These sponge cloths from Food52 are highly absorbent and fully compostable, making them a solid eco-friendly option. They are made of durable plant-based fibers–70 percent cellulose, 30 percent cotton—and printed with water-based inks. These cloths feature a modern grid pattern and are a light gray color, which is ideal for concealing stains. They are also fast-drying, which is another big plus. Our tester says that they usually dry completely within two hours. Not only do these cloths work well for dishwashing, they also can be used as surface wipes, too. Measuring 6.75 x 8 inches, note that they are larger than most dish sponges. At less than a dollar per sponge, these are handy to keep around for all of your tough cleaning jobs and cheap enough to toss out after really nasty cleaning projects, or if they begin to harbor any odors. This is another reusable sponge that functions more like a dishrag than a sponge, as it can be thrown in both the washer and dryer when it needs cleaning. You can also rest easy knowing this sponge is fume and chemical-free.

There’s also the “hair” on top of the sponge, which we found to be more effective than a bottle brush at getting into awkward corners like drinking glasses and coffee mugs. The main purpose of a sponge is scrubbing to remove food and debris. Most often, sponges are used to remove caked-on food from dishes, pans, and utensils, but in determining the best sponge, we found that it needs to be useful in a wide variety of functions. For instance, sponges are also used to scrub stovetops, BBQs, remove soap and scum from bathroom fixtures and tiles, and even wash cars. We found that the key metrics to use when determining the value and efficiency of a sponge include:There are easily 50 ways to use a Scrub Daddy sponge that make it more valuable than a traditional sponge. Whether using a sponge for everyday dishes, high-use cookware, or the bathroom sink, its purpose will determine what type you need. For surfaces like glass, stainless steel, or mirrors, avoid sponges with rough scouring pads that can scratch or damage the surface.

A bleach or vinegar soak is another effective way to kill bacteria on the sponge. You can soak the sponge in a solution of one part bleach to nine parts water for two minutes and then wring it out and let it air-dry. You can also soak it in pure vinegar for five minutes and then rinse and air-dry it. The Dobie Cleaning Pad is like two sponges in one: a soap-holding sponge wrapped in nylon netting. It has exceptional scouring power without being as abrasive as steel wool. We found it to be quite versatile and was equally effective at removing lasagne residue from pans and insects from a car window. It lasted two months with regular cleaning, and you can toss it in the dishwasher. The Scrunge Scrub Sponge is the only sponge recommended by Dupont® for use on their Teflon® coated cookware.Microfibre is a great choice when it comes to mopping as it’s durable, hygienic, and catches every last bit of dust or grime. There are numerous choices available when it comes to microfibre mops. I hope this guide has cleared up most of your questions and helped narrow down the options so you can choose the one that’s right for you. Related Reading