Cleaning is never the most glamorous job, but it's one that has to be done. The humble sponge is a basic bit of kit that's versatility comes in very handy, making it a real essential for washing dishes and cleaning bathrooms alike.
Sponges might be small, but there is big competition out there thanks to the huge array of options. Some double up as scourers or offer antibacterial, germ-free cleaning, and others have handles to make scrubbing showers a breeze. Others are even eco-friendly and completely biodegradable! We've reviewed the best options and picked our 10 favourites from Amazon, Asda and more.
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Table of Contents
Most sponges are made from plastics like polyester, and even if the material isn't stated you can probably assume this is what it is. These are cost-effective, hard-wearing and normally come in fun bright colours. The downside to this material is that is made from plastic. This means that they do not biodegrade and, with sponges having such a short lifespan, you will be generating quite a lot of non-recyclable waste.
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Microfibre is also not a biodegradable material, but its incredible capacity for absorbing liquids whilst not losing any of its structural integrity means these sponges will last. This makes these sponges a slightly more sustainable option than polyester. Microfibre, when used dry, is also great for buffing away smudges and ensuring a streak-free clean on shiny surfaces like mirrors, stainless steel hobs or glass surfaces.
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If you are serious about going for an environmentally-friendly option, look for materials like cellulose and sisal. Similar to those used for bathroom bodycare products like sponges and loofahs, these natural materials are derived from plants, so once they've served their purpose as a sponge, they will biodegrade.
Some surfaces require a gentle touch when cleaning. Non-stick pans, for example, do not fare well when scrubbed within an inch of their lives. What is needed for these is a soft sponge, one that doesn't erode any coating.
There are other surfaces, though, that do need a good scrub once in a while. This is when it can be useful to have a sponge that has two or more texture options, with a different texture often appearing on each side. Popular designs include having a side for scrubbing or scouring which is made from a tougher fabric to get to the nitty-gritty.
Textures do have a large part to play in which sponges can be used on which surface, but they are not the only thing to think about. Some sponges are better suited to the kitchen, or perhaps specifically washing up. Others might work wonders in the bathroom, but fare less well when used on dirty dishes.
This being said, plenty of of sponges are what are known as multi-surface sponges, which pretty much do what they say on the tin. These sponges can go from scrubbing pots and pans to bathrooms with no issue, although do take hygiene into consideration if you are moving a sponge between the two.
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£4.99
E-Cloth have made a name for themselves in many different areas of household cleaning thanks to their clever cloths that do not require any chemical products to effectively remove dirt. This makes them better for the planet and helps you to save money in the long run.
These sponges are very sustainable thanks to their reusability – there will be no need to throw these out after just one or two uses. There is no limit to where these sponges can be used, making cleaning simpler.
£8.99
These may look like your average sponges and scourers, like ones you would find in kitchens everywhere, but in fact, they're a little different. These sponges are an eco-friendly option that, once thrown out, will biodegrade since they're made from natural fibres.
But like other sponges, these have two sides, one for scrubbing and one for softer surfaces. They come in packs of six and, being packed in cardboard, everything down to the packaging of this product is recyclable.
£1.50
You wouldn't think it when looking at these sponges, but because they are made of plant cellulose, they are fully biodegradable! And this is just the start. These big sponges are extra thick to help absorb more than most sponges can.
Another upside is that they come as a pack of two for a bargain price, or you can bulk-buy them as a lot of 12 for an even better deal. They can be used on a range of surfaces around the house and their spongey texture means they won't scratch any soft surfaces.
£10.99
With their two-sided, ergonomic design, these sponges will be the answer to your cleaning needs. They have antibacterial properties built-in, allowing you to achieve the next level of clean. The six sponges will keep your supplies up for a while.
The scourer side uses microfibre technology to make these sponges non-abrasive, meaning you can even use them on non-stick pots and pans. If they need freshening up, just stick them in the washing machine and they'll be as good as new.
£6.99
Most of the sponges on this list require you to hold the actual sponge in your hand which can lead to knocked knuckles and an uncomfortable grip. This sponge solves all of those worries by adding a handle which makes it easy to hold in place with no worries about it slipping away.
In addition to the handle, you'll find the sponge which is slightly coarse and more on the scrubbing side. The polyester fibres work soap up into a thick lather, allowing you to get through the toughest marks.
£3.99
If you are looking for a sponge that is simple to use, you can't do much better than this option from the well-known cleaning brand Flash. These magic sponges don't require any detergent to enhance their cleaning abilities, just wetting them slightly will be enough for that.
The main drawback of these sponges is that they don't have varying textures, so if you need to give something a really deep clean – which might well be the case in the bathroom – this will be harder to achieve.
£8.50
This pack of six sponges has a cleaning texture for every occasion. Half of the pack is softer and good for more sensitive surfaces, whilst the other half is great for items that need a more intensive clean. The curved design makes for easy handling.
These sponges aren't as thick or as durable as some options, and given that there not biodegradable, the fact that you might get through them very quickly is not great for the environment.
£5.99
Both sides of these dual-action sponges serve an important purpose. The softer microfibre side is good for more delicate surfaces like non-stick pans, but the scourer side is sure to provide a good scrub when it's necessary.
The sponges come as a pack of four, but they are not made from an eco-friendly material. They also require soap and washing liquid to work, and some people might want to avoid chemicals.
£2.45
With everyone super vigilant about keeping germs out at the moment, this sponge's antibacterial properties are a big advantage. In order to achieve this, it has been treated with antibacterial protection which stops anything nasty from sticking around for too long.
You only get one pad in this pack and it is not the thickest or most absorbent sponge out there, so for proper wiping abilities, this sponge perhaps isn't the best choice.
£10.50
This product is a rare example of a sponge that is not designed to be wet or to absorb water. It instead is very good at taking stains and dirt off surfaces that should be kept dry like lampshades, upholstery and even wallpaper.
This sponge's uses are quite limited and it doesn't have multiple textures that would make it more suitable for different areas around the house. Plus, it is also only sold as a single pack and at a high price.
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