Cleaning dishes is not a fun activity for most people, especially if you have the wrong material. It is, however, not that easy to choose the right sponge as there are so many options on e-commerce websites. Therefore, I show you top 15 best kitchen sponges in 2021.
Nearly everyone uses a kitchen sponge, and it certainly belongs to the standard cleaning equipment, which makes us not to think any more about it at the time of purchase. Nonetheless, cleaning can be much easier and faster with the right material.
Furthermore, should you have some allergies, you definitely need to know the material it is made of to avoid getting red or itchy on your skin.
By following my guide and recommendations, you can easily choose a kitchen sponge that fits your needs without spending hours on the webshops comparing the different benefits and disadvantages of the sponges.
Best Kitchen Sponge Brands On The Market
Scotch-Bride
The most popular, and the most sold band is Scotch-Brite. The brand is a line of 3M that specialized in kitchen cleaning tools. The company often develops new sponge models with specific designs or improved material for better durability.
Mr. Clean
Another well-known brand is Mr. Clean, which is especially popular for providing tools to remove very resistant stains, and dirt. This is one of the famous brands, that many people love a lot.
Mr. Siga
This brand is famous for its solid quality kitchen cleaning tools at an affordable price. It often features big size value packs. Therefore, it is so convenient for you if you want to clean plenty of kitchen cookware every day.
Scrub-it
If you care for the health and safety of your family, Scub-it will be an outstanding brand that you should purchase because this company is one of the brands on the market that produces the kitchen sponges without harmful chemicals.
Types Of Kitchen Sponges
There are many types of kitchen sponges, which can be distinguished by:
- Material: Sponges are often made from microfiber, fiber, foam, silicone, synthetic silk, wood pulp.
- Size: Many sponges have very similar size but some are larger for heavy-duty jobs.
- Dual Side: While some sponges have only one layer, others have a soft and a hard side. So you can use them for cleaning and scrubbing.
Which Are The Best Kitchen Sponges To Buy?
In this section, I show you the best sponges for a certain purpose or benefit. You can thus see quickly which one is best for your own, personal need and conveniently shop for it.
- Best Overall: Scotch-Brite Non-Scratch Scrub Kitchen Sponge
“Non-scratching; friendly to sensitive material; long-lasting; durable; great value for price balance; most preferred brand.” - Best Budget: Eco Non-Scratch Kitchen Sponge
“Affordable price; bulky package; Eco Non-scratch for dishes; stable structure, easy to deform; strong water absorption, rich foam, delicate, not hurt the surface.” - Best for Anti-Scent: Silicone Magical Kitchen Sponge
“Non-smelling due to silicone; quickly drying after usage; easy to remove food particles; heat resistant – you can boil it to sanitize.” - Best Innovative: Skura Antimicrobial Kitchen Sponge
“Smell resistant; non-stick surfaces and tough projects; highly absorbent; dry extremely quickly; keep shape long.” - Best Environment-Friendly: Scotch-Brite Greener Clean Kitchen Sponge
“Long-lasting and durable; non-stick, national value band; cleaning powder; absorbency.” - Best for Cleaning Floors: QEP Grouting Super Large Kitchen Sponge
“Professional heavy-duty sponge; premium density; high water holding capacity; good quality for value money, longevity.” - Best for Heavy Scrubbers: Scotch-Brite Heavy Duty Scrub Kitchen Sponge
“Tough heavy duty sponge; powerful scrubbing; safe on surfaces; from 100% recycled contain; durable; top selling brand.” - Best for Sensitive Hands: Multi-Purpose Scrub Kitchen Sponge
“Power, effortless cleaning; no harmful chemicals; best quality polyester, polyamide and polyurethane; anti-scent; easy to use and clean; sturdiness and durability.”
Kitchen Sponge Comparison Table 2021
Need a quick overview of the best kitchen sponges, their dimensions, color and material? All that and even more information is summarized for you in the table below so that you can conveniently compare all sponges and make your own decision on which one is best for you to buy.
My Reviews For The Best Kitchen Sponges in 2021
It’s time to step into the individual products to assess their advantage and disadvantages. Let’s jump right into the best kitchen sponges reviews, and find out which one is the best for your kitchen.
1. Scotch-Brite Non-Scratch Scrub Kitchen Sponge
(Best Overall)
Scotch-Brite Non Sratch Scrub Sponges are giving you a lot of cleaning power while protecting your cookware, countertops, and dishes from scratches.
The brand is very popular in the US and many consumers prefer cleaning products from this company. This product is made from 100 percent recycled material. Therefore you are supporting the environment when purchasing this item.
You can sanitize the sponges by putting them into the dishwasher. This allows you to reuse them multiple times instead of replacing them often. Thus, you can both save a lot of money and reduce waste.
Key Features:
- Made for everyday cleaning
- Safe to use on non-stick surfaces
- Scrubbing fibers made from 100% recycled content
Pros
- Sponge made out of cellulose which is the best material
- The best combination of soft sponge and rough scrubbing layer
- Very long-lasting and durable sponges
- Don’t get spoiled as soon as other sponges
Cons
- The confusing label about the number of sponges packed inside
- Sponges may leak blue color that remains on white surfaces
- Sponges lose the cleaning liquid easily
Product Specification:
| Dimensions | 4.5 x 9 x 2.8 inches |
| Weight | 7.4 ounces |
| Manufacturer | Scotch Brite |
| Number of layers | 2 |
| Number of pieces | 9 |
2. Eco Non-Scratch Kitchen Sponge
(Best Budget)
This is the best purchase if you are looking for a budget-friendly kitchen sponge. The honeycomb microfiber structure makes the sponge quite durable and a very good cleaning tool for a low price. The sponge is shaped with a curve inside, so you can have a good grip.
It is sold in bulk to provide you with plenty of sponges, ideal if you live in a large family or you want to use that for your entire home. The sponges can withstand some pressure and will keep the original form for quite some time.
Key Features:
- Use of microfiber
- Curved inside to be comfortable in the hand
- Big-size 24 bundle
- Stable structure
- Not easy to deform
- Dip glue and a double cleaning cloth
Pros
- Handy in the hand
- Great value for money
- Long-lasting quality
- Sponges can fluff back up to normal size
- It does not tear off easily and is gentle on the hands
- Do not scratch, wipe up ok, easy to squeeze out the water
Cons
- Sponges are not equal in size, some smaller than others
- The spongy side is durable, but the scrubby side wears off quickly
- Simple packaging that can easily be destroyed during shipment
Product Specification:
| Dimensions | 3.9 x 3.2 x 1.2 inches |
| Weight | 5.6 ounces |
| Manufacturer | Treenewbid |
| Number of layers | 2 |
| Number of pieces | 24 |
3. Silicone Magical Kitchen Sponge
(Best for Anti-Scent)
Unlike most other sponges, this one is made exclusively from silicone. This material is able to cope with the heat of up to 500-degree F, which means that they are possible to boil.
Thanks to the material they are very flexible and you can reach into small corners of boxes, glasses, cups, pans and pots, ensuring a deep clean.
In addition to that, you can also scrub the peel of vegetables, for example when you need to clean sandy fruit. The design helps this sponge to easily dry in the air and does not get moldy.
Key Features:
- BPA free silicone
- Heat resistant to up to 500°F
- Easy to dry after use
- No unfavorable scent
- Highly absorbent
Pros
- Soft and comfortable in the hand
- Silicone does not leave scratches on the dishes
- Can also be used to wash fruits and vegetables
- Not leave any scratch on non-stick pot/pan
- Not soak or keep water like other scrubbers
- Great quality and price balance
Cons
- Quite pricey compared to other sponges
- Some of the bristles bent if you scrub too heavy
- Oily residuals are not cleaned well
Product Specification:
| Dimensions | 5.5″ x 3.1″ x 0.7″ |
| Weight | 4.8 ounces |
| Manufacturer | Geloo |
| Number of layers | 1 |
| Number of pieces | 3 |
4. Skura Antimicrobial Kitchen Sponge
(Best Innovative)
The Skura sponge is one of the sponges that have the ability to prevent the development of bacterial, mold and mildew. Therefore, this product can reduce bad smell during cleaning scrubbing.
This product is designed by Scandinavian kitchen style, retaining four different colors such as blue, orange, grey and green in the package.
In addition, it comes with a monogram that will slowly fade out over time, and indicate you when it is necessary to replace the sponge.
This sponge will be a safe cleaning solution for washing dishes, even you can use it for cleaning for your bathroom. Furthermore, this gentle item is harmless on the ceramics, and non-stick surfaces and tough projects.
Key Features:
- Antibacterial & Antimicrobial reduces the production of inconvenient smell
- Four colors to differentiate sponges for certain areas
- Scandinavian inspired design
- Material: polyurethane foam base
Pros
- Monogram that will fade and indicate when the sponge should be replaced
- Non-abrasive, safe on ceramics and non-stick surfaces such as pans
- Produced in the USA, not in China
- The foam dries quickly; bacteria cannot develop quickly
Cons
- The company suggests only a short lifespan for their sponges (1-2 weeks)
- Some sponges smell after chemicals when opening the package
Product Specification:
| Dimensions | 7.9 x 6.6 x 2.3 inches |
| Weight | 3.98 ounces |
| Manufacturer | Skura Style |
| Number of layers | 2 |
| Number of pieces | 4 |
5. Scotch-Brite Greener Clean Kitchen Sponge
(Best Environment-Friendly)
Scotch-Brite Greener Clean kitchen sponge is a natural product containing 100 percent biological material, with half being from agave plant fibers and others made out of recycled papers.
The company offers a different range of effective cleaning products with sustainable qualities for your entire home, especially, focus on the home cleaning needs as a kitchen. Hence, sponges help you to effectively clean your kitchenware and give a satisfying feeling for your job.
By using a sustainable package, you not only contribute friendly to the environment but also protect your health.
Key Features:
- 50% of the scrubbing fibers are made from the agave plant
- Does not scratch on the surface
- The packaging is made from 100% recycled content
- One sponge outlasts more than 30 rolls of paper towels
Pros
- Environment-friendly as 100% of the material is plant-based
- Packaging is environment-friendly
- Can be sanitized in the dishwasher and does not need to be replaced
- One sponge lasts over 2 months, even if used daily
Cons
- Sponges have a chemical smell
- Sponges can fall apart
- Larger dirt easily sticks on the sponges too strong
Product Specification:
| Dimensions | 6.2 x 3.5 x 4.8 inches |
| Weight | 5.3 ounces |
| Manufacturer | Scotch Brite |
| Number of layers | 1 |
| Number of pieces | 6 |
6. QEP Grouting Super Large Kitchen Sponge
(Best for Cleaning Floors)
There is no doubt that QEP Grouting Super Large Sponge is the best item for cleaning larger spaces such as baking trays, ovens, big pots or kitchen floors, even it can remove excess grout.
The sponge has plenty of big holes that give it a lot of space to soak up water and washing liquid. Consequently, you do not need to use a lot of cleaning detergent.
The sponges are sold in a bundle of 3 where they have the same, yellow colours.
Key Features:
- Premium density for removing excess dirt
- Unique hydrophilic design provides high water holding capacity
- Rounded edges help to access small corners
Pros
- Soaks up water very efficiently
- Very large and thick to clean quickly
- Best for bigger surfaces (such as tabletops and bathtubs)
- Tough, fairly dense, yet soft to the hand sponges
- Very absorbent, holding a lot of water
Cons
- Small pieces scrub off very easily
- Material not too flexible
- Can be unhandy for people with small hands
Product Specification:
| Dimensions | 7.5 x 5 x 6 inches |
| Weight | 3.2 ounces |
| Manufacturer | QEP |
| Number of layers | 1 |
| Number of pieces | 3 |
7. Scotch-Brite Heavy Duty Scrub Kitchen Sponge
(Best for Heavy Scrubbers)
This type of sponge is specially developed to fight hard, resisting dirt like baked-on residuals. The scrubbing side is extra strong, so it is even surviving your most powerful cleaning attempts.
It can be used both for indoor kitchens and outdoor, for example, to clean your BBQ grill. This product is made from 100 percent reused content. Consequently, no new materials were needed to be produced and good for the environment.
Even though it is a heavy scrub, it also comes with the soft side to protect sensitive surfaces, making it the best tool to bring out some heavy-duty activity throughout your home.
Key Features:
- Useful for heavy scrubbing for example to remove burned food
- Safe on non-coated cookware, oven grates, and glassware
- Scrubbing fibers made from 100% recycled content
Pros
- Sponge lies in hand very comfortably
- No sign of the mouldy smell
- A sponge does not loose shape
Cons
- With the new design, the sponge is thinner
- Sponges may discolor
- Can leave some scratches on dishes and cutlery
Product Specification:
| Dimensions | 4.5 x 9 x 2.9 inches |
| Weight | 5.6 ounces |
| Manufacturer | Scotch Brite |
| Number of layers | 2 |
| Number of pieces | 9 |
8. Multi-Purpose Scrub Kitchen Sponge
(Best for Sensitive Hands)
This kitchen sponge combines soft cloths and hard scrubbing scourer/microfiber cloth into one product. It allows you to hassle-free cleaning after cooking.
By using the highest quality materials, that ensure the product will be as tough as your scrubbing power and will not fall apart when you want to remove burned food.
This product contains no harmful chemicals; therefore, they have no risk to your physical health.
Key Features:
- Combo of scourer and microfiber cloth
- Made from the best quality polyester, polyamide and polyurethane
Pros
- Free from harmful chemicals
- Can be washed in a laundry machine
- Built to last long
- Super absorbent material
Cons
- Develop mold odor quickly
- Not suitable if you have large hands
Product Specification:
| Dimensions | 6.1″ x 3.3″ x0.7″ |
| Weight | 4.2 ounces |
| Manufacturer | Scrub It |
| Number of layers | 2 |
| Number of pieces | 6 |
9. Mr. Clean Magic Kitchen Sponge
This sponge is like a small wizard to help you cleaning after small accidents. It works great also without cleaning detergent and can remove permanent markers, baked-on food, oily and fatty spots.
Nevertheless, it has been produced without harsh chemicals and you can thus feel safe and comfortable while using it. It is available in an extra durable version for kitchen use, and in its original appearance as a full-household sponge.
Key Features:
- 4x stronger with DURAFOAM cleaning performance
- Ideal for sticky dirt on surfaces, baking trays and oven walls, bathtubs etc.
- Cleans even without soup but only water
- No harsh chemicals added
Pros
- Material is free from harsh chemicals
- Removes also a permanent marker on walls
- Very convenient to use
- Fastens cleaning time significantly
Cons
- Falls apart soon if you scrub heavily
- The sponge is not forming well
Product Specification:
| Dimensions | 5.1 x 5.2 x 5 inches |
| Weight | 0.8 ounces |
| Manufacturer | Mr. Clean |
| Number of layers | 1 |
| Number of pieces | 10 |
10. Mr. Siga Heavy Duty Kitchen Sponge
Mr. Siga Heavy Duty sponge is made in Italy, and a typical, yellow dishwashing sponge. It features a soft side and a scrubbing side. This sponge can be easy to wipe dirt and particles effectively while still protecting sensitive material such as glassware.
The S shape design makes the sponge to perfectly fit into your hand, giving you a solid grip while scrubbing and avoid that you will feel pain in your arms.
You should rinse with water after every time you use that will help the sponge to dry quickly and avoids the development of a bad smell.
Key Features:
- Material is strong to allow heavy scrubbing
- Long-lasting material
- Suitable for various cleaning purposes
Pros
- S-Shape gives a better grip
- Comfortable scrubbing due to ergonomic S-design
- Sponge does not fall apart and keeps its shape
- Very strong abrasive side
Cons
- Sponges cannot be squeezed out totally
- The soft sponge side is only of basic quality
- Sponge does not soak up water effectively
Product Specification:
| Dimensions | 4.33 x 2.76 x 1.18 inches |
| Weight | 9 ounces |
| Manufacturer | Mr. Siga |
| Number of layers | 2 |
| Number of pieces | 24 |
11. Acriliber Happy Scrub Kitchen Sponge
Acriliber Happy Scrub sponge is a single layer with a large size. Hence it will make you happy during a stubborn cleaning. The sponge highly protects the surfaces of glass, stainless steel, even some special material such as leather and copper.
Besides that, as its component is created with a big size, you need to spend less time on scrubbing pots, and cleaning walls, windows, floors, and work surfaces.
This product is produced by using high-quality wood pulp, that is why this item becomes friendly to the environment, and therefore many customers choose it as the first option for their kitchen.
Key Features:
- 6 different colors so you can distinguish sponges for different areas
- Safe to different surfaces
- Sponges made out of wood pulp (environment-friendly)
- Full refund if not satisfied
Pros
- Very good value for low money
- Sponges come compressed to reduce space
- They absorb water much better than other sponges
- Nice and thick, sturdy
- Packages with many vibrant colour
- Full size, super absorbent, super tough, dense sponges
Cons
- They develop mold quickly
- Contains only one layer, no extra scrubbing side
Product Specification:
| Dimensions | 4.5 x 2.8 x 0.8 inches |
| Weight | 3.2 ounces |
| Manufacturer | ARCLIBER |
| Number of layers | 1 |
| Number of pieces | 6 |
12. Cleaning Scrub Kitchen Sponge
Cleaning Scrub Kitchen Sponge is a simple, one-layer sponge. The colors may vary and you cannot choose which exact color pair you want to have.
The foamy sponges are made from wood pulp, which is full, environmental material, and hence, you do not bring any superfluous chemicals into your kitchen.
Having said that, the sponges also do not develop any unpleasant smell if you rinse them out thoroughly after every use.
Key Features:
- Sponge material made from viscose
- Material will last even if scrubbing hard
- Wood pulp will avoid bad odour
Pros
- Sponge is more effective than other brands
- Suitable for delicate items as there won’t be scratched
- Satisfaction is guaranteed or money will be refunded
- Different colours help you to distinguish sponges for certain areas
Cons
- Sponges are sometimes a little flimsy
- Sponges are thinner than comparable brands
- Not suitable for people with large hands
Product Specification:
| Dimensions | N/A |
| Weight | 4.2 ounces |
| Manufacturer | Scrubit |
| Number of layers | 1 |
| Number of pieces | 6 |
13. Creative Hobbies Kitchen Sponge
This kitchen sponge is thicker than the standard one and may also be suitable for cleaning large spaces such as BBQ grills, ovens, or countertops.
It is produced using synthetic material, which makes the sponges become soft and able to absorb plenty of water. Especially, people with larger and stronger hands will find it very comfortable to work with that sponge.
While in the package, the sponge is compressed and will unfold when it comes in contact with water. This will save you space in your storage cabinet.
Key Features:
- Suitable for household cleaning, maintenance
- Synthetic material is soft and absorbent and finishes clay smoothly.
- Made from synthetic silk
Pros
- Big sponges to quickly clean large surfaces
- Soak up a lot of water and can be used to dry after cleaning
- Good product for value money
- Smart package solution due to compressed sponge
Cons
- Sponges take very long to dry which can cause mould
- Can be too big for small hands
Product Specification:
| Dimensions | 7.5” x 5“ x 2” |
| Weight | 1 ounces |
| Manufacturer | Creative Hobbies |
| Number of layers | 1 |
| Number of pieces | 4 |
14. Smart Design Smart Kitchen Sponge
The smart design kitchen sponge is much thinner than usual sponges and looks more like cloth. Nevertheless, it comes with a harder side to remove stuck dirt and a softer microfiber side for normal uses.
One package contains multiple colors and you can thus assign sponges for certain material or areas. As the company performs strict quality controls, you can rest assured that the sponges are of great value and will be a reliable tool in your kitchen
Key Features:
- Multiuse sponge for almost all type of surfaces
- Machine-washable
- A soft and hard side
Pros
- Antibacterial microfiber to remain hygienic
- Highly absorbent
- Highly durable
- Good for the environment as they are machine-washable
Cons
- Need to be squeezed hard to get out all the water
- The scrubbing power is not very strong
Product Specification:
| Dimensions | 0.8 x 5 x 3.5 inches |
| Weight | 0.6 ounces |
| Manufacturer | Smart Design |
| Number of layers | 2 |
| Number of pieces | 9 |
15. Scotch-Brite Ocelo Utility Kitchen Sponge
The Scotche-Brite Ocelo sponge is softer than its competitors and also larger in dimension. Therefore, it is perfect for dishes and general clean up inside and outside your house.
As the holes are larger, it can soak up more water and cleaning liquid, which means if you clean a lot of dishes, you still only need to use a little soap. The fibers use for this sponge are from a plant-based source, keeping your kitchen free from more artificial plastics.
Key Features:
- Prevent the growth of bacteria and germs
- Designed for long-lasting uses
- Opposed staining due to mildew
Pros
- Market leader brand
- Very absorbent
- Heat resistant to boiling water
- Larger size than standard sponges which is a rare find
- Work very well and has a perfect size
Cons
- The color combinations are random and cannot be chosen
- Quite expensive
Product Specification:
| Dimensions | 0.9 x 6 x 3.6 inches |
| Weight | 1.6 ounces |
| Manufacturer | Ocelo |
| Number of layers | 1 |
| Number of pieces | 2 |
Buying Guide For Kitchen Sponge
There are so many different products available, so that can be difficult to find a good sponge. Out of this reason, I prepare a short buying guide for you, that help you to know how to distinguish all the offers.
Price And Quantity
Since you most likely use sponges everyday, you should buy in bigger quantities for an attractive price. Sponges are a comparatively simple product, therefore you should not spend too much money on them, especially as you are recommended to frequently replace them for hygienic reasons.
Size
You are doing the dishes frequently, hence you should choose sponges that sit comfortably in your hand. If you have small hands, you are, of course, recommended to buy sponges in a small size, and likewise should you have large hands, buy bigger sponges.
Quality And Longevity
The only quality differences among sponges is their durability. You certainly do not want to buy a sponge that falls apart on its second day. On the other hand, you do not need to invest too much on quality as the sponges are only expected to last for maximum a month.
Double Sided
Sponges that come with a soft side to protect sensitive material, and with a hard side for scrubbing are most common in kitchen as they are very convenient. If you do not want to have many cleaning tools, then you can buy one of those sponges, combining these two functions.
Multiple Colors
When buying sponges in large quantity packs, it is very good idea to opt for multiple colors because you can then use them for different areas or materials without mistaking.
FAQs
My Top Pick
In this review, you could see various sponges and their benefits, disadvantages and suitability. You now know best kitchen sponges that are sold on the e-commerce website Amazon, but maybe you still have not decided which one is the best. Let me thus help you by showing you my personal top pick.
I personally prefer Eco Non-Scratch Kitchen Sponge as I like the standardize yellow colour, its ergonomic, inbound shape as well as the fact that is very affordable, which allows me to frequently replace the sponges and keep my kitchen free from bacteria and germs.
Despite being cheap, its material does not create any scratches and absorb enough water. Let us recall that even though sponges are very simple and cheap cleaning tools, there is a lot that can go wrong with inappropriate material.
Therefore, you are much better off investing a few minutes on finding the best kitchen sponges as you then can be sure that your beloved dishes and sensitive glassware remains without scratches and your kitchen will not become a hotel for bacteria.
I hope my article could help you a lot and also answer your questions about sponges you may have. Good luck!
