If you’re anything like me, the idea of washing dishes is the worst part of cooking or baking and you dread the task every time it comes around. However, having a high-quality kitchen sponge can transform your experience into one that you may almost enjoy. If you’ve already been looking for this essential kitchen accessory you may have heard of Scrub Daddy or Scotch-Brite, two infamous brands you are bound to find in someone’s kitchen. But are they the best sponges for the job? Can they remove stubborn stains from your pans, and wipe down those precious surfaces without leaving a scratch behind? The best kitchen sponge will be one that is multipurpose, scratch-resistant, and long-lasting. We have reviewed 10 of the best kitchen sponges on the market to save you the elbow grease and make this search as easy as possible for you.
Scrub Daddy Colors Sponge Set
These Scrub Daddy sponges have been crafted from a textured foam material to keep your pans free from scratches while removing the tough stains from dirty dishes.
Best Pick
Scotch-Brite Non-Scratch Scrub Sponge
Our budget pick offers some excellent features, but one that stands out is its ability to wash the sponges in the dishwasher, a brilliantly low maintenance option for any household.
Budget Pick
1. Scrub Daddy Colors Sponge Set
These smiley-faced sponges are one that offers a joyful and colorful experience when cleaning any dish. Scrub Daddy’s sponge features a FlexTexture foam material that promises complete control over your scrubbing. Its technology means when you use cold water the sponge becomes firm and scrubbing is easier than ever. Alternatively, if warm water is used these kitchen sponges become soft for a scratch-free clean, which is perfect for more delicate areas of your home. These color-coded sponges have gone through testing in a lab to ensure it doesn’t hold odors for up to 8 weeks, and with fast drying time, these sponges are resistant to mold. The smiley face design isn’t just for looks, it has actually been ergonomically designed to provide a functional product; making it the ideal kitchen sink staple. With the eyes, you can easily slip your fingers in to make it easier to get to hard to reach places, such as the bottom on a glass, in addition, the mouth has been designed for utensils to slip in and makes wiping both sides easy as ever. Amazon reviewers have reported, although this is a very effective sponge, it only lasts for 1-2 weeks before it starts to deteriorate.
Pros:
- BPA-free
- Scratch-resistant
- Ergonomic
- Just add water
- Less absorption
Why we liked it:
We love that this set of sponges comes in three different colors to allow you to color-code your cleaning! From the bathroom, kitchen, to the car, you can keep everything spotless.
2. Jetz-Scrubz Scrubber Sponge
Jetz-Scrubz sponges bring you a dual-purpose option for your kitchen; it’s scratch resistant scrubber surface will make removing tough stains easy, while your non-stick cookware is protected from scratches. Made in the USA, these ergonomic sponges are reusable and resistant to wearing and tearing, making it last longer than the Scrub Daddy alternative, with users reporting it lasts between 2-3 months during testing. If you’re looking for a truly low maintenance sponge, you have options with the Jetz-Scrubz, as it can be put in the dishwasher, and will not stain or discolor!
Pros:
- Scratch-resistant
- Dishwasher safe
- Ergonomic
- Multipurpose
- Made in the USA
Why we liked it:
These sponges offer the customer a quick, easy tool to clean any of their dishes in no time, all thanks to its dual performance!
3. SimplyNonSlip Silicone Sponge and Scrubber
SimplyNonSlip is offering a pack of 6 cleaners, this includes 3 silicone kitchen sponges and 3 food scrapers. With robust bristles, your hard stuck-on food will come off with ease compared to cheaper alternatives. Thanks to this fantastic combination, it offers the best method for removing stubborn burnt foods and a low maintenance way to wipe all the mess and keep those dishes and pans hygienic and free from food particles. We love that this product has been made from silicone, as unlike traditional sponges it will not absorb water, meaning food won’t stick around causing bad smells or bacteria to grow. What’s more, this sponge can easily be put in the dishwasher for an easy clean and it will be ready to use again in no time. Watch the dirt wash away with this revolutionary product and a 100% satisfaction guarantee!
Pros:
- Silicone
- 100% satisfaction guarantee
- Includes 3 food scrapers!
- No bad smells!
- Dishwasher safe
Why we liked it:
We love that this sponge set comes with 3 food scrapers as it makes the cleaning process much simpler than using other alternatives.
4. Peachy Clean Silicone Scrubber (Qty 3)
The Peachy Clean Scrubber has been made from durable silicone and available in a pack of 3 cleaners. The first thing that users noticed with this product was the artificial peach smell, which some did find unpleasant, however, this is said to fade after a few uses. With this aside, Peachy has crafted a silicone scrubber that makes easy work of removing tough stains, thanks to its mildew resistance and anti-microbial odor protection, all made in the USA, this is a product that simply gets the job done. With some great features, the Peachy is a simplistic option if you need a quick fix for your kitchen duties, however, in comparison to our other excellent picks, this one does fall short as the customer has reported during testing.
Pros:
- Made in the USA
- Mildew resistant
- Anti-microbial odor protection
- Safe on your pots and pans
- Silicone
Why we liked it:
We like the simplicity of this product; the silicone material is safe on your pots and pans as it wipes away any mess you make during cooking or baking.
5. Scotch-Brite Non-Scratch Scrub Sponge
As we touched on Scrotch-Brite earlier, we thought it was only fitting to show you one of our top picks from the #1 brand for scrub sponges for cleaning. This non-scratch option makes simple work of cleaning hard food that has stuck to your pots and pans, with its effective scouring pad on one side you can scrub away any thicker residue, while the other side features an absorbent sponge that has a multitude of purposes, includes wiping away any leftover mess. Thanks to the durable material used on this sponge, you can put it in the dishwasher for a quick clean, and after it can be used on any cookware and surfaces, even in the shower! If you are looking for an all-purpose sponge this Scotch-Brite option makes a good argument for why you should be buying it.
Pros:
- Dishwasher safe
- Non-scratch
- Safe on your cookware
- Multipurpose
Why we liked it:
This sponge is a great idea if you need one product to do the job of two. Unlike the SimplyNonSlip set, this sponge has a scrubber and sponge all in one.
6. Skoy Scrub (2-Pack)
The Skoy Scrub has made a pack of 2 reusable and long-lasting sponges that have been made in Europe. Manufactured from a blend of cotton and a hardener that is non-toxic; this combination is known to have a longer lifespan than other traditional scrubbers, which can save you money in the long term as you won’t be replacing your scrubber every few weeks. Thanks to its ability to be washed in the dishwasher, these scrubbers are easy to clean and will be ready to use again in no time. You will be using this product on almost any surface in your home, so you won’t have to worry about purchasing another scrubber anytime soon. Thanks to it’s fun, attractive design, this heavy duty scrubber will look great in your home!
Pros:
- Reusable
- Attractive, fun design
- Easy to clean
- Safe on all your surfaces
- Dishwasher safe
Why we liked it:
This Skoy Scrub is a non-toxic option to add to your household essentials; it provides you with a safe and simple solution to kitchen maintenance.
7. Multi-Purpose Scrub Sponges for Kitchen by Scrub- it
Our next Amazon product is a pack of multipurpose cellulose sponges that can be used in your anywhere in your home or car and it won’t deteriorate quickly like other scrub alternatives. This all-purpose sponge can withstand the force of hard dried food on any pan, and won’t fall apart, it makes cleaning a dish look so simple! One side features an absorbent, soft sponge that can be used to wipe liquids and mess away easily, while the other side features a tough scouring pad to scrub off tough stains and burnt foods. With these two excellent sides, you can use this product without the stress of damaging your surfaces or non-stick pans as they are suitable for use on delicate areas and items such as glassware and windows. You may be surprised to know that these kitchen sponges have been made from premium quality wood pulp; the use of these natural products means it doesn’t hold onto bad odors as traditional alternatives do, and it is eco-friendly and 100% biodegradable.
Pros:
- 100% biodegradable
- Made from natural sources
- 100% money-back guarantee
- Better scrubbing performance
Why we liked it:
We love that this cellulose sponge has been made from natural wood pulp because its natural qualities enhance the scrubbing ability and can stand up against any foam alternative. The cellulose sponges are a natural way to clean the food particles of your dish!
8. STK Heavy Duty Silicone Scrubber Sponges (10 Pack)
The STK silicone sponge is a highly functional product and comes in a pack of 10, to ensure you never run out of sponges in your household. Silicone can be very beneficial thanks to its nonporous surface, meaning odors, liquids, and more cannot get trapped in the product and cause smells, and bacteria to grow or linger. It is important for any sponge to be able to dry out quickly so mold doesn’t grow, that’s why these sponges are great because the material is completely resistant to mold, mildew, and bacteria. If you don’t love the functionality of this product you are guaranteed to get your money back, so you don’t need to stress about trying this option.
Pros:
- 100% anti-microbial and odor resistant
- Less abrasive
- 100% money-back guarantee
- Odor-free
Why we liked it:
We love that these sponges are less abrasive than traditional fiber sponges as it will be gentle on your delicate surfaces, from non-stick cookware to glassware.
9. Scotch-Brite Greener Clean Natural Fiber Non-Scratch Scrub Sponge
Unsurprisingly, we have another Scotch-Brite option for you to consider in the form of a completely natural sponge, made from the natural agave plant and recycled paper. This non-scratch cleaner is ideal for cleaning any surface, dish, or cooking equipment in your home, from non-stick pans to expensive bowls and plates, and when you have finished cleaning you can put this reusable sponge in the dishwasher for a low maintenance addition to your cleaning equipment. While this natural fiber sponge is advertised to have 100% natural materials, some users have reported that there is some plastic in the sponge and it is even individually wrapped in plastic too! Making it almost pointless to buy this product. If you’re a customer looking to cut down on how much single-use plastic you buy, this sponge is not the best option for you.
Pros:
- Made from natural products
- Dishwasher-safe
- One abrasive scrubber side
- One soft sponge side
- Non-scratch
Why we liked it:
We liked that Scotch-Brite tried to make this a completely natural product with the use of recycled paper and agave plants.
10. Miracle Microfiber Kitchen Sponge by Scrub-It
Our final kitchen sponge recommendation is this microfiber option that is taking the market by storm with its unique design. This Miracle Kitchen Sponge has been constructed with an open mesh design and features over 100,000 fibers per square inch of the product, making it extremely durable and best on Teflon coatings which are found on non-stick pans. This sponge can easily cut through grease and reduces the amount of dishwashing needed in your home. Fantastic on all pots and pans, this scratch-free sponge is not only effective and functional but it can be machine washed after use to make it low maintenance and reusable. It is important to note that Amazon reviewers have reported that the sponges are much larger than they were expecting, which meant they weren’t comfortable to hold.
Pros:
- 100% satisfaction guarantee
- Machine washable
- Heavy duty
- Removes grease easily!
- Best for delicate surfaces
Why we liked it:
We love that this sponge stands out against the rest of the products on this list. This microfiber option is truly unique with its ability to be machine washed and its microfiber material.
Buyers Guide
As we have discussed, there is a huge variety of aspects that go into making the best kitchen sponge for your needs. These may include the material, the purpose of the sponge, and how long it lasts. In any home, you need a sponge that can withstand all the chaos of a busy, modern household, including removing all your baking burns and being able to clean up after any cooking fiasco. We have put together this easy to read guide for you to refer to every time you buy a kitchen sponge. We cover which sponges will suit your needs, which material is best, and how to asses the lifespan of a good quality sponge. In addition to these key points, we will also answer a few common questions.
Purpose
The purpose of your kitchen sponge is important to think about, this is because it may affect what type of sponge you buy. If you’ve already got a large collection of cleaning supplies, you may only require a replacement sponge or scrubber and may find it redundant and not practical to have one that does both, or comes with both products, like the SimplyNonSlip 6 pack. In this case, we suggest choosing a product that has been designed specifically for scrubbing away the hard dried food and tough stains, or a soft, gentle sponge that can easily clean any delicate dish.
In addition to this, you may have an expensive set of glassware, or non-stick pots and pans; in this case, you will need to be on the lookout for an extremely soft option that has been designed to care for these types of items and not cause scratches. If this sounds like you, and your dirty surfaces are susceptible to scratching them you will want to avoid abrasive cleaners such as plastic scrubbers – our microfiber option may be best for you in this instance.
On the other hand, you may have a busy household on your hands and just need to get the job done. We advise choosing a completely multipurpose sponge that can do the best of both. We have some great options on our list that feature a scrubber side and a soft, sponge side to meet all your kitchen requirements.
Material
The material of sponge can be a deal-breaker for many people looking to make the best, long-lasting purchase. In light of this, we have gone through the pros and cons of each material that you’re likely to find on the market.
Silicone – this material can offer a lot of benefits when it is used for sponges or scrubbers. With a soft-touch, silicone is completely scratch resistant, meaning it is the safest and best material to use on your non-stick, delicate cookware. In addition, thanks to its nonporous properties this material won’t become moldy because water and other food residues cannot seep into the product, therefore bacteria cannot develop; this prevents smells and pests.
Foam – these sponges are similar to your traditional sponges and they simply get the job done. If you need a simplistic sponge, choose foam as they will scrub away stains and wipe up the mess. However, we would avoid using these on coated products because the abrasive side may cause your products to scratch.
Microfibre – this is one of the softest materials on our list. With a microfiber sponge, you are guaranteed no scratches and a quick easy clean. It can be used on any delicate surface from the car, kitchen, or bathroom! While it is very soft, this may not be the best option for removing tough stains and dried food, meaning you may need an additional scrubber alongside this product.
Natural resources – natural products can be used to create a sustainable sponge. Materials such as wood pulp which is highly effective because their natural abilities make it better for scrubbing burnt areas. Using sustainable materials means you are lowering the amount of plastic you use, which can be highly beneficial to our environment.
Lifespan – often brands won’t specify how long each sponge lasts. Evidently, this can be frustrating as it affects the durability and functionality of the sponge. They may state in the product description that their product is ‘long-lasting’ but they may not give a specific time frame. Our top tip is to look through the reviewer’s comments, as they will often have something to say about when it started to deteriorate. This can give you an idea about how long each sponge is likely to last and which is best to get. Alternatively, if you are short on time we have made a comparison table below for you to compare these aspects.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How often should you change your kitchen sponge?
You should always make sure you clean your sponge and ensure it is free of food before leaving it for the next user. However, no matter how well you look after your kitchen sponges you will need to replace them every couple of weeks, or once per month for optimum cleanliness.
What can I use instead of a kitchen sponge?
If you are exhausted and bored of using a kitchen sponge, why not try an alternative. There are a few common ones you could try from, a dishcloth, dishes brush, or even a linen dishrag. Make sure you do your research before switching as there are pros and cons for each cleaner.
Are dishcloths better than sponges?
While there may be reasons to use a dishcloth instead of a sponge, they are no more hygienic than a sponge. This is because bacteria can thrive in any moist environment, meaning a cloth and a sponge are equally likely to have bacteria grow on them if they are left with food residues and liquid on them.
Are silicone sponges more sanitary?
As we have detailed above silicone is a nonporous material. This means liquids cannot penetrate the surface of this material and nothing will absorb. For this reason, silicon is the most sanitary material as the food residue cannot stay into the sponge to grow bacteria.
Did you know?
The ideal kitchen sponge will be resistant to scratches, bacteria, and odor, this will make it completely multipurpose and low maintenance.
Expert Tip
Read the comments written by reviewers as they will give you an honest account of the quality of each sponge.