For this 2023 update, we added three new products to the top eight kitchen cleaning sponges we previously tested. Hands down, the Scrub Daddy – Flex-Texture Scrubber is is still the best sponge for scrubbing ability, versatility, ergonomics, rinsability, absorbency, longevity, and scratch-free cleaning. Scrub Daddy also ranked highest in drying time and doesn’t hold onto food articles or build up odors (it’s also dishwasher safe), making it the most hygienic of the sponges we tested. For extreme jobs, we can still recommend the Scotch-Brite – Heavy Duty as a top-notch performer. Table of contents The thing about microwaving is that it must be soaking wet and microwaved on high long enough to boil the water within the sponge. Usually, that's two minutes,” Berry says. “Boiling breaks up the proteins and other compounds that make up the bacteria, so it dies. That's enough to kill 99 percent of the bacteria in most kitchen sponges, but over time that other 1 percent can build up, which is why it's important to stop using sponges for cleaning at the end of their lifespan.”

If storage is tight then consider getting a mop with a loop on the handle so you can hang it up on a hook or peg. Some companies will sell specific wall fittings for this which can really help keep your home organized. The material that makes up microfibre is ultra-absorbent and creates a static pull that clings onto dust and debris, effectively sweeping into every corner and not leaving small piles of dirt behind. We’re a big fan of the Scotch-Brite Heavy Duty sponge, so for this 2023 update, we tested the Scotch-Brite Stay Fresh sponge, but were disappointed by its results. The sponge is made from wood-fiber cellulose with vegetable, cotton, or hemp fibers to keep it from falling apart. Basically, it’s like any sponge except that it’s been treated with some antibacterial agent (Scotch-Brite doesn’t say what it is) to prevent bad smells. The Stay Fresh is noteworthy for its wafer-thin scrubber with circular patterns of blue dots that are non-scratch and supposed to aid with food removal. As other users have complained, however, food gets trapped between the dots, and so, in effect, you need to scrape the dots clean after every use. Scotch-Brite – Dobie Cleaning PadA standard sponge used daily for dishes should last for two weeks. However, sponges you use for household chores can last up to a month. “Natural sponges will deteriorate faster by nature compared to their synthetic counterparts,” says Durda. “Regardless, always be sure to thoroughly rinse and dry your sponge after each use to help extend its lifespan.” Microfiber and silicone sponges can last much longer thanks to their washable, durable make. For the ecologically minded, the Zen Living Plant-Based Multipurpose Sponge is a good alternative to the more common artificially made sponges. The sponge size is made from natural wood fiber cellulose, and the scouring side is made from coconut husk fibers, which were quite effective in removing egg and cheese without it clinging to the sponge. When you closely examine the scouring side, you can clearly see the coconut-husk fibers distributed through several layers. Scrub Daddy is our choice for best sponge due to its versatility, scrubbing power and hygienic properties.

It also has some very creative uses that you wouldn’t expect with a traditional sponge; for instance, you can use it as a loofah in the shower or remove paint from your fingernails and hands. Unlike synthetic sponges (often made from polyurethane foam) or even cellulose sponges (which can have a polyester filling and/or nylon scrubbing pads), The Natural Sea Sponge is 100-percent biodegradable, free from toxins and hypo-allergenic. The softness, incredible absorbency, and pliability make it a great choice for washing floors, upholstery, windows, and cars. This sponge is especially popular for cars because it won’t scratch the metal. It held a cup of water in our test and made a fine lather with liquid soap. During our research, we found that consumers are concerned about sponge abrasiveness. We wanted to make sure that our sponge finalists wouldn’t dull the surface while removing debris. When deciding which sponges made the cut, it was important for us to consider which surfaces, if any, can be scratched. Some of the surfaces we studied were: We appreciated the dense, super-absorbent sponge that feels nice in the hand and allows you to create a soapy lather on your dishes. Since it soaks up almost half a cup of liquid, this is the sponge to grab if you spill a glass of water.The O-Cedar – Multi-Use Scrunge Scrub Sponge is a dense cellulose sponge with an abrasive side in the form of a three-dimensional scrubber. Thanks to a unique rippled surface that breaks up and lifts away dirt, it takes one-tenth the amount of elbow grease to remove debris than other sponges.

We appreciated how little effort it took to get through a load of dishes with the dual scrubbing sides and ability to clean utensils. In the bathroom, we scrubbed with cold water, letting the firm texture take off the soap scum easily.We found that the Scrub Daddy was the most versatile, able to wash dishes, remove soap scum from a bathtub and scour the insects off of a tire wheel and car exterior without scratching the paint. To find the best material for your sponge, first determine how you plan to use it. For a versatile everyday sponge that you can use for dishes and household cleaning alike, James Durda, the co-founder of Therapy Clean, recommends cellulose sponges. “Cellulose is the most common sponge you’ll find in stores,” he says. “Generally these are made from wood pulp that is manufactured into an absorbent material.” Antibacterial sponges are ideal for those who want a sponge that does not absorb smell and bacteria. However, Katie Berry, the author of 30 Days to a Clean and Organized House, advises that the term antibacterial can be a misleading marketing claim. “An antibacterial sponge just means that they’re manufactured from hydrophilic engineered foam,” she says.