or showers because they may scratch the surface.
There is considerable misunderstanding around these sponges since they come in both rectangular and curved shapes, and many purchasers prefer the rectangular product over the curved, which is what they got when buying the rectangular product. They may also be too short for various jobs since they are just around 4 inches long.
Pros
- Very robust
- The best-selling sponge
- Good for cleaning grills
Cons
- Many cooking and domestic activities are too demanding.
- It is possible to request rectangular shapes and obtain curved shapes instead.
- Since it is just 4 long, it may not be big enough for various tasks.
10. Scotch-Brite Greener Clean Non-Scratch Scrub Sponge
Highlighted Features
- 12 pack of sponges composed entirely of plant-based fibers
- The scrubbing pad is 50% agave plant, and the sponge is 23% recycled paper.
- Multifunctional for lighter chores like dishwashing and bathroom cleaning
- Dishwasher sanitization is possible.
Scotch-Brite Greener Clean non-scratch scrub sponge is comprised entirely of plant fibers. The sponge features a scrubbing surface composed of 50% agave plant and is constructed of 23% recycled paper. These sponges are appropriate for general cleaning duties such as dishwashing and bathroom cleaning, but they are not strong enough to clean oven racks or grills. Dishwasher sanitization is an option for these sponges.
A lot of consumers have expressed dissatisfaction with the fact that this 12 pack of sponges is individually wrapped in non-recyclable plastic and that the maker has not disclosed what additional natural elements are in these sponges.
Pros
- Plant-based only
- Multipurpose
- both sides
- Non-scratch
- Dishwasher friendly
Cons
- Individually packed in non-recyclable plastic, the sponges
- The company does not publish a complete ingredient list.
Things to Consider Before Buying a Kitchen Sponge
In the kitchen, we often use kitchen sponges to remove baked-on food from cookware, plates, and utensils, as well as to wipe clean counters. Kitchen sponges may also be used for a variety of other household activities, such as cleaning showers and bathroom tiles. They may also be used in the garden to clean the grill and spring clean the outdoor furniture.
They may also be used for crafts with children or to absorb smells by putting some bicarbonate of soda to a moist sponge and storing it in the refrigerator.
Sponges may also find new life at the bottom of your plant pots, where they can absorb excess fluids and keep roots from becoming waterlogged. You may even cultivate seeds on a moist sponge by placing it on a plate and covering it with a glass bowl and leaving it on a bright windowsill.
What to Look for When Selecting A Kitchen Sponge
Absorbent kitchen sponges can contain lots of soapy water during dishwashing and may be used as a sponge to soak up any extra liquid before wiping the remains of a spill away when dry.
A sponge should be simple to grip in the hand and should not need too much physical effort to remove particles when used. Certain sponges may also be ideal for cutting in half. This not only reduces the expense of frequent replacement, but a half sponge may also be better for cleaning smaller and more delicate things.
Certain sponges are too abrasive to be used on all home surfaces and may produce scratches. Manufacturers frequently give recommendations as to which jobs or surfaces the sponge is most suited for, so following this when purchasing a sponge might be beneficial. Similarly, a soft kitchen sponge will be ineffective while cleaning the oven racks.
The All-Purpose Sponge
Several all-purpose sponges are constructed of regenerated wood pulp and cotton (cellulose), which decompose in landfills. Sponges may also be composed of synthetic polymers such as polyurethane, and these all-purpose sponges are often affordable to purchase on a regular basis.
All-purpose sponges are often smaller, yet perfectly proportioned to accommodate the hand, making them simple to use. These sponges are incredibly porous, allowing them to absorb liquid readily; however, they may also trap detritus, such as pieces of food, which leads to bacterial build-up in the sponge.
Since they are often available in a variety of colors, it is simple to color code sponges to jobs, such as pink for dishwashing and blue for restrooms.
Some sponges are two-sided and include an abrasive pad. This makes difficult cleaning jobs simpler, but the abrasive side may cause aesthetic harm if used on surfaces like nonstick cookware, fine china, or glassware. Several manufacturers provide varied abrasive levels, which may be color coded by the manufacturer, thus it is always worth verifying how abrasive a sponge is before purchasing.
3M first patented the two-sided, or bi-functional, kitchen sponge as a vehicle cleaning sponge. The abrasive side was used to remove bugs from the automobile’s exterior, while the softer side was used to wash the car.
Pop-up sponges made of cellulose are also available. They are vacuum sealed, and when opened and placed in water, they expand into a conventional cellulose sponge. While they are more expensive than other kinds of cellulose sponges, they are often devoid of additives such as biocides or soap.
How Cellulose Sponges Are Made
To make cellulose fiber sheets soft and malleable, they are soaked in chemicals. The sheets are then combined with hemp fiber, color, and sodium sulfate crystals in a mixer. The mixer spins until they are well combined.
The mixture is then poured into a mold with holes on the bottom and heated. The heating causes the sodium sulfate crystals to settle to the bottom, where they may drain through the perforations. The melting of the sodium sulfate in the mixture is responsible for the holes or pores in the sponge, and the bigger the crystals utilized, the greater the holes.
After the mixture cools, it solidifies and is placed in a bleach vat to remove impurities and grime while also brightening the colors. After that, the sponge is washed. The more it is washed, the more its texture changes. After that, the sponge is allowed to dry.
The final sponge will next be cut and packed at this factory or sold as sheets to a converter firm, which will cut the sheets into sponges based on the customer’s specifications. In any case, the sponges are cut using an automated cutter, and if an abrasive or scouring pad has to be attached, this is done after the cutting via a process known as laminating. To adhere the pad to the sponge, a special sponge adhesive is used.
After that, the sponges are packed and distributed. Producing cellulose sponges produces no toxic byproducts and produces very little waste since any off-cuts of sponge are typically ground up and put to the mixer for the next batch of sponge.
Other Types of Kitchen Sponge
Since it is soft, a microfiber sponge is perfect for all surfaces; yet, its softness prevents it from being beneficial when attempting to remove baked-on meals. Microfiber also dries rapidly after usage, which helps to limit the amount of germs on it.
A natural sponge, sometimes known as a sea sponge, develops on the ocean bottom and is great for chores such as cleaning vehicles and windows due to its softness. They are less effective in the kitchen since they are too soft to remove all particles.
Natural sponge might be more difficult to acquire and more expensive to purchase. They may last far longer than other kinds of kitchen sponges since they do not retain waste or food particles. Natural sponges have certain environmental issues since they are over-harvested, which has a substantial effect on other marine animals that rely on sea sponges.
Rubber sponges are used dry and are suitable for surfaces that cannot be allowed to become too wet, such as cloth furniture. They may also be used to remove soot off surfaces. When you open a rubber sponge, it is normally somewhat moist and soap-coated. As the end of the sponge becomes filthy, cut it off and start anew with the rest of the sponge. To keep this sort of sponge wet, place it in a plastic bag.
Sponge Hygiene
After using a sponge, it should be carefully wrung out and allowed to dry completely. Preferably, it should be kept on a dishrack to dry quicker, or you can purchase a sponge holder to keep the sponge upright and enable air to flow around it while it dries. You may also run it through a warm dry cycle in the dishwasher, and if you use a sponge every day, you should aim to discard it after one to two weeks.
You don’t have to toss it away; instead, run it through the washing machine on a hot cycle with bleach to kill some of the germs, then clip one corner off to identify it and use it to clean trash and recycling cans, wipe down walls, and perform a variety of other odd chores around the house.
While preparing raw meat, avoid using a kitchen sponge and instead use paper towels that can be discarded after you’re done. You may also use paper towels soaked in an appropriate sanitizer or even bleach wipes to clean the surface after preparing meat or any other meal, as this will help avoid bacterial cross-contamination from the sponge.
There has been considerable discussion over the proper approach to sterilize kitchen sponges in order to keep bacteria levels low. Microwaving a sponge in a bowl of water (one minute for abrasive pads and two minutes for cellulose sponges) was thought to kill most of the bacteria, but some research has shown that only some of the bacteria are killed, despite the fact that microwaving can reduce the number of bacteria in the sponge by a million-fold.
In 2017, some studies found that kitchen sponges had a wider variety of germs than previously considered. The sponges utilized in the research came from homes that changed them on a weekly or monthly basis. Moraxella osloensis, a bacteria found on sponges, may be responsible for the odor, since this bacterium has also been linked to shower stall curtains, laundry hampers, and changing rooms! The researchers also proposed that kitchen sponges, for example, be changed on a weekly basis.
If you wish to sterilize a sponge in the microwave, you should always keep close to it since there is a very little possibility of the sponge catching fire if left on for too long!
It is also worth mentioning that there are five main kinds of bacteria that cause over 90% of food-borne disease hospitalizations, and finding these germs in kitchen sponges may be difficult. Nevertheless, if a sponge begins to smell, it should be changed immediately since the odor indicates that the bacteria in the sponge are rapidly proliferating.
In addition to microwaving or washing a sponge in the dishwasher, you may soak it in a solution of one part household bleach to one part water for 30 seconds or so. If you create a jug of this bleach solution and keep it someplace secure, you’ll always have fresh solution on hand.
A solution of half a cup white vinegar in one cup hot water with three teaspoons salt may also be used to clean a sponge, albeit it may not remove as much germs as bleaching. The sponge should be put in a vinegar solution overnight before being carefully cleaned and pressed to remove the excess solution.
Although some may disagree, kitchen sponges are no less hygienic than brushes or cloths in the kitchen. Both must be wrung out and allowed to air dry after each use, and while sponges and brushes should be sanitized and replaced on a regular basis, cloths must be washed in a hot cycle with whites or soaked in bleach before re-using.
Conclusion
In this post, we looked at how the kitchen sponge arose, how it is created, and some of the benefits and drawbacks of the many varieties. Kitchen sponges, on the other hand, are prone to becoming breeding grounds for germs, mold, and mildew, so always dry them well, sterilize them periodically, and be prepared to replace them on a regular basis.
We hope you liked our post on what makes a kitchen sponge the best kitchen sponge and found our reviews useful, whether you only need a dishwashing sponge to clean that pile of filthy pots or one that can do some of those heavy duty duties around the house.
FAQs
What dish sponges don’t hold bacteria?
Sponges in the Skura Style (8 pack)
The sponge is made of proprietary polyurethane foam (rather than cellulose like traditional scrubbing pads) and contains an antimicrobial chemical that inhibits the formation of odor-causing bacteria, mildew, and mold.
What is the best type of sponge to use?
There are several sponge kinds to pick from, but cellulose and microfiber sponges are now the most popular. Cellulose sponges are often more environmentally friendly than other materials since they are created from plant-based fibers.
What is the best sponge to clean a non stick pan?
Avoid using an abrasive sponge to clean nonstick pots and pans. You will almost certainly scratch and destroy their Teflon covering. A nonabrasive sponge, such as the O-Cedar Scrunge, is your best option.
What is better than a dish sponge?
Cleaning dishes using dish brushes is a more sanitary solution. No harmful bacteria (those that cause illness) were discovered in the brushes or sponges. Nonetheless, used brushes had lower total bacteria levels than sponges.
How do I keep my kitchen sponge bacteria free?
Damp sponges may be microwaved for one minute or placed in the dishwasher on the drying cycle. According to the UDSA, this destroys over 99% of bacteria, yeasts, and molds. Many of us keep sponges until they get soiled or stink. Some people even wait until sponges break apart before discarding them.
Is microwaving a good way to rid your sponges of bacteria?
Bacteria may be killed by microwaving a sponge. According to a 2007 research by the Agricultural Research Service, which is part of the United States Department of Agriculture, microwaving a sponge eliminated 99.9 percent of germs – slightly more successful than putting a sponge in the dishwasher.
What is America’s favorite sponge?
America’s Favorite Sponge, Scrub Daddy.
What is the simplest sponge?
The ‘Olynthus’ sponge is the most basic form of sponge known.
It has the most basic canal system (ascon).
It is a transient stage in the life cycle of all calcareous syconoid sponges.
What are the 4 types of sponge?
The phylum Porifera, which contains roughly 8,550 live sponge species, is divided into four separate classes: Demospongiae (the most diverse, accounting for 90 percent of all living sponges), Hexactinellida (rare glass sponges), Calcarea (calcareous sponges), and Homoscleromorpha…
What sponges don’t scratch dishes?
Scotch-Brite Non-Scratch Scrub Sponges are ideal for removing ordinary messes off nonstick cookware, countertops, and other surfaces. Featuring 100% recycled scrubbing fibers, these long-lasting scrub sponges handle common cleaning duties around the house without scratching.